Hi everyone, just a quick question, would it be better to send a 1540 new SAT (760 R and 780 M) or a 35 ACT (35 E 35 M 34 R 35 S). I’m applying to stretch schools such as Vanderbilt and Columbia, and match school like University of Michigan and UCLA. I have already sent both to different schools, but would it be worthwhile to send one of these over the other?
The ACT is the better score.
The ACT.
ACT better but both great and in the right range! I would definitely send both if you can. BTW-Vanderbilt values high test scores.
Send both. The 1540 converts to a 34. Hardly any difference between a 34 or 35 - they are both top 1%. Sending the SAT won’t somehow negate your ACT. Why wouldn’t you bolster your application with an additional set of strong scores?
Edit/update: Another way to look at it is that the 1540 also converts to 1510/2260. Had you actually scored that on the old SAT would you be asking which set of scores to send or would you send both? Answering that question will help you figure out what to do.
Thanks for all of your responses! I’m most likely gonna end up sending both to most schools just to give them a choice. It just felt odd that a 1540 new SAT only converts to a 34 ACT when I only got 8 questions wrong on the SAT for that score.
And twicearound that’s what I’m really counting on lol. My main issue with sending both is just from a cost perspective, I’m already paying 7 different application fees if one is clearly better then another I’d rather just send one instead of both
I would only send the ACT.
The ACT is marginally better, but both are great. Worth it to send both to select schools, such as Vandy, which put an emphasis on test scores IF you can afford it (either way report all the scores on your app and resume). Are you applying ED or SCEA anywhere? That might also increase your chances.
Regarding the writing score (your other post) see the article below and search the forums. It’s been an issue for many. I wouldn’t worry about it.
twicearound I am very strongly considering applying early decision to Vandy as it is my dream school, and the acceptable rate also goes up to 24% based on last years stats. The biggest thing holding me and my parents back is the chance of getting bad financial aid which would hurt a lot. The writing score I’m not too concerned with anymore because the majority of my schools have dropped that as a requirement and I imagine more will before app season rolls around.
Read the article below from Vandy (speaks to your exact concern). You may want to ED1 to Vandy and send both scores. Don’t forget to apply for the merit scholarships too. You never know!
Applying ED1 and knowing if I’m accepted/rejected by Dec. 15th would be the dream. Do you happen to know how hard it would be to receive the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship? Or have another article that can help me with that? I can’t thank you enough for your help!
Send both the SAT and ACT scores! Reason #1: they are nearly equivalent. Reason #2: if you only send one test score, then the college may assume that your score on the other test was lower, which was definitely not the case.
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