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<p>You have 3 areas you need to focus on: (1) Math, (2) GPA, (3) Timing.</p>
<p>(1) Math.
Run to the library, grab an ACT test book, practice, study and take a mock test on your own or have someone time/test you. Because by the time the first test rolls around (Sept) and when you get results back, time has already ticked away… So try to do a mock test on your own (or several). If let’s say after doing the mock test you do know that ACT is right for you, drop the SAT testing and focus all your energy on that. If you take the ACT in sept and need to retake for a bit higher score, refocus on that for Oct. If you have ACT + writing scores, you don’t need to take SAT subject tests. [Standardized</a> Tests](<a href=“Standardized Tests”>Standardized Tests) Fall time of senior year is not the time to think about whether SAT or ACT is right for you. Decide that this summer going into fall, and then laser focus on just one test.</p>
<p>(2) GPA.
If you apply ED, unfortunately there won’t be enough time to show upward trend in stellar grades to AOs. Your GPA at the end of junior year is 3.14, your GPA going in to apply for ED would still be 3.14. You will also be competing amongst applicants with better grades (not stellar but better grades) plus as shown above, the acceptance rate is not that much different. For someone who needs to prove that grades are on the upward trend, I would apply RD together with a first term grades in hand to help give your GPA a boost. </p>
<p>(3) Timing.
As posted above, I recommend RD instead. Though your GPA won’t go from 3.14 to 3.7 with one semester of senior year, it can be closer to 3.2-3.4, depending on your grades. Also, if you happen to earn any awards, leadership roles, you will then also have more time to make your application stronger.</p>