The advantage for the student is that you find out quickly if you are getting into your first choice. Among other things, that saves you the cost of applying to other schools — shich could save you over a thousand dollars.

You are in a tough predicament, well, here’s what I would do: Take the SAT subject test on October 4, then do early decision application. Because you NEED the subject test, but your math just wasn’t what you wanted. Then, when you get their early decision, you’ll have a better chance of getting in. And if you don’t get in, you have time to look at other colleges. If you have your heart set on this college, take the SAT again on November 1st, and have your scores sent to them (like you should do anyway). Early decision takes at least 3 weeks, and that should give you enough time for your scores to get in to this college before they send their decision. However, when you do send in your early decision application, make sure to tell them that you are taking the SAT again on November 1st, and hopefully they’ll take that into consideration, and wait to make their decision until they get your scores. The best of luck to you.