<p>My S is planning to apply ED to Duke (Pratt). His first ACT score was better than his SAT score, so his plan was to submit the ACT and not submit the SAT or to take SAT subject tests. He re-took both and now we have a dilemma. His first ACT composite was a 32 with a 34 subscore in Math. His second ACT composite was a 33 with a 31 subscore in Math. We are wondering if Duke will look at the higher Math subscore or will only consider the Math score from the test with the higher composite. To complicate matters, his second SAT scores were 2220 (800 M, 640 CR, 780 W). So, the 800 would be nice for Duke to see, but the website states that if you submit SAT scores, you need to submit subject test scores. For Pratt, that means one Math Subject test. I actually have 2 questions - which scores would you submit if you were him? And, should he take the Math 2 Subject test on Nov 1? (Because it is so late, the only option is waitlist which means he may or may not get to take the test when he gets to the testing site.)</p>
<p>To be honest, I’d probably submit both the ACT and SAT and let Duke sort it out. They’re all good scores, so it simply reinforces the high achievement. I don’t think taking the SAT IIs are necessary since he’ll be submitting the ACT, which covers him. (The SAT simply serves as a supplemental test!). I submitted my ACT and three SAT II scores even though I didn’t have to, but there were all solid, so I figured why not. I didn’t take the SAT.</p>
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<p>Duke looks at the highest sections regardless of which sitting they came from, but does NOT re-calculate the composite (coming straight from Guttentag). What that actually means from a practical perspective, I’m not sure, but I would view it as a positive to submit both ACT scores since certain sections where better the second time around. So, yeah, I’d probably submit both ACTs and the SAT. I wouldn’t worry about the SAT IIs (but you may want your son to call admissions to confirm).</p>
<p>Thanks, bluedog. I’ll suggest that he call admissions to confirm that the math subject test wouldn’t be required. As long as they’ll look at each score that he submits, that should help.</p>
<p>I would send in the history of testing and make sure that the 800 Math gets seen. An email to admissions will solve the question of the subject test.<br>
My sons did “Walk Ins” for SATII subject tests because it was so darn hard to manage all their activities or to know when they felt well and rested.<br>
My feeling about the SAT 2 subject test is that there is no point taking it all short of being a math savant type—unless you have thoroughly done the three practice exams in the book made for this particular test. Seniors are so busy. But SATII scores can go south easily and reflect poorly and be a waste of a Saturday unless you are rested and psyched up. Also I am not a fan of more than one subject test per sitting. Isn’t the point to make a high score? so don’t do it if you can’t do your best…although if your son gets deferred, I would definitely take it in December and send it in as a positive for a budding engineering student. Best wishes!</p>
<p>Thanks, Faline2! I would hate for him to take the Math2 test unprepared and there’s not much time to get ready before the Nov. 1 test date. I guess we will see what the admissions counselor has to say and skip it if possible. You’re right – the purpose is to do well – and if he can’t be prepared in time he will be better off without the score.</p>
<p>one of my sons has a 36M on the ACT and was just under 700 on the SAT2 on a day when he was exhausted October senior year. He retook it in January and submitted a high score to his colleges which had not yet convened their final committee decisions. This was probably neurotic and unnecessary. however will caution that so many of our local kids do not accept that they need to prepare. A one hour test is very diff than an AP exam. In many ways, it is easier. The pool of people taking the Subject SAT Math2 is a subset of test takers (all aiming for high end colleges or engineering schools) therefore most make a very good score. The curve on the SAT2 Math level 2 is more generous than the Level 1…wasn’t sure you knew this. Prep for a good math student is two Sunday afternoons. The book is short and there are three practice exams…then you are good to go. Most people don’t bother with prep and get good but not great scores.</p>
<p>Thanks, Faline2. My older son took it a couple of years ago and scored well. We have a review book, so I think he prepped. S2 would only have a week to prepare – which might be do-able if he didn’t have soccer and homework and essays to write. If he hears from the admissions counselor that he doesn’t need the subject test, it will probably be best to just let it go. But, you’re right, if he’s deferred, it would be to his advantage to submit a good score.</p>
<p>happy ED outcomes for your guy!</p>
<p>Thanks, Faline2! We’ll keep our fingers crossed and have a good backup plan.</p>
<p>soccermom: I endorse bluedog’s excellent response. Standardized tests obviously are important; however, the Admissions Officer who analyzes your son’s record and presents it to the Committee is sincerely seeking comprehensive information, to develop the most thorough “portrait” of your son’s achievements and potential. That AO, and his colleagues, have done this thousands of times annually (and perhaps hundreds-of-thousands of times – or more – during their Duke careers). In that context, they appreciate the vagaries testing and they understand that no single test is decisive. Therefore, I respectfully suggest you provide all relevant data to Duke. I wish your son – and you – good luck.</p>
<p>soccermom15 - if ACTs are being submitted, then you do not have to submit SATIIs</p>
<p>Just to update – My S did contact the Duke Admissions dept. and was told that he could submit the ACT and SAT scores without Subject tests. He’s all set. Thanks for the helpful replies!</p>