When should we be sending in scores? (For EA/ED/RD) I haven’t sent any in yet.
Anytime between now and the deadlines for each school.
There are a small number of early action colleges that require scores to be in their hands by the EA application deadline and thus it would be wise to order scores sent well before that deadline even if you wait to apply closer to the deadline. Otherwise, they can arrive after the app deadline and you can usually wait until you submit the application or preferably order them sent shortly before you send the application if you already have all your tests taken by that time.
For RD you have the same issues but just a later application deadline date.
Note that if you already have your test scores, you can just send them now to the colleges to which you intend to apply. Colleges start an application file on you whenever they receive something required for admission. If test scores arrive before your application, they will be matched to your application when it arrives.
Don’t wait till the last day. If your score is ready, send it in at least a couple weeks before the deadline. This way, you will have a chance to track the delivery and take any action if necessary.
For ED/EA, if you plan on retaking any of the tests, then the October test date is usually the last date you can take to get your scores in on time for the decisions coming in December.
I believe that for a lot of schools, the Novemeber test date is the final testing period allowed for ED/EA decisions that come out in December. You just have to rush the scores to the school.
Usually for the last acceptable test score, you just need to have the score sent directly (using pre-order or free score report). They don’t expect you to rush the score (if they do accept rush score report). If you wait to see the score first before ordering the score report, it is likely too late disregarding rush order or not. It depends on the school and which test score (ACT or SAT), November test is likely too late for most EA/ED with Nov 1 deadline.
Related question - how long does it take for colleges/universities to receive the scores once you have submitted the score report request to the College Board?
Edit - one more question: is the report sent to the colleges an actual piece of paper or are the scores transmitted electronically?
@GnocchiB It typically take around 1 week (~4-5 working days) but it may take longer at prime time near deadline. In general, I recommend to submit the request at least 2 weeks before the absolute deadline in case something goes wrong. For rush score, it takes around 2-3 business days from order to deliver. I believe most schools do electronic these days but they still send paper report to some schools. Some schools do not accept rush score report (if by paper) due to delivery issue.