ACT = no SAT subject tests?

<p>Most of the colleges I'm researching state Sat2s OR ACT with writing. If you are planning to take the ACT, what is the need for the subject tests? I assume you would report both the SAT1 and the ACT in this case?</p>

<p>it depends on which schools you are applying to, each school has their own policy regarding this. BUT no school requires both SAT1 and ACT so if you are applying to a school that requires SAT2 OR ACT, only send in the ACT (not the SAT1).</p>

<p>Go here for a list of colleges that require, recommend or cosider SAT IIs: Compass:</a> Admissions Requirements
In the required column you will see a number required for those that do so. If the number has an * next to it, that means the college accepts the ACT in lieu of both the SAT and SAT IIs. Obviously, if you have high SAT II scores there is no harm in submitting them even if you submit the ACT. If there is no * next to the number, you must still submit IIs even if you submit the ACT. Also, be aware for Middlebury, which is shown as not requiring but considering IIs, actually has a rule different from most -- for admission you can submit the ACT OR the SAT OR three SAT II scores, meaning if you submit three SAT II scores you need not submit the ACT or the SAT.</p>

<p>Yeah, as stated above, most colleges are OKAY with you just sending the ACT w/writing and no subject tests. But, if you only send in SAT you'll still need to subject tests of course (for the schools this entails). I personally applied to a few schools with just my ACT w/writing that would have otherwise needed SAT2s (ie Brown & Johns Hopkins.)</p>

<p>ok..the next obvious question would be why do most schools not require SAT2s if ACT is reported. I know the ACT has a science portion, but what else? If they require 2 SAT subject tests along with the SAT1, why would just the ACT be acceptable to them? I</p>

<p>The SAT and ACT exams are produced by two different companies and reflect two different notions of what to test and how to test. (For some basic reading on this subject and a list of test optional colleges and universities, visit The</a> National Center for Fair & Open Testing | FairTest ) In the past some schools required the ACT, and others required the SAT (with or without subject tests). Now the ACT and SAT are both accepted equally by all colleges and universities in the USA that require a standardized admissions test. This is a good thing in general, however it meant that places that wanted a writing test or subject tests had to re-consider what they would ask for. Which of course has only made some applicants lives even more maddening than before.</p>

<p>Research the schools that you want to apply to.
Find out which exams they want (ACT/SAT only? Subject tests? Which subject tests? ACT instead of subject tests?).
Take the tests that the school(s) ask for.</p>

<p>If you are lucky, they'll accept the ACT w/o writing and not ask for any subject tests so that you will only have to take one exam, or you will find your "dream" school on the test optional list and you won't have to take any at all.</p>

<p>Wishing you all the best.</p>

<p>I think this is because the ACT is more subject test oriented. However, there are a number of schools who may not require SAT II's but they are strongly suggested. Georgetown and Johns Hopkins are but two and they'd prefer three SAT II tests. Dartmouth on the other hand absolutely requires both the SAT II's and the ACT/SAT I. </p>

<p>While some schools will opt out of score choice for next year, I think it can only be of possible help to take a couple SAT II's, even if you don't take SAT I's. You never know if they may prove helpful. Schools say they don't hold it against you to not submit MORE testing, but I can imagine it aint looked down upon if the scores are good. It would only confirm the other tests. My son did pretty well on two SAT II tests, but the third was mid 600's at best. And I guess it will be anyone's guess at this point if only submitting a very successful ACT score to schools who didn't require SAT II's was a good idea or not. Ask me in April. :) But the thing was, it may have been different if he could have only sent SATII's, but currently if you send one SAT score, you send them all. And has been pointed out, some colleges next year (especially elite schools) will opt out and see all your scores regardless. So I say take ACT just to see. My son was much more solid on the ACT than either the subject tests or the SAT I's</p>