ACT/SATCollege Admissions
November 1st: The Deadline Behind the Deadline
September is a special time of year for students, with cooling temperatures prompting a wardrobe changeup, new semester schedules setting new routines, and — for our class of 2027 seniors — imminent college application deadlines approaching! We are six weeks away from most Early Action / Early Decision deadlines on November 1st, so let’s explore what is actually “due” around that time so you can feel confident about how to approach this vital admissions window.
What is actually due on November 1st?
First, let’s talk about dates (and I’m not referring to your weekend plans with your beau; time enough for those AFTER your applications are in). November 1st is the traditional “Early Application” deadline. Popular schools in VA like the University of Virginia and James Madison University track with this date (along with the majority of schools). UVA takes both Early Decision and Early Action on Nov 1, and JMU accepts Early Action. That said an implicit deadline is right around the corner: September 18th. Why does this matter, you might ask? The October SAT represents the last SAT seniors can sit before the score release date passes ED deadlines. October 3rd test scores are released October 16th, while November 7th scores release on November 20th, well past the early application deadlines.
To ensure your scores arrive before cutoffs, you need to register for the October SAT by September 18th; late registration extends to September 22nd. Effectively, seniors hoping to apply early have one more chance to maximize their test scores. Don’t assume you can just “test again in October” and wait – register now!
What if you’re taking the ACT?
If you’re planning to sit for the ACT, instead, that deadline has already passed. The October 17th registration deadline was September 11th, but you do technically have until the 29th to enter the late registration pool. If you are committed to another round of ACT testing before early applications, don’t wait, but also don’t be surprised if your local test centers are full and you have to travel up to or even over an hour on test day. Be sure to check availability through the ACT application portal and plan travel accordingly.
What about juniors?
Now if you are a junior and this all sounds very stressful, rest assured, you have ample time to sort out your admissions calendar. The only upcoming deadline you face is the school-imposed PSAT test administration, delivered in-school in October. You likely have heard from teachers or school administrators about this, so don’t sweat it. The PSAT/NMSQT is a great diagnostic test that evaluates your readiness for the full SAT. After taking the PSAT, you have a significant opportunity to prepare for your first official SAT in the Spring. Go-getters can even test right after in November/December for the SAT and December/February for the ACT!
Where does FAFSA fit?
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention another critical date on the horizon: FAFSA typically opens on October 1st, and remember, applying to the school of your dreams and getting in is one thing; affording it is another. Understanding the cost of attending college or university is an essential part of the decision process, so don’t let this timeline slip by you. There are some excellent resources available to you to do financial planning:
What should I do this week?
In summary: seniors, you are coming down the final stretch. Be sure to have the following in order as you prepare your early applications:
Your week, in order
1. Register for the October 3rd SAT by September 18th. Late registration runs through the 22nd. This is the last score that reaches schools before early deadlines.
2. Enter ACT late registration for the October 17th test by September 29th. Sign up ASAP. Regular registration has closed and test center availability will be limited.
3. Set your date for final college essay revisions. Working backward from November 1st, that means a finished draft in hand well before the last week of October.
4. Build your timeline for completing the Common App. Recommenders need lead time, so give them a date rather than a deadline.
5. Start FAFSA preparation on October 1st. Keep mom, dad, or guardian in the loop; the form asks for their information, not just yours.
You’ve worked hard for this, so don’t give up! You’re close to the finish line, and you have a few action items to close out. After that, you can enjoy a long-awaited and well-deserved break (remember just hanging out with friends on the weekend?) We at Clayborne are excited for you and wish you the best as you prepare for the next stage of your life.
If you have questions or concerns about the PSAT, SAT, or ACT, or the college admissions process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at www.clayborne.com or 434-260-3180.
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