Timing of applications with October SAT

My D18 is insisting on retaking SAT. She procrastinated registration for August test date so it is now full in our area. Next opportunity is October.
She actually has good scores already, 1490 with math 730 and Eng 760. But she wants over 1500 to maximize chances for her reach schools.
I was hoping she would apply EA to some schools, particularly her safeties in hopes that she gets admission to one with a decent package and can then take other safeties off the list.
My question is can she apply EA using current test scores and then use all scores for applications due in January?
Other question is about applying for merit aid. Will October SAT hurt that?
Many thanks!

Check individual deadlines with each college. If an application is due Nov 1, often times there is a week or two grace period for scores and transcripts to arrive. October scores should be out by 3rd week in October, so in time for many EA deadlines.