<p>I am a rising senior planning to submit my SAT or ACT scores to schools this fall. I like Williams the most so far, so I've been doing a little research on their standardized test scores.
I've been looking at some of the more generic sites for college stats, mainly the "about.com" pages dealing with college admissions. I'm sure some of you are familiar. In looking at the data for top liberal arts schools, which I assume is relatively reliable, the average admitted ACT score is 29 -33. However, the average SAT score for admitted students is 660 - 770 per section. Assuming a student stays consistent across the board, that comes to a 1980 - 2310. However, looking at ACT/SAT conversion charts, a 29 is comparable to a 1920 and a 33 is comparable to a 2190.
That got me wondering about how Williams views the ACT. Just looking at those numbers, it seems a little easier to get in with a slightly lower ACT score (and by lower, I mean the difference between a 2190 and a 2310). I've had friends who were accepted with a 30 on the ACT (a 1980 SAT) and known people who've rejected with SAT scores above 2100.
I guess my question is, does Williams (or any other liberal arts school, for that matter) look at the ACT in a different light than the SAT? Will a 36 on the ACT be regarded the same way a 2400 is on the SAT?
My ACT scores are hovering around 33 -34, while my SAT is in the 2100's. Is it smarter to submit the ACT?</p>
<p>All I can tell you is that the ACT and SAT don’t really matter as much in college admissions anymore. With scores that good, you really have nothing to worry about. Consider sending both as they both demonstrate different aspects of you education, both critical thinking skills and acquired knowledge. Most colleges know that the SAT is more critical thinking oriented. You did extremely well on both and submitting both couldn’t heard. If anything, refrain from sending the SAT if you feel insecure. I know many people don’t feel secure unless it’s 2300+, which is fine.</p>
<p>You’ll be fine. And yes, they are (for the most part) equivalent (not enough to merit your stress).</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>I agree with seoulsk. For more specific data, take a look at <a href=“http://provost.williams.edu/files/CDS2010_2011.pdf[/url]”>http://provost.williams.edu/files/CDS2010_2011.pdf</a> , specifically at page 10. </p>
<p>My S will be starting at Williams in the fall. Having just gone through the admissions process with him, I am convinced that GPA and SAT/ACT are not the be-all-and-end-alls that applicants make them out to be. It really did seem like Williams and the other colleges to which S applied read and considered the whole application. Thus, if your SATs and ACTs are in the ball park, you shouldn’t obsess about (1) which one to send and (2) whether or not to send them both. You’ll get in, or not, based on your entire application, not on your test scores alone. In the end, do what you feel comfortable with. </p>
<p>(If you were my child, I would suggest sending both and letting Williams decide what to do with them. They’re both really good and should be considered a positive reflection on you.)</p>
<p>You should stop worrying about those-tho I think the ACT looks “better”, the college will take your best.
You need to do the SAT2s which Williams requires, and get 700+ to complete your package.</p>
<p>Thanks to all! I agree, us applicants tend to “over-stress” the test scores. </p>
<p>@Oldbatesiedoc, part of my concern was due to SATIIs… there is only one SAT test date before the ED deadline, and I need it to take SATIIs. The ACT it is then!</p>
<p>Keep in mind that a smaller number of people submit ACT scores, that might affect the data.</p>
<p>I recommend submitting the one you hit the highest national average on! They both offer percentages (top blank%) Submit that one!</p>