Confused about SAT vs. ACT

Test Preparation
1

<p>If I don't take the SAT I and SAT II's, will that put me at a disadvantage in applying for upper tier private schools in the Midwest? In Wisconsin, the only test anyone ever takes is the ACT, so I didn't sign up to take any SATs this year (I'm a junior). I did well on the PSAT, so I'll have to take the SAT I in November, but I think that's too late to fit into scholarship applications. As for the SAT II's, how necessary are they? Is January too late to take them?</p>

<p>Thanks for helping a kid with inexperienced guidance counselors,</p>

<p>Evan</p>

2

<p>I thought that the schools in the Midwest preferred the ACT? So shouldnt you feel fine if you only took the ACT? </p>

<p>I am confused.</p>

3

<p>Check the schools requirements. Most schools have one of the following test requirements.</p>

<ol>
<li>No testing requirement (less common, but I saw a large figure)</li>
<li>ACT or SAT 1; 2 SAT IIs (might specify subjects)</li>
<li>ACT only or SAT I and 2 SAT IIs (UPenn requirement, Ivy, gives ACT alot of strength)</li>
</ol>

<p>As long as you follow the school's requirement it won't matter what tests you take as long as you follow the requirements. For example, I want to go to Dartmouth. I suck at the SAT, but I do very well on the ACT. Dartmouth requirement is the second one that I listed, so I'm going to take the ACT and three SAT IIs (just to giv 'em one more) and not list my horrendous SAT score on my CommonApp.</p>

4

<p>what if a school "recommends" sending sat II's?</p>

<p>if you dont, will that hurt your chances?</p>

5

<p>duh. 10 charcs</p>

6

<p>when a school recommends SATIIs it usually means two things...a help in placement AND an extra edge when two applicants are close, but the SATIIs make the difference. i would always do what they "recommend".</p>