In March, I took the SAT for my first time and scored a 1980, 800 math 590 reading 590 writing. Math is by far my best subject, but I expected to do better in the other sections. I had limited preparation, but assumed that I would take it again unless I got above a 2200 or so. So after I got my results, I planned on taking it again in the fall.
In June, I took the ACT for my first time. I was much better prepared, and felt that the format suited me more than the SAT. My goal was a 34, and told myself ahead of time that I would retake it if I didn’t reach this score. I ended up scoring a 36 with English 36 Math 36 Reading 35 Science 36 (I took it with the writing but those scores have not been released yet).
Now, I am uncertain of what I should do. Obviously my ACT score isn’t even close to my SAT score, but I am unsure how admission counselors will view this. Should I retake the SAT and try to raise my score, should I send my ACT and SAT scores and hope they just look at the ACT, or should I just send my ACT and take my SAT out of the picture and be done with testing?
I just finished my junior year and hope to go to a business school for undergrad. Some of the schools I’m considering right now are NYU, UC Berkeley, WashU, Boston College, and Cornell. Hopefully these schools don’t force me to send my SAT scores as well, but if they do I’m not sure what I should do. Any suggestions/comments?
You only need one set of scores. Go with the ACT. More and more students are taking the ACT and my guess, with the SAT changes, ACT will continue to gain market share. No need to report SAT.
Yeah that seems like the logical thing to do if colleges don’t require me to send SATs that I’ve taken. And it won’t hurt me that I only send one set of scores?
Not at all. People do it all the time. Congrats on such great scores!
Check to see what the colleges you’re looking at require. Based on what I’ve seen for many schools, they’ll take ACT + Writing (with essay) or SAT plus two subject tests. I’m guessing that you’re looking into engineering and science based on your ridiculous SAT math score. I believe (don’t quote me on that, though) that some engineering schools only add your Reading Comprehension and Math scores. But, still, I’d go with the ACT scores. From what I’ve read, college admissions see both tests equally and your ACT score is absolutely phenomenal.
I recommend you look at this website and see if some schools you’re looking at are there. The link below has a chart that shows what various schools require for test scores. Also try calling if you’re not exactly sure. But I’m 100% certain that most schools will take your ACT + Writing and be fine with just that. If that’s the case with the schools you’re looking at, I wouldn’t waste my money on another SAT and two subject tests in addition.
http://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/subject-test-requirements-and-recommendations/
Thanks for your kind remarks. I am actually interested in going to an undergraduate business school (If you have any recommendations please let me know). I have taken the Math 2 subject test and scored relatively poorly, so I’d rather not take another subject test and submit them, as I feel that they wouldn’t help my cause. Thanks for the link I’ll look into it some more.