When's the best time to send SAT scores to colleges?

Hi guys, I'm just a little bit confused about the timeline for sending my SAT scores to colleges. Should I wait until I've completed all my sittings, or should I send them as soon as I get each score? Additionally, does it make a difference if I'm applying for early or regular decision? Thanks for any help you can provide!

When considering the timeline for sending SAT scores, it's generally a good idea to send scores as soon as they are available. As digital SAT scores are usually available two weeks after you've taken the exam, if you're satisfied with your score, you can go ahead and send them to schools at that point.

However, you want to ensure your scores reach colleges in time for your application deadlines. Remember, it can sometimes take a few weeks for colleges to process scores after they receive them from College Board.

Regarding early decision or regular decision applications, you need to be mindful of each school's specific deadlines and requirements for sending test scores. If you're taking the SAT in the fall of your senior year and are applying early decision or early action (which typically have November deadlines), you should send your scores as soon as possible. Remember, you can send SAT scores to colleges for free if you elect which schools to send your scores to within nine days after taking the SAT, so if you've already researched schools by the time you take the SAT (and depending on the deadline), it will be to your benefit to take advantage of this.

Keep in mind that some colleges allow you to self-report your scores on your application and don't require an official score report until you've been admitted and decided to enroll. In this situation, you'd just need to confirm your scores by sending an official report from College Board once you've committed to attending.

As a general rule of thumb, sending scores early ensures they'll be processed in time to be considered with the rest of your application--but always check with each individual school to understand their specific requirements and deadlines.