Do Committees Wait for GRE Scores?

[An255]

Hi everyone. This might be a really silly question, but I can't seem to find the answer anywhere! Does anyone know if admissions committees will wait for GRE scores and letters of rec before beginning to go through an application? I am applying to PhD programs this fall, and basically I am just wondering because I'm not sure if it is best to wait a little later to take the GRE (like mid-October) to give me more time to study, or to take it earlier (like late September) so my scores get off earlier. I am hoping to have all my apps submitted by early October (fingers crossed!) but if the committees will start reviewing them before getting my GRE scores, I won't rush on taking the GRE.

Sorry if this is really obvious, but for some reason I can't figure it out. Thanks!

[alf10087]

Some universities ask you for the GRE to be taken at least one month prior to the application deadline. Others start reviewing the applications until January.

It basically depends on each university, so my advice would be to check their websites, or send an email with the question to the adcom of the specific school you have interest in.