I’m a high school senior (international) and have appeared for the SAT once. The scores I got can easily be improved and I am looking to do the same. However, I plan to apply EA and have not yet taken the SAT Subject Tests. The last recommended month for taking standardised tests (for EA) is October, though the deadlines say it is November. Since I will have to take the SAT in October and the SAT Subject tests in November, will it be a disadvantage to me in any way?
Only if there’s a delay in reporting your scores. Which there often is with the SAT. You could always do the ACT in September and Subject tests in October.
Note colleges vary on the EA (ED) test deadlines. For many with early Nov application deadlines, the Oct date is the last date for tests for EA or ED, but for many others, including the ivies, Nov is the last date. and thus you should check the particular colleges to be sure that Nov tests are allowed for EA. If you are applying to a college with an allowable Nov test date then be aware that if you want to assure the Nov scores will arrive on time to be considered, you should name the college in your Nov SAT test registration as one to automatically receive scores upon release. That is the fastest form of delivery – scores are usually sent on or up to two business days before the day you get your scores online – but it means you need to send the scores blind because you won’t know the scores before they are sent.
Disadvantage other than not knowing the scores before sending is minimal if any. There is a probability that EA decisons for many of those with completed files by early Nov will have been made before your file is reviewed for admisison but that should not create any real disadvantage.