<p>I'm working on my college apps, and I've come across a circumstance that I feel many seniors around the nation might also be deliberating on: ACT and SAT scores. Specifically, which would be better in my case?</p>
<p>My background:
Asian female, from Midwest
Looking to apply to UPenn ED, if not accepted, then Vanderbilt / Emory / Wash U would be in consideration (merit aid).</p>
<p>Let me elaborate:
My SAT scores are not superb. I have taken the test four times total, but only two times were relevant/from the past two years (the other two were from access to a talent search). On my best test overall, I received above a 700 in each category, but only a high 2200 overall. Even superscored, I don't pass the 2300 line. I have an 800 Math II and 740 Literature, and am taking Chem in October.</p>
<p>My ACT scores are decent, I think. I've taken it three times total, but only one time is relevant (other two from talent search). Twice, I received a composite of 34, but if you superscore (which I know doesn't really exist for ACT, but hear me out), I have a 36 overall.</p>
<p>I am leaning more towards sending my ACT, but I am afraid that the eastern schools might look down upon that. Should I consider taking both? Would admissions look down upon my SAT taking history?</p>
<p>Taking the tests too many times can be a red flag for some. 2200 is decent enough. Pick one. I say take the ACT if you really want to take one more (only if you think you can do better). However, with a 34 you really don’t have to retake. Some would say you’d be better off spending your time doing other things to add to your application. Beyond 2250 SAT /34 ACT other things can be more important, like ECs, academic awards, and good essays. Know that top tier schools turn down people with perfect scores if they dont have other things to offer that deepen their application.</p>
<p>Sorry I misread your question. Some colleges require you send all tests. Colleges say they have NO PREFERENCE when they say they accept either one. Send your ACT when you have a choice. But both are great scores. Good luck.</p>
<p>Stop taking these tests. STOP. As Renomamma noted, taking it too many times can be a red flag to some schools. Your 34 ACT is your highest and since more students in the U.S. this past year took the ACT than the SAT, no, an east coast school is not going to hold that against you. Some schools require “all testing” so if you send your SAT scores, you have to send ALL FOUR (even the ones from the talent search). Now, most schools are going to see that the date was when you were in 7th grade… </p>
<p>Your decision, like mine was, is a difficult one. Colleges aren’t going to like seeing how many times you’ve taken each test. In my case, there was only one test from the ACT and one from the SAT. I’d say anything you can do to not give the impression that you spend all your time preparing for and taking tests would be a good thing, and that might mean not sending the SAT. But your SAT II tests are good, so it might be worth sending the SAT I too–those scores are pretty good. I have yet to come across a school that requires the 7th-grade test–they don’t care about that, and most explicitly say so. You typically have to send all the tests you’ve taken since beginning 9th grade. Good luck–this one is a tough call, because the sheer number of tests you’ve taken is a negative.</p>
<p>Some schools actually superscore ACT too, though not as many as for SAT. Many schools would consider the highest section score even not superscoring. Your current ACT score is slightly better than your SAT score. It would be up to you whether to submit the SAT score. The problem with ACT score report is that you need to pay for each test score submission.</p>
<p>Penn requires you to send in all test scores. You may want to clarify with them if they meant all ACT scores or all SAT scores or all ACT and SAT scores. In any case, stop fixating on test scores. Your ACT scores are fine; your SAT scores are fine. Taking too many tests will be a red flag to them.</p>