When can I start applying for colleges? Answered
I am graduating in '25 and I want to start applying for colleges, but I don't have SAT or ACT scores yet. Should I wait to apply until after I take my SAT? Or can I apply now?
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4 answers
definitely start working on applications now, you can choose to apply test-optional and not do tests or wait until you get your scores to put them on your applications. if you get a good score on your SAT you should probably put it on your application. I would check US news and work report (if you're in the US) and see what the average SAT score for the schools you're applying to are.
Hello, In my experience most schools don't look at scores but it definitely sets you apart from other applicants. You could apply, however I would wait for your scores.
I suggest that for the schools that you know are test-blind, you can go ahead and start applying for those. When schools are test-blind, they are not considering test scores at all, even if you do submit them. Those are the schools that you would want to apply for right now.
For the schools that are test-optional, I recommend waiting till after your SAT. When a school is test optional, they don't require test scores but recommend them. These are the schools when test scores would be a huge benefit.
You can apply now, as many schools are test optional still, and the scores aren't required, however I would highly recommend waiting for a score, since it is something that would set you apart from other applicants.
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