<p>my D is a rising senior who needs advice about how to proceed with standardized tests. She feels like everyone on CC is so vastly superior to her that she wouldn't post her query here lol so I'm hoping to get some wise input and/or strategies for her!
She has taken the SAT and ACT once each, this past spring (her junior year).
SAT: CR 780/M 690/ WR 760, essay 9
ACT 36/28/34/36 essay 9 (the 28 was in math and 34 in science) composite: 34
SAT II French 760, Bio 720
She also has 5 AP scores: World 5, Lang 5, Bio 5, Euro 4, French 5 and is taking 5 more this coming year.</p>
<p>OK so obviously her math scores are quite subpar esp compared to her general academic profile. She got an A in Precalc this year working hard in the class. She did not study very much for any standardized tests but did some practice tests for each and did study for the science section of the ACT having heard it was hard. So improvement would be likely with some preparation.</p>
<p>The main Q is whether to re-take both SAT and ACT or just focus on ACT?
Her counselor advises to simply focus on ACT and bring her math score up but we wonder if that isn't eliminating the possibility of improving SAT and of course most schools superscore SAT so she wouldn't lose the 780/760 in the language sections. There is the issue of time and preparation since it's silly to re-take them without studying. She only has Sept and Oct to re-take any tests. </p>
<p>Second Q relates to SAT II's. If she does just go with the ACT, she doesn't <em>have</em> to send any SAT II BUT is it wise to send them anyway? Does it look lazy or unmotivated not to send subject tests? in which case she could re-take Bio or take a few others in the fall to score higher. She could probably take Latin, Lit a/o World to earn higher scores. She is applying to some of the most selective colleges.</p>
<p>She needs an overall strategy so she knows what to aim for and can make a study schedule for this summer. She is very good with goals and structure, but is floundering because of not knowing how to proceed so any experienced input is very welcome!!! TIA!</p>
<p>34 composite on the ACT is a strong enough score for admission nearly everywhere. IMO, the odds of admission with a 35 or 36 are not enough higher at any school to warrant re-testing. If she does re-test, I agree with the GC to focus on the ACT, since she is obviously stronger there. About half of students do better on a second sitting. Is she applying to schools that superscore the ACT? If so, maybe retaking to improve the 28 in math will give her some comfort. Otherwise, I’d consider not retesting at all. </p>
<p>Not sending SATIIs if they are not required should make basically no difference.</p>
<p>no most of her schools do not superscore the ACT. I’m surprised (but not disappointed) by your advice, esp given the focus on high test scores around here. Of course it would be great for her to have more time to work on app’s and essays and senior year coursework rather than studying for the ACT. I just think that 28 makes her feel insecure. Anyway, I’ll pass on your input and thanks so much!</p>
<p>I got a 36/29/36/33 for a 34 on my first ACT also. The 29 on math made me feel very insecure, since I plan on going into engineering and am very strong in math. I retook a second time after doing two more practice math sections and got a 35/35/36/35 for a composite of 35. A much more well-rounded score and it put my nerves at ease. If she’s not looking at a major that’s math related, however, I would just keep the 34.</p>
<p>As for subject tests, I took them even though I didn’t take the SAT. Most of the schools only require them for SAT takers (if at all), but some RECOMMEND them for everyone. You’ll have to take a look at specific college requirements. If they recommend taking subject tests for everyone, I would. If they don’t specifically suggest that every applicant submit them, I wouldn’t worry about taking them.</p>
<p>I wish your daughter luck!</p>
<p>hville7 thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience - that is SO encouraging esp because your scores were so close initially. My D is not interested in engineering but is planning on majoring in a science and then going on to med school so an improved math score would definitely help her application. She is a little worried that her science score will go down on a re-test since she says she didn’t think she had a 34 - apparently the fighting scientists section was tricky. But I’ll show her your 2nd set of scores for inspiration and I bet she will end up opting to re-take in September. Thanks again!</p>