So, I took the SAT and the ACT twice each. I scored a 2150 on the SAT both times, which superscores to 2200. On the first ACT, I scored a 32 Composite with a 32 on the writing section (9 on the essay). When I took it the second time, I was unaware that the writing section had been revamped and I scored only a 26 (not sure how this translates to the old score… but not great). However, I scored a 34C (35E, 34M, 34R, and 32S). I was really surprised because my other essay scores have been good, I scored a 9 on one SAT and 10 on the other, plus the first 9 I mentioned earlier. I also received English scores of 770 & 780 for the SAT and 34 & 35 for the ACT. Should I retake the ACT and try to get a better writing score? I’m not sure I could maintain or improve the 34 Composite. Or, should I forget about the ACT altogether and just submit my slightly lower SAT score? I’m applying to all the Ivy Leagues and as I understand it, most of them only look at the highest ACT composite submitted (which would include my bad writing score). Thoughts? Thanks.
Also, I wanted to point out that on the 26W, I scored the following subscores:
Ideas & analysis: 9
Development & support: 8
Organization: 9
Language use: 10
You have good SATs and ACTs. I’d submit both. Your previous scores on writing show that you can write. Your composite of 34 is your highest score. I wouldn’t take anything over. Move on!
Most schools (including all the Ivy Leagues) don’t superscore the ACT, so your 3 scores would be the highest among:
- 2200 SAT
- 32C/32W ACT = 1420 + 720 = 2140 SAT
- 34C/26W ACT = 1510 + 590 = 2100 SAT
However, only CR+M SAT or equivalent ACT scores are reported toward the US News statistics, in which case your 34C ACT would probably look the best.
@goldenbear2020 Thanks for calculating those, I wondering how the translation worked out. However, I think it may be off (and that’s my fault). After posting this, I realized the Writing score of 26 is only my essay score.
I didn’t make this clear, but the 32 I scored in Writing the first time was the Writing/English Combined score. The second one (the 24) was not the combined, but the essay only. My second combined score also comes up to a 32, meaning my highest score, based on your calculations, was this:
34C/32W = 1510 + 720 = 2230 SAT
Would that be correct?
Its basically the same writing score.
I have the same problem – I took the September ACT and got a 35 composite but only a 26 writing, and we’re not the only ones. There’s a good article about it here: http://www.toptieradmissions.com/breaking-news-on-the-act-or-is-it-already-broken/
I don’t think there’s anything we can do unless ACT gets it figured out, so I’m just focusing on the SAT for now.
@humanperson Yes, your highest test sitting would be scored as 34C/32W = 2230 SAT, so nothing to worry about!
@goldenbear2020 Thanks for your help!