The next SAT test is October 6th, and the next ACT test date is October 27^th, but your scores may not be available early enough for some schools that have a 11/1 early action application deadline. Even if the College Board says that scores will be available to schools October 31^st, that will often not give enough processing time. So, what are your options for applying early action and taking the SAT/ACT in the fall?

Some schools require that you submit the test scores that you have from a previous test in order to complete your application on time. Then, when your scores from your October test date arrive, you can update your application with your new and improved scores. These new scores will be taken into consideration when deciding whether you are accepted or not. University of Michigan and University of Illinois both follow this policy of requiring that you submit a previous score to complete your application, but accepting updated October test scores before their application review process takes place. University of Illinois does not subscribe to the rushed service option of sending test scores, so don’t bother choosing that option as it won’t help your scores get there sooner.

Other schools, for example Stanford, accept October SAT test dates, but only accept September ACT test dates for their early action application. While Columbia allows you to submit November test scores, for both SAT and ACT, and still be considered early decision. Cornell states that students should, “Plan to take the SAT before November of your senior year, or the ACT no later than October. Early decision applicants are strongly urged to take the SAT Subjects Tests (if required) no later than October.” For Northwestern, you can take the October date for both SAT and ACT. You will need to have those scores sent directly to the school. University of Chicago states that, “While we would, if possible, like to receive your scores before the appropriate deadline, we will accept October ACT and November SAT scores for Early Action and Early Decision I.”

As is clear from these few examples, each school has their own policy. It is strongly recommended that you check with the school you will be applying early action to confirm which standardized test dates will be accepted, when they need to be submitted, and how they need to be submitted.