Feel a bit ridiculous asking, but …
Two ACT test
Test 1: Comp 34-, Math 32, Sci 34, Eng 34, Reading 35
Test 2: Comp 33, Math 31, Sci 30, Eng 35, Reading 36
Superscore: 34+ (didn’t manage to squeak to a 35)
Applying to pretty competitive engineering programs (CMU, Mich, Notre Dame, NW)
Just submit the test 1 numbers, or go with the Superscore bc of more impressive Eng/Reading? We are nervous about Engineering program perhaps worrying about the lower math/sci scores in test 2.
Would like to hear especially from AOs or those who recall past threads that may be applicable.
Many thanks!
If they superscore, you should submit both. By their own rule, they’ll tell you they’ll only look at the highest - so while you’d worry about your 30 in Science, they won’t see it.
In fact, on your common app, it only asks for the highest score if I remember correctly.
For most schools today (not all), you don’t submit the test until you commit - most are self reported.
There’s likely no difference in decision as your test 1 is 33.75 and superscore is 34.25. Both are 34.
If they take the highest composite only, then send in just test one. For example, CMU says - If you choose to submit scores, we’re interested in the general pattern of your scores but will give the most weight to the highest score you’ve received on any of the exams. So for them it’s score #1
UM, on the other hand, superscores - * We will use your highest superscore, which means that we will consider the best sub-scores reported across multiple test dates.
Good luck
Good luck.
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Exactly. Of the 4 schools OP mentioned, all but CMU accept self reported test scores, so those 3 schools will never see the full two sets of test scores during the admission process.
CMU requires official scores either from the testing agency or HS GC. So, OP will have to send both tests if OP wants CMU to see the higher Eng and Reading scores in test 2 (which I would recommend). Even tho CMU doesn’t formally superscore, they say they give the ‘most weight’ to the highest scores.
If you choose to submit scores, we’re interested in the general pattern of your scores but will give the most weight to the highest score you’ve received on any of the exams.
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Even though Michigan will “look” at all your scores I would just send test 1. For engineering their avg Act is 34. All the other scores are good. I don’t see how test two helps you at all even with a super score,for engineering. Being very picky, I would like to see a higher math score for the schools you are applying to. Maybe your school scores will compliment this…
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If OP self reports the highest test scores for each subject across the two dates (and the highest composite, and scores from each section are only what the common app asks for), Michigan AOs will never see the lower math scores from Test #2.
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Thanks to all of you for your thoughtful/helpful replies.
Here’s what I’ve heard:
Except for CMU, AOs only see self-reported scores, which would be highest sections from the two tests. Only upon admission will schools receive the official score reports.
Final trivial question then: is it more impressive to report the March score (leaving off the Sept test entirely) since the composite is essentially unchanged and test was taken junior year? Or does the gain of a point in both the English and reading section in Sept add more shine? Again, for engineering programs.
Data-point – this is for daughter, don’t know if gender helps in engineering admissions.
Thanks again!
I assume this question is specific to CMU. I lean towards sending both because that’s what CMU prefers, but it’s up to your D. It’s difficult for posters to make test score recommendations in a vacuum, without knowing transcript, rigor, etc.
At some engineering schools, being female is an advantage.
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you don’t send official scores upon admission - that could get costly.
Just to the one you commit to.
Good luck
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I get it but don’t see an advantage. Normally I say to send them all in but again don’t really see the advantage. Test 1 is right where this posters kid needs to be. Now come rigor etc.
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The advantage is that OP’s D’s test score section on the application would show higher scores in Eng and Reading using superscoring, like this:
SS: C 34, E35, R 36, M 32, Sci 34 (again, at schools that allow self reporting you only report the highest scores for Comp and each section)
Vs not superscoring and using only test #1, showing lower E and R scores:
Test #1 only: C 34, E34, R35, M32, Sci 34
I don’t understand why SS isn’t preferable (but of course the admissions decision is not coming down to the E and R scores).
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Michigan at least wants strong science and math scores and decent English /reading for engineering. They kinda actually expect lower E/R scores with stereotypical engineering students. But either way won’t hurt him. It will be his rigor and GPA unweighted that will matter more. (don’t pull out the cds… Lol. I get it… Lol)
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