<p>So I'm in a bit of a standardized testing conundrum. Here are my stats:</p>
<p>ACT: 35 Composite--36 English, 34 Math (supersized 35), 34 Reading, 36 Science, 8 Writing
SAT: 2140 (supersized 2180)--670 Reading (supersized 710), 770 Math, 700 Writing, 8 Essay
SAT II: 660 Biology E, 700 Biology M, 710 Chemistry, 730 Math II</p>
<p>I'm planning on applying to the Ivy's, Northwester, UC Schools, Wash U, etc. along with some BA/MD programs. I also will apply early action to Princeton or Yale. </p>
<p>Should I retake the ACT to get a higher writing score? I understand that there is very little difference between a 35 and 36 so I would just take it to do well on my essay. Then I also have my SAT II tests that I would like to raise along with my SAT. Can I get some advice on what tests I should take? Also what is the last accepted test date for early action? </p>
<p>Thank you to everyone! All opinions are greatly appreciated. :)</p>
<p>I would absolutely let the ACT score go. The writing score is the least important. My son’s 36 composite similarly had a not so excellent writing score. It’s ok. I would try to bring up some of the SAT scores, if you want MD. Percentiles are really harsh on those. Just remember, scores aren’t everything. They won’t guarantee you anything. Schools look at the whole package. Make sure that your essays are excellent and not just repeating the same story that you tell in your application. They should express something about you and they should do it with character and even some humor if it fits. Get them proofed by people who will be critical and helpful. Good luck!</p>
<p>I wouldn’t retake the ACT. I have been told application essays matter more than ACT writing scores anyways. Your ACT is equivalent to a 2320 or higher SAT (depending on your source). If I were you, I would spend my time making sure I had extracurriculars that were truly extraordinary. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks guys! Should I retake both SAT’s ? And I have a fairly good amount of extracurriculars with leadership positions so I hope to show them off on my apps with my essays.</p>
<p>We have the same score breakdown! I was wondering sort of the same thing, but I’ve decided not to retake to attempt to raise my writing score. I was really surprised about my 35 and don’t want to risk lowering it. I think I saw somewhere that the average for writing scores at your colleges was between 8 and 10. I would focus on your application essays, not your ACT.</p>
<p>Don’t retake the ACT. That would be ridiculous.</p>
<p>Now correct me if I’m wrong (because I applied last year to some of the schools you mentioned), but you don’t need SAT II scores if you send in your ACT scores. But if you apply to Stanford or something, retake your SAT IIs, but it’s not really necessary.</p>
<p>For the schools that require Subject tests in addition to the ACT, I would recommend retaking the Subject tests. With the proper preparation, you should be able to score an “800” on the Math Level 2 and improve your score in either Chemistry or Biology (something in the 750-800 range would be good).</p>
<p>For various reasons, I would advise against applying to the combined BA/MD programs. If you matriculate at a good undergraduate institution, you’ll obtain a well-rounded liberal education which will serve you well as a physician (should you end up choosing that career path)…and you’ll have no trouble getting into a great med school.</p>
<p>14jensesh oh I know I have a couple interests that I will include in my essays but no listing. </p>
<p>Thanks everyone! I will probably retake my SAT’s. I looked up the cut-off dates and I can take the November and October tests and still be safe.</p>