Question about college admissions process

<p>2 questions.
1) I am taking 3 SAT II's this june, and I already took the SAT I once. My SAT I score is not so good and I am planning on retaking it. Is October/November both possible dates to take the SAT before college applying or is that too late? I may also take the ACT in sept/oct/nov as well.
2) Lots of people say to get your essays done before summer ends... but my question is how do you know what to write about? Dont lots of colleges have different prompts?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>With reference to the essays, you can look at the common application right now to see the essay prompts. They don’t change much from year to year. Ditto the supplementary application from those schools that require it-their essay prompts are also likely to be the same or similar. </p>

<p>With reference to the last date for taking an SAT, it depends on when the application deadline is, and that varies by school. Some schools will tell you on the web-site what the last date is for doing an SAT if you plan to make a particular cut-off in their application process.</p>

<p>Oct / Nov should be OK for most applications, but if you’re applying Early Action or Early Decision somewhere (typically, apply by Nov. 1; hear back mid-Dec.), October will be all right but November may be too late.</p>