<p>I know most schools accept both, but generally speaking, which score do they prefer? I've taken an SAT a few months ago and scored a low 2300 on it but I've also signed up for an ACT this coming February.</p>
<p>Also, if I'm aiming for one of those top universities, such as MIT or Stanford, will a low 2300 suffice for the SAT? I know my GPA and extracurriculars will factor in more heavily, but just for the SAT factor, is that enough, or should I aim for a perfect?</p>
<p>SAT is just a part of the admission process. They do not PREFER either ACT or SAT. Both are viewed as the same and you can opt to send all or one of them!</p>
<p>EG: If you score a 36 in the ACT and 2320 in SAT then definitely you should send in your ACT!</p>
<p>There is a world of difference between what an adcom says and what he or she might do when it comes to admissions. </p>
<p>Remember the reason why a number of schools want to see ALL your scores, despite score choice. Draw your own conclusions about how each school values a test that allows one to hide lower scores.</p>
<p>Hmm. Should I try to take the March SAT and aim for a perfect score then? Will the 2400 and the low 2300 (ignoring my extracurriculars and GPA) make a difference?</p>
<p>The reason I scored a low 2300 was due to a silly error in math and a non-double digit essay score.</p>
<p>Admissions know that the only difference between a 2300 and a 2400 is a couple questions. That being said, you <em>could</em> if you really wanted to, but just know that it wouldn’t have a huge effect on your admission. A score of 2300 is awesome in itself even for Ivy-level schools. Concentrate on other aspects of your application instead.</p>
<p>Personally I’ve taken SAT thrice so far, and I can’t stop from making 1 mistake on the math (or somehow leaving one blank). It’s annoying, but it’s not that big of a deal.</p>
<p>It is very simple: if you *really *believe that you could score higher, you should retake the SAT. Schedule it at the most convenient time for you. Unless I am mistaken, you are talking about next year’s admissions. This should give you several open slots in 2011.</p>
<p>Since it it doubtful that you would bomb the sections you aced, you should be able to concentrate on the essay (easy start) and on the sections you need to improve. Most schools do superscore and you will gain from the exercise.</p>
<p>@Presidont
I will be concentrating on other aspects of my application as well as maintaining my perfect GPA, but in terms of SAT, my school has a couple 2400’s and several 2300+'s, and I’m not sure how that would be put me in comparison to them in the eyes of admission officers when we apply to overlapping universities.</p>
<p>@xiggi
I personally think I can the potential to get the 2400, but my biggest thing is making that costly silly mistake in math/writing. And you’re right, I have the March, May, June, and October (not sure if November works in senior year) tests left before I begin applying for universities.</p>