<p>LACity, If your purpose in sending scores early is to get on the school's mailing list for possible scholarships, etc., have no fear. The College Board sells the names and scores of students from each setting. Colleges are able to set parameters for the names they buy (i.e., all students with SATs over 1400 will receive the mailing about the honors scholarship). College marketing departments do not go through individually reported SAT scores --- and admissions offices do not look through those individually reported scores until they are matched to an application. </p>
<p>So, while there's nothing wrong with sending scores early if you can afford the cost, it is NOT NECESSARY to do so to get on the mailing list of any college or to qualify for any merit scholarship. Indeed, if there is a school you are interested in, you can demonstrate interest just by filling out the school's online request form - you will soon get more information then you ever wanted. Many schools do track if you respond to their initial mailing, so if you have interest in a school, send in the business reply card to each mailing. If you want to "start a dialogue" visiting the school or emailing the admissions counselor for your area with a few questions is a better route to go.</p>