strategy question re application timing

<p>my son could get started on some applications now ie at least 8 schools use common app but he has decided he wants to try the act one more time in september. as one more point could make a difference in merit aid at a few of the schools..should he wait until the act score from sept is back and submit app then (hoping it is that one point or more higher) or go ahead and submit with score now and if better have the new scores sent. some schools could actually advise of admission decision even prior to the act date. i am worried that they may not look at the new score for merit if they basically have reviewed it as it stands now??? even though most would have an automatic scholarship deadline of 12/01/09.
leaning towards, just having everything ready ie essays ready to cut and paste into application and submit after the next act.
One school he will have no option as the deadline for merit decision for a program he wants is sept 21 and act scores wont be available until after sept 28.</p>

<p>opinions needed, thanks</p>

<p>I don’t think it will make much difference getting an admissions decision in September vs. October. That is still very early in the application process. As such, wait until you know the 2nd ACT score before sending.</p>

<p>You can submit the applications without the ACT score. It will then be held pending receipt of the ACT score. Then it should be ready to be reviewed right away when the scores come in.</p>

<p>didnt realize you could submit without the act request to send scores! thats great news. we will have to wait and see the actual score, dont want to mark of to send when registering for exam, as you cant be sure score wouldnt go down. that might just be the answer!</p>

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<p>Not quite the total answer. The student’s application will not be complete, and not be reviewed, until the ACT scores are received. If you want a decision in Sept, you have to send in the scores from an earlier test.</p>

<p>yes, we will have to do the one application now, and send his current act score. but the other schools we can wait for the next one. if it improves send that to complete the application, if no better or the same, send a previous one.</p>