<p>I have already taken the SAT but plan to take the ACT in June. My SAT score was ok, but I hope my ACT score high enough to send it instead. As I started preparing, I noticed that the ACT is substantially easier. I know people have different opinions, but I think there is not even a question here. If I would have put in a whole summer and fall to just study, I think I would have scored a 36 easy. I know that sounds pretentious, but I am trying to emphasize how easy I think it is. Of course, I haven't taken the real thing yet but I was wondering...do colleges (of Harvard's selectivity) really consider the ACT on the same level? I find it unfair that a 36 is the same as a 2400. These tests are not in the same league. If I got a 36, I would not consider myself equal with a 2400 scorer. What do you guys think?</p>
<p>Just off the top of my head something like .07% get a perfect score on the ACT vs. .03% for the SAT. I guess you’re right, it is a LOT easier. Actually, there are differences on each exam that appeal to some kids and not to others. Good luck on the June ACT exam.</p>
<p>Also, I believe for the first time more kids took the ACT than SAT last year, so yes, colleges do weigh them equally these days. My child only took the ACT and it was enough.</p>
<p>@Falcon, perfect ACT-scorer here. The number is 0.04% ;)</p>
<p>The ACT’s questions are easier for some people. I happen to agree with you. But I think, OP, that you’ll be really surprised by the time constraints. I took the SAT before the ACT and remember thinking, “this is relatively easy…plus I have loads of time.” When I took the ACT, it was more like “this is a bit easier than the SAT but OH DEAR GOD I HAVE 4 MINUTES LEFT AND 15 MORE MATH QUESTIONS.” </p>
<p>The difference in amount of perfect scorers on both tests is negligible. They’re weighted the same; they have to be. More students take the ACT anyway. </p>
<p>Oh, and I got a 36. Am I not equal to a 2400 scorer? (To add, if I spent maybe a week and a half of studying, I wholeheartedly believe I’d get a 2400. “I know that sounds pretentious, but I am trying to emphasize how easy I think it is.” Newsflash, bud: it sounds pretentious as all hell.)</p>
<p>Wow, that does sound unbearably pretentious. If you do go to Harvard, one of the first things to happen will be that Harvard will stomp that kind of talk right out of you!</p>
<p>Of course, it’s always easiest to talk about how easy something is before you’ve had to do it. I know that I knew a whole lot more about child rearing before I became a parent.</p>
<p>I think you should use College Confidential’s “search” button. This question has been addressed recently.</p>
<p>I think you sounded really insufferable in this thread.</p>
<p>I think if I were you, I might consider re-registering for College Confidential with a new user name. Everyone is entitled to an occasional do-over, but this kind of arrogance will be hard to forget.</p>
<p>My man, I only submitted the ACT to Harvard (35), and I was accepted. Also to a bunch of other schools. It really has no less weight. There are just so many other important things to focus on beyond test scores. And I’m a white kid from the Northeast.</p>
<p>Sikorsky, why would I change my user name? </p>
<p>Besides, I asked about what everyone thought about my question, not my attitude.</p>
<p>Think whatever you want, but it’s not right to judge someone based on a comment from CollegeConfidential. I agree it was pretentious (read my original post), but let’s get real here: we’ve all had our moments.</p>
<p>Now, if you didn’t like my comment, close your eyes when you get to that part. Just answer the question. Thanks.</p>
<p>I got in with a 36 submitted only at Harvard. </p>
<p>Submitted my 2180 SAT to Stanford and would say was probably one of the contributing factors to my rejection (it was my only rejection of 16 schools applied to).</p>
<p>From the perspective of a parent whose D just went through the process and understands all the picayune worries about things like ACT vs. SAT (no difference in the eyes of admissions officers everywhere. Really.), worry more about whole enchilada.</p>
<p>It’s WAY more important to present a consistent, thoughtful and distinctive application. This is more art than science, and is overlooked, I think, by many CC users who seem to fixate on scores and micro-measures of prestige. Can’t tell you how many ultra-high scorers in my D’s school have been disappointed come acceptance time, while those kids who didn’t “try” so hard and got out of their own way (albeit with strong scores, too, on either test) got into the cream of the CC crop.</p>
<p>Top colleges want interesting kids, or regular kids who make themselves interesting by virtue of self-examination and effective self-expression. Not as glibly “easy” as prepping for the ACT vs. SAT. Good luck.</p>