I am planning on taking the SAT in October because I’m taking practice tests in August and have heard they take much longer to get scores back for than the regular SAT. It says 13-15 days to receive test scores back, but then I saw somewhere else it takes 4-6 weeks to send the scores to colleges? If I am hoping to apply to a school early November 1 would the scores be received in time?
Look at the college websites. Most say they will accept October scores. If they say they will accept scores from October, then you will have no issue. In the past, October scores have been available by the 3rd week of October.
Ok thank you, I didn’t know it was specific to each school. Do you know how long subject tests typically take to receive scores back? I’ve read some places saying 4-6 weeks then others saying only like 10 days
The College Board website posts the score release schedule. For the Oct 5 test, scores will be released Oct 18.
https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/scores/getting-scores
Be careful about what websites you take information from, as there is a lot of old info floating around on the internet.
While you are checking on deadlines and standardized test requirements on your colleges’ websites, also check what is required for score reporting methods. For colleges that require official reports sent from College Board, you would want to order the day you receive your scores. For colleges that allow self-reporting scores in the Common App, simply make sure to include the scores in the app before submitting it to the college. (Those colleges will require an official report only later, upon enrolling.)
When conflicting information arises, always assume the primary source,in this case the CB, has the most accurate information.
Most colleges with a Nov 1 EA or ED application deadline accept through the October SAT, even if it arrives after October 1. Many even accept Nov test scores for EA and ED. You should check the colleges to which you intend to apply, particularly because there are a small number that actually do require the test scores to be in their hands by Nov 1. For those , you can probably still get the test scores to them by Nov 1, but it can be important to make sure you order the scores sent automatically upon release by including the college in your test application as one to automatically receive scores upon release.
As to the reality of sending scores, if you identify the college in your test application as one to automatically recieve scores upon release ( as one of your free sends), that will usually result in the fastest form of delivery – scores are provided electronically to colleges and for those automatic sends, colleges often get the scores a day or two before you even get them online. If you wait until after scores are released to order them sent, then the usual delivery time is a week or somewhat less after making the order; also note that ordering scores sent rush will typically shorten that time by only a day and many colleges today state that you should not order rush scores…
If it’s a particular school you are planning for, check that school’s admission requirements. They should have explicit requirements, regardless of what College Board may or may not do.