My son took ACT test and got 36 with 9 for writing. He signed up for SAT in one week. Does he need to take SAT now?
He will be applying to Stanford earlier decision. Do Ivy League colleges want to see both tests scores ACT and SAT? I worry if he doesn’t do well on SAT.
Stanford will want you to send all scores (ACT and SAT, if you’ve taken both).
A 36 on the ACT is as good as it gets!
I wouldn’t bother to take the SAT unless you need a confirming score for National Merit (i.e., if your son is a NMSF based on his 11th grade PSAT score, he will need a confirming SAT score to become a finalist).
If indeed he needs a confirming score, I don’t think he’ll need to do it before applying early to Stanford (and probably not until after the Early Action app is due (I think you need to have your scores in to the NM folks by Dec 31st of your senior year, which means he can probably take it as late as Dec. 1st (but he should double check on that).
@AngelicaKisel Does he need to take SAT II subject tests? It may be possible to switch his registration for the subject tests if he needs them and he is prepared. If not, don’t bother with the regular SAT, it is unnecessary unless as @lovethebard correctly points out, a confirming score is needed for National Merit.
Congratulations! One and done with a 36 is a fantastic result.
He took few SAT Subjects Tests ( Math and Bio) and received full scores. I feel that Stanford and Ivy schools prefer SAT? He had taking SAT without essay last summer- 1550. . Can he use this for National Merit?
Colleges do not care which test you take. The idea that schools on the coasts prefer the SAT is a myth. A 36 is an amazing score. He does not need to do anymore tests.
Agree with @LoveTheBard that the only reason to take the SAT is for a confimatory score for National Merit.
Yes, a 1550 would almost certainly be confirming score (and you don’t need to have taken it with writing for NM confirmation). As for SAT vs. ACT, there really isn’t a preference between the tests (esp. since the SAT changed its format in 2016 and is now more like the ACT than it used to be. The College Board, makers of the SAT, had gradually been losing market share to the ACT for many years, so they changed their testing and scoring procedures).
I might suggest that your son consider taking an SAT subject test in some area of the humanities, but it’s not crucial, esp. if he’s got some Eng. or History APs under his belt.