How to Submit Test Scores

Submitting standardized test scores to colleges is often a key step in the admissions process. “Test scores” typically refers to your official results from some combination of the SAT, ACT, or CLT tests. When your application is being reviewed, college admissions staff will consider your performance on these tests along with other elements of your application, like grade point average and extracurricular involvement, to determine whether you are a good fit for the school.

If you are unfamiliar with the admissions process, this step can be confusing. Colleges are strict about the information they will accept, and standards may vary from school to school. Applicants must explicitly follow the instructions provided by a school or else their application will not be considered.

In this brief, we’ll explain the process for submitting test scores to the University of South Florida. Here are three main points to remember:

• USF only accepts scores sent directly from the testing organization.
  

• The date you take the test must be prior to a certain cutoff date.
• USF superscores (considers only the best score you submit).

If you’re ready to apply to USF, read on to learn how to submit your test scores.

How to Send Your Test Scores Directly 

Your scores must come directly from your testing organization. USF does not accept scores from applicants or their counselors. Don’t submit a screenshot, PDF document, or textual reproduction, and don’t send your scores through Common App.

Start by going to the testing organization’s website. You must log in before you can begin your request.

• For the SAT, request your scores from The College Board.

  • USF school code: 5828

• For the ACT, request your scores from the ACT Education Corp.
  
  
  • USF school code: 0761
• For the CLT, request your scores from Classic Learning Initiatives.
  
  
  • Select University of South Florida from the dropdown menu.

During the online score-sending process, the testing organization will ask for one of the school codes provided above. That’s how the testing organization ensures that your scores are going to the right place. Both the SAT and the ACT provide a way to look up a school’s code if you’re missing that information.

The CLT process is a little different. Their request portal has a dropdown menu, so look for the one and only University of South Florida.

Pro tip: When you register for one of these tests, use your legal name as it appears on your high school transcripts. That will ensure USF can properly attribute your reported scores to you.

Score Reporting Fees 

Some testing organizations charge a fee to send your scores to colleges:

• The SAT charges fees for several score-related services.

• The ACT charges fees per test date, per report. (Click the link and scroll down to view the current fee schedule.) Sending scores from multiple test attempts and/or sending scores to multiple schools will require extra payment.
• The CLT does not charge to send scores. Unlimited score reports are included in the cost to take the test. 

That means sending a lot of scores to a lot of schools can really add up, but you have options to reduce the cost:

• When you register for a standardized test, you will be asked to provide a short list of schools you’d like your scores sent to automatically. These reports are sent for free, so going into the test with a prepared list of colleges is a cost-effective strategy. It may also reduce the time required to send your scores.

• The ACT Fee Waiver Program not only waives the cost of sitting for the test, but also unlimited test score reports. Ask your high school counselor if you are eligible for the program.
• SAT Fee Waivers work similarly, but you can also apply for one directly if you meet eligibility requirements, rather than going through a counselor.

Pro tip: If you are seeking a waiver, don’t procrastinate! Submit your request at least two weeks before the registration deadline for your desired test date.

Superscoring: How USF Uses Your Scores

USF’s policy is to superscore our applicants’ test results. That means we consider your highest submitted scores (from each section of the test) across all your SAT, ACT, and CLT test dates. We make our final admission decision based on your highest cumulative scores only.

For example, if your math section score drops on your second ACT attempt, we’ll still only consider your best score for math from among all your submitted ACT results, including potentially higher scores you submit later.

With that in mind, here are some strategies you can use to improve your chances of being accepted:

• Although we only require scores from one standardized test, you should submit at least one score from each test. They’re scored differently, and you might do better on one than the others. This will also give our admissions team a more holistic picture of you as a student.

• Specialize! If you perform better on one test — or just prefer the format of a test over the others — take it multiple times and submit multiple scores. You should score better each time, especially if you practice between attempts. During practice, put more time into improving your lowest-scoring sections.
• After taking a standardized test three times, you’re unlikely to see significant improvement, so turn your focus to improving other aspects of your application. 

Cutoff Dates

Standardized test dates are scheduled throughout the year, but some of these dates won’t work for a high school senior seeking admission to a summer or fall term.

The score release date may be a month or more after the test date, and even after scores are released, delivery to colleges may be delayed. Furthermore, the admissions staff needs time to process and review applications. All this adds up to one big warning: Complete all your standardized test attempts by December of your final year of high school.

Our advice is to start with the earliest SAT, ACT, and CLT dates you can. Starting early means you’ll have more opportunities to improve your scores in subsequent attempts. Also, testing early may prepare you to apply Early Action.

Pro tip: There may be limited space available for each test date, so don’t just take the test early. Register for your tests early, too, so you can lock in the dates you want.

Become a Bull  

Over the last several years, each consecutive USF freshman class has raised the bar for SAT, ACT, and CLT performance. Compare your scores to our current Freshman Profile to estimate your chances of being accepted.

With so many high-scoring applicants in the pool, the competition to get into USF is tougher than ever. However, that doesn’t mean that anyone with lower scores can’t be admitted (provided they exceed the minimum requirements). You have opportunities to improve your application by working on improving your scores, improving other aspects of your application, or applying early when more slots are available.

If you have questions about USF or the admissions process, the USF Office of Admissions is here to help. Reach out to admissions@usf.edu or call 813-974-3350.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all colleges require standardized test scores?

A growing number of colleges and universities are “test blind” and don’t consider standardized test scores in their admissions process. However, USF requires applicants to submit scores from at least one standardized test.

When should I take the SAT, ACT, or CLT?

As soon as you feel prepared for the challenge of the SAT, ACT, or CLT, begin as early as possible. Beginning early will give you more time to improve your scores with multiple attempts and practice. December of your final year of high school is the cutoff. If a test date falls after that, the scores will not arrive in time for USF to render an admissions decision.

How many times should I take each standardized test?

As a general rule, take each test once, then pick one to make repeated attempts. You should see score improvements on each attempt, but after three attempts, you are unlikely to see significant improvement.

What is the deadline to submit test scores to USF?

Test scores are due by the Materials Deadline. Early Action, Regular Decision, and Rolling Admissions each have their own respective Materials Deadline, shown here.

Is it free to send test scores to USF?

There is usually a cost associated with sending test scores, but it is free under certain circumstances. Each test allows you to name a few colleges during the registration process. The testing organization will send your scores from that test date to those schools automatically and free of charge.

If you make a request for SAT or ACT scores after that, you will be charged a fee. If you qualify for a fee waiver, you can submit unlimited score requests.

For the CLT, unlimited score requests are included in the cost to take the test.

What’s the USF school code for the CLT?

The CLT score request portal does not use school codes. Select University of South Florida from the dropdown menu instead.

How high do I have to score to be admitted to USF?

Comparing your scores to our current Freshman Profile will give you a good idea of your chances. It reflects the averages, so even if your scores fall below those ranges, you may still be admitted based on other aspects of your application.