I’ve gotten into all of my safety schools but have a question concerning Northwestern and Stanford. I took my SAT when I was 17 and got a 2030 (670 Reading, 710 Math, 650 Writing) but also took the ACT when I was 19 (gap year) and got a 34 (36,31,36,32 and 34 Writing). I know my SAT is very weak for Stanford and Northwestern but my ACT is good. Sadly I had to send both because of Stanford’s policy so I’m wondering if they would care about my lower SAT score. Thanks for any help!
Any help?
They probably will care. But your ACT is the more recent test. Because they are looking for a barometer of current intellectual abilities rather than past ones, they will probably place more weight on the ACT. Your SAT score will hurt you, but a 34 with two perfect scores and a 34 writing is impressive…I suggest that, if time permits, you should retake the SAT (if you are confident you can outperform your poor showing). Stanford is probably a reach for you, a 2030 probably ranks in the bottom 5% of matriculants (mostly college athletes) .
Both schools will consider highest score among the SAT and ACT, so your 34 ACT will be used for admission (and counted as part of the school’s freshman statistics that get reported to US News).
Thanks for the feedback! Sadly I already turned in my application so there’s nothing I can do about these scores. Stanford was a last moment decision so I’m not expecting much from that but who knows.