I took the SAT and I got 1560 (780 on both english and math). I’m retaking the SAT working towards getting a 1600. Would it be worthwhile to also take the ACT (I think I would get around 34-36)? Would colleges be impressed about doing well on both those tests rather than just one? Specifically since ACT also tests science, and a different way of thinking, so would it show versatility? Or if I get a 1600 on the SAT would it not matter if I also do well on the ACT? thx!
Don’t retake the SAT and don’t take the ACT. It’s a waste of time and money. Your 1560 is plenty high for any school.
Yep, even thinking about taking the ACT is kind of silly.
The number of schools that will actually differentiate between a 1560 and 1600 is astronomically small. You’ll be better off dedicating that time to ECs or to your current classes.
If you are aiming for top scholarships at some school, you may want a score higher than 1560. Otherwise, it is around or above the 75th percentile for any school. When you have a near perfect score in either SAT or ACT, there is no section score distribution issue that may be helped by the other test. So taking the other test would be simply a waste of time and money. If you are pretty much done with your essays/applications and have nothing else to do, you may consider retaking the test for scholarship purpose.
i didn’t make it clear before and I think it plays a somewhat important role in what I choose to do – I’m a sophomore so I have plenty of time to take the tests before applying to college. I got 1560 my freshman year. Also I would love to go to a top ivy league-level university, which the applicants to those colleges will all have high test scores so I thought a 1600 might separate me somewhat from the rest of the pack? i might be wrong, but thanks everyone for your input
With my limited knowledge of these scores, I think your score of 1560 of in a freshman year is much more than a 1600 for a Junior or a Senior. I think you are much better off focussing your time at building ECs. With what old age taught me , I also suggest you to go and enjoy life. While the scores are important to get a place in a top ivy league university, no one will remember in 10 years time what were your SAT scores. And no one will care in 20 years time which university you went. All these are stepping stones in helping you have a successful career, but both your life and the world are much bigger than that.
Coming to your question, congratulations and you have done extremely well in your SAT. Focus on other aspects - try to get leadership roles in your school, work on ECs, try to identify which field(s) you want to pursue in the Uni, and perhaps do some research / pursue internships in those field(s).
Since you have plenty of time, you probably want to try it at least for scholarship purpose. The admission chance between 1560 and 1600 in SAT is rather small, if any.
If you want a top college, you need to focus on the right things. Be informed. Take rigorous courses, have balance in your activities, dig to learn what matters to them, and think. Ivies don’t offer merit scholarships.
Look at this: https://admission.princeton.edu/how-apply/admission-statistics
If 8.2 percent of kids with 1500-1600 were admitted, what do you think the other 91.8 did wrong? Tippy tops don’t look for kids who put their energy into moving a freaking 1560 to a 1600. They want kids who see more/better ways to invest their time- worthwhile pursuits that stretch them, add to the right experiences, and have some real impact. It’s up to you to figure out what that means, what the right balance is, that they look for.
You will need to take the SAT again as a sophomore, junior, or senior to qualify for National Merit Finalist (assuming your junior PSAT score will meet or exceed your state cut off). For example, for this year’s seniors, students must take a national administration of the SAT between October 2015 and December 2017 (for this year’s class, that corresponds with Oct of sophomore year to Dec of senior year) for their qualifying score.