I’ll have the Common App, Recommendations, and essays done by early September. The only problem is that my SAT subject tests are in October. Could I submit materials like this?
September 10: Send Common App (with essays)
September 20: Recommendations and transcript get sent
October 25: test scores get sent.
I’m applying early decision. If I send everything in September besides my test scores, would the admission officers wait for me to send test scores before reviewing my application?
Or, should I just wait until October before sending anything at all?
Any guidance is appreciated .
^Not necessarily. Colleges can receive your tests scores first and they will then match them up with your common app when you submit it. Some kids send their test scores for free when they fill in the info on testing day, so many colleges get scores before applications are submitted.
The common app doesn’t officially open up for the 2015-16 cycle until August 1st so you cannot submit before then. Don’t rush on the common app. You want to make it as good as possible. Especially the essay and the supplement. Also, you will need teacher and counselor recs as well. The ED date is usually November 1st so you have plenty of time. In addition, you need to request an official transcript from your HS. In my Ds high school, the common app had to be submitted first, then the high school would process and send the official transcript.
As I stated above, you can submit whenever you are ready to do so. The college will acknowledge receipt of your application and give you a log-in to a portal so you can check the status of your test scores, transcript, teacher recs, etc. This way, you can see if anything is missing. Usually colleges update their “status” portals every 24 hours, and during the busy admission season, it may take a few days or so to see your submissions as “received”.
It doesn’t matter which you choose to send first. Test scores come directly from the testing agency and colleges can retrieve them and match them up with your application.
Your application will be reviewed when all your information is received. Just be mindful of the testing deadlines for ED. Usually the October test is the last one you can take for the ED round.