Should I apply early action?

Danianx
Sun, 22 Oct 2017 13:54:55 +0000

Hello!
I am from Bulgaria, Eastern Europe.
I want to study cognitive science and some universities that I’m interested in are UPENN, Lehigh, Case western reserve, and ohio state.
I’ve got approximately a week until most of the early deadlines. I will have my recommendations till the end of the week by an english literature teacher, IT teacher, and a Biology techer I want to take the December SAT to improve my score as I am not satisfied with my current one. Although, there are less people attending EA so my score would be considered enough?
My main dilemma is whether I should apply EA and risk being rejected without raising my sat score and possibly taking SAT 2 Biology in November, and having more time to write essays, etc…I am also thinking whether to volunteer at Red Cross if it is going to be helpful for my application, even though I am senior this year.
Also, if I am admitted EA to a university, would other colleges consider my application RD even though I am accepted EA? Financial aid is also a concern.
Here are my stats:

SAT: 1190/1600 English: 630 Math: 560
GPA: 3.83
TOEFL: 105/120

EC:
President of an aviation club ‘Young Wings’ for three years
Boxing for three years

Academic:
participated in a European parliament programme as a delegate
participated in European model parliament educational meeting
B1.2 in French

Thank you very much!