Hello, I have some questions.
I’m applying to different universities, for the fall 2017 semesters, however I do not want to send in my application until I know what I scored on the SAT.
I do not recive my scores until the 29th of this month, and I know I’m cutting it close to the application due date.
My question is, how long does it take for universities to recive SAT scores once they are sent, one university which is my top choice, accepts scores through Dec 31st, should they get in in time if I send them normally, or do I need to rush them?
If the score actually needs to be in the university’s hands by Dec 31, then the way to get it there on time is to identify the university in your test regostration as one to automatically receive scores upon release, e.g., as one of your free sends. That results in the fastest form of delivery – scores are usually electronically transmitted to colleges a day before you even get them on line. However, that requires you to send scores without knowing what they are. If you wait to order scores on Dec 29 when they are released, the more likely result, even if you order them rushed (and note some colleges do not want rushed scores so you better check yours), is that the scores will not be sent until Jan 2, after the holiday weekend, at the earliest.
What you need to check is whether the score actually has to be in the university’s hands by Dec 31. Majority with Dec 31 or Jan 1 app deadlines accept scores that arrive after Jan 1, but some do require everything to be in their hands by the app deadline.
If you are going to wait to send applications until after you get the scores, then be sure to actually prepare and do everything you need to do for the applications well before Dec 29. For example, does the college require a transcript and recommendations by Dec 31? If so, you have to make sure those get sent in time and that usually requires requesting them early. For example, many high schools in the US are closed during the holiday time and thus you won’t be able to get a transcript sent then, and even if the high school is open, many can be quite slow in getting transcripts sent. If teacher recs are required, teachers want a lot of lead time and thus you probably should have already asked them for recs. Moreover, if using common app, you need to get that account set up so the teachers can submit recs via the common app.
Ask the school. There’s usually a large window after the student deadline, where the school is intaking various docs, including scores. Many colleges expressly tell applicants NOT to use the rush option since it’s a data dump anyway – they access your scores with a few keystrokes.
No need to rush those scores. Most schools don’t need them for Regular Admission until the end of January or early March. To be safe, call and ask the school. They will tell you to save your money.