<p>I took the September ACT, unsure of how I did, but most likely ended up with a 31-33. I would like to apply to Michigan's CoE EA, as well as other competitive engineering colleges early (Illinois, Purdue, GA Tech), but would like to get at least a 34 on my ACT through the October one. I already have a 4.0 GPA and 1400 SAT (CR+M). Should I risk waiting or naw?</p>
Should EA be sacrificed for schools with rolling admissions to better my test score and overall app?
<p>The first question I have is have you run the Net Price Calculators for those schools. You are OOS for at least 3 of them which will cost >$40K/year. Can your family afford that?</p>
<p>As far as the risk of waiting, that’s really up to you. Have you been restudying the ACT this month so you will do better? </p>
<p>Why don’t you apply to some early, and wait with others?</p>
<p>For UMich, do apply early. They hardly reject anyone if not accepted in EA. So it will be deferred to RD/rolling from EA at most and you can submit better scores. Similar situation for Purdue if you are expecting 31-33 in ACT. It is crucial to apply EA for these 2 schools if you are aiming at some merit aid.
Erin’s Dad is right though. Do check the NPC of these schools. The CoA for Purdue, UIUC, and UMich OOS are $44k, $50k, and $55k, respectively. Don’t expect any aid from UIUC.
As of now, you are in the borderline leaning toward deferred for UMich and UIUC but may be accepted at Purdue. The mid 50 ACT for UMich and UIUC was 31-34 while it will depends on major for the latter. Your CR+M is just slightly below average (1410 for UMich CoE).</p>
<p>Alright thanks!</p>