<p>They start evaluating files early for the merit scholarships and they notify kids in January that they are accepted and then send an invitation to interview for merit awards shortly thereafter. Having said that, I’m sure if you send your December SAT scores, they will make it in to your file asap and if they are still reviewing the merit applications, you will get the benefit of your (presumably) higher scores. In any case, some merit awards are given out later in the process as well. I wouldn’t worry about it: your scores will be out when they are out, they will be added to your file and they will be looked at.</p>