Hey y'all! So, I wanted to ask, when should I order my SAT scores to send to colleges? Does sending them early help my chances or should I wait till the application deadline is closer? Any advice is appreciated!
Hey there! Sending your SAT scores early doesn't necessarily improve your chances, but it's generally a good idea to order your score report as soon as you're comfortable with the scores you've achieved. It's best to give the testing agency and the college enough time to process your scores before the application deadlines, and for you, it's nice to have that one college-related task out of the way.
Colleges typically list the deadline for you to submit your SAT scores on their admissions website, which is usually the same day as for your main application, but sometimes can be shortly after. It's crucial to submit your scores before this date to ensure they reach the college in time. SAT score reports usually take about 2 weeks to arrive at the college, but it could be longer during peak times. To be on the safe side, it's advisable to send them at least 3-4 weeks before the deadline.
You can also consult each college's admissions website for their specific requirements and deadlines for receiving standardized test scores. When in doubt, though, sending your scores earlier gives you some leeway in case of any unexpected issues with score reporting. Additionally, some colleges might allow you to self-report your scores on the application, and you would only need to send an official score report after you're accepted. Self-reporting can save you time and also money, as there is a fee attached to sending your official score report.
In summary, sending your SAT scores early doesn't directly improve your chances of admission, but doing so can provide a cushion against potential delays in processing and make your own life easier, so it's not a bad idea. Good luck with your applications!
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