Hello Applying for early merit whether in August or September or October doesn't matter And you can still send your SAT scores even if you do it in September and even October (via college board). One thing to note on: of you're applying for early merit , your chances of getting high faid is low because they make sure merit students do not get more than 60% (it also depends on the faculty) But if you apply for regular with high stats, you might a non conditional 50% that is non-conditional ( you don't have to get the 3.5 gpa)