<p>If I'm also going to be submitting my SAT scores which include writing, do I also need to submit an ACT score with writing? Or will the SAT writing cover that? This is regarding top-tier schools specifically.</p>
<p>The problem is that in Illinois, the State requires everyone to take the ACT, but they don't include the writing portion. I already have my SAT Scores done (2270 - 790 writing), and I'll have an Official ACT score after taking it with the State mandated school ACT. However, that ACT won't have a writing portion. If I wanted to send an ACT score as well, would I have to retake it again just so that I'll have a writing portion? Or would my previous SAT writing cover it.</p>
<p>I would not think you would need to retake the ACT with writing. Generally colleges just want one score or another and don’t require both. I am sure they understand that many states mandate the ACT and do not provide the writing option. </p>
<p>But if you wanted to be sure, you could call or e-mail the colleges you want to apply to and ask.</p>
<p>Most, if not all, schools accept either SAT or ACT. Unless you find you are performing much better in ACT, you don’t need to retake ACT with writing. You can always send in both ACT and SAT score since 2270 is very good anyway. If your state mandated ACT score is less than 33, you may just use your SAT scores for applications. By the way, are you going to take any SAT subject tests? That may be more helpful than re-taking ACT.</p>
<p>Usual rule for top tier schools that require writing section of ACT: You must submit either SAT or ACT with writing. Submitting SAT and ACT without writing means your ACT will be completely ignored and only your SAT will be considered. In other words, SAT writing section is not a substitute for the writing section of the ACT; however, you can submit just SAT.</p>
<p>You are unfortunately the victim of Illinois’ financial problems. Until last year, that Illinois test included the writing section of the ACT. Because the state is broke and the legislature cut the Board of Education’s budget, the Board eliminated the writing section of the state test to save costs.</p>
<p>Yes I will be taking SAT II subject tests as well. I have already taken the SAT Math II and got an 800, and will be taking the SAT Chem subject test sometime soon. </p>
<p>So does this mean the State mandated ACT is essentially useless for top-tier schools, since it doesn’t include writing? I guess I could use it for superscoring at select schools if I retake the ACT, but other than that it doesn’t help much then.</p>
<p>Yes, most of your very high ranks require the writing if you submit ACT and thus your test is not useable for those. One exception is UChicago which does not require the writing section.</p>