<p>My S has his common app (applying RD) ready to go to several schools, but he retook the SAT on Oct. 14 (he badly needs higher scores, and he's hopeful he got them). His GC is slow and overworked, so I doubt the new scores will be added to his transcripts before mid to late November. I know that we can also send the scores directly to the colleges, but I wonder if a busy AO might just glance at the old ones and never give him a second chance? So should we wait until all the new results are in? Or do we lose the advantage of time that way? Or am I just another crazy overwrought parent?</p>
<p>Since he is applying RD what's hurry in sending the applications out now? It is great that he has made a head start. I would suggest that he put the applications away for at least two weeks and then take a fresh look at the entire package. He may find ways to refine it.</p>
<p>"Or am I just another crazy overwrought parent?"</p>
<p>Welcome to CC! Unless your son is looking at rolling application schools, it sounds like you can safely wait for the new and improved SAT's.</p>
<p>In the mean time, make up some stamped postcards to include with all portions of the application: transcript, teacher rec's, etc. that send separately by snail mail. Colleges are good about returning them when the item is received. I coded my son's - TR-D was Teacher Rec Mrs. Doe, for example, so we could tell exactly what had arrived. </p>
<p>I like the idea of revisiting the application - that will let you son see it through fresh eyes.</p>
<p>See if you can put "SAT Retake - see October 14 scores" or something similar on the application. Or, don't put any scores, just "Taken Oct. 14" where the scores should be.</p>
<p>The applications are not due until Ja. 1, right? In that case, why hurry? Wait until you have the scores. If they are good you can fill them in and send out the application (though re-reading it, especially the essay, is a good idea). If they are not good, your child can retake in December and even January.</p>
<p>Our son had all his applications in by now, was accepted to all colleges he applied to(he did not apply to any reaches though) and had tremendous success in being awarded merit scholarships(his goal in the whole process). While I am not sure if the early apps helped him in admissions, I do think it helped in his merit scholarship successes.</p>
<p>I wouldnt worry about the SAT issues. They will get and review all SAT scores received. If you sons GC is overworked and slow, the situation will probably get worse after mid-Nov went he will liklely be swamped with college applications.</p>
<p>For all but a tiny college, the adcom will not see the scores written in on the application.... a clerical person (often a student) codes everything from the written app onto a computerized spreadsheet, and those scores come directly from the College Board. So-- any info on the app that requires indedependent verification from another source- gets entered from that source, i.e gpa is recalculated based on the colleges own formula, etc . Don't sweat it!</p>
<p>thank you to all for the advice and well wishes. I liked your idea about the postcards, Ohio-Mom. And I am reassured that AOs will see the new scores. As we are candidates for financial aid, I think we won't wait until Jan. 1, but we will take a few days to stand down, then fire away. I'll let you know!</p>
<p>There are too many chances for things to go wrong when you delay. You an always add material.</p>
<p>And, many readers here may not realize it, but NO school starts reading RD applications until AFTER all deadlines have passed, and these include the relevant SAT score deadlines. This is largely true for just about any place where scores matter and have competitive admissions (a small percentage of all colleges, actually!) And the truth is that most of these places don't start reading until well after the Jan 1 deadline. After all, it can take weeks just to get the mail opened.</p>
<p>Most schools with any volume of applicants rely on inexpensive support staff to put the files together. And these are increasingly on-line anyway. Most have a standard summary sheet containing key information on the front of the application, containing information from their admissions database. </p>
<p>So why now? Simple:</p>
<ul>
<li> peace of mind for you.</li>
<li> less chance of a mistake at the admissions office, such as misfiling (happens all the time!)</li>
<li> early app could be considered a show of interest at the college, and perhaps a show of organization skill!</li>
</ul>
<p>This info has helped me tremendously...I also see no reason to wait, other than to give my credit card a rest and since I was procrastinating in finishing the CSS/PROFILE. But since DD is applying to only 4 more schools, and 2 of those have free online apps, I guess she should send the rest ASAP.</p>