I’m new here. Regardless, here’s my dilemma.
I’ve taken the ACT 3 times.
34, 34, 35
I’m only sending the 35 to the state schools/safety schools/etc.
However, my dream school has always been Princeton. I’m not asking to be chanced or anything. Just curious… should I send all three of these scores? I know they don’t superscore, but there are still some categories in the other tests that are higher than the 35. Also, would sending all of my scores show consistency, and that I am not some kid who took the test 1,000,000 times and sent my last score? (I’m worried about this because my last score came rather recently as a last, relaxed attempt to get the 35.)
Finally, I’m a bright kid, my ACTs are good, my grades are great etc. My one weakness is I hate the collegeboard. My SAT Subject Tests are decent- All in the 700s but lower 700s. Princeton “recommends” SAT Subjects, but I’m worried being under a 750 might hurt my chances. Would it be better for me to just submit my high ACT and ignore the “recommendation,” or should I instead send two SAT Subject Tests with my higher ACT- that just might be a little lower than other applicants? I asked my guidance counselor this, and she basically hit me with the “idk, up to you.” So any advice/explanation is appreciated.
Thanks,
TellMeWhatToDo
I would send the subject tests. As for the ACT, unless sending all will get you to a superscore of 36, just send the 35.
@wisteria100 Thanks for taking the time to read and answer!
If anybody else has any opinions, I’d appreciate a quick response. Thanks!
@tellmewhattodo I think you should send all 3 ACT scores for the reasons you state – all three are exceptionally high scores in top 1% of all college applicants in the country and you did it 3 times this showing consistency and that it’s not a fluke. Plus some of your of sub scores in the 34 ACT composite score tests are higher than the 35 composite. And definitely you should submit the two SAT subject scores even if in low 700s. Anything above 700 is a superb score. From my anecdotal experience, when a school “recommends” it is really not “recommended” but expected and will hurt your chances if you don’t submit any SAT subject test scores. Also, the fact you would be submitting all 3 ACT scores with very high subscores will make the low 700 SAT subject scores seem less significant in comparison to students who submit higher SAT subject scores. I honestly think that your ACT and SAT subject test scores will get you in the ring—and other factors will be determinative in whether you get offered admission to Princeton or similar caliber school. Such factors include your GPA --and the rigor and types of courses you took, as well as research or intern or work experience plus your essays and extracurricular activities, unique experiences and accomplishments plus recommendations and total application package will all be part of the decisive factors.
Unless you have extremely uneven section score distribution in your ACT with 35 and the lowest section score can be significantly complemented by one of the ACT with 34 in composite, I don’t see why you want to waste another $13 per school. Most schools do no superscore ACT, but some may still look at the section scores separately.