High ACT scores but mediocre SAT scores; should I retake SAT?

Test Preparation
1

Hi!

I am a current female junior embarking on the college application process. Earlier in the year, I took the SAT without really studying and got a mediocre score (2090), but I just recently took the ACT and got a 34, with hopes of potentially increasing my score this June. I am very happy with my ACT score, but I know that many schools ask to see both the SAT score and the ACT scores (i.e. Stanford, Caltech, etc.). Do you think it is worth retaking the SAT to try and get a higher score (since my original SAT, I have taken a few practice tests and averaged about 2200 on them, so I think I could probably do better than 2090)? Do standardized tests matter that much in the admissions process (I have many other factors like GPA, research, and ECs working in my favor)? Any advice at all would be helpful :).

Thank you!!!

2

You’re good to go with ACT o.O I don’t really know why you would want to try SAT. It seems ACT best fits you.

3

Don’t take the SAT you are good to go. For ivies they will look 34+ ACT.

4

While this is true for these schools, it’s not for many others. Most schools ask for either ACT or SAT scores. If you are going to apply to a school like Stanford that wants ALL SAT and ACT scores, then it would not hurt to retake the SAT. Otherwise, if you are interested in other schools that don’t require this, don’t bother retaking the SAT.

5

Thank you all for responding! Stanford is one of my top choices, and that’s why I am worried. I know that they look at the entire application and testing is only a small part, but I am kinda nervous that my SAT score would turn them off.

6

@medicsz I agree. Some schools look at both, and I am kinda nervous that they will see the high ACT and the low SAT and just pass me over.

7

My friend got the exact same scores on both tests! Needless to say, he is happy with his 34. Stanford is one of his top choices too, so hopefully things will work out for both of you. Best of luck!

8

I actually spoke with an admissions representative from Stanford. He said that Stanford asks for all scores in order to super score. He said to focus on the test that I did better on because the only score the admissions representatives see is the highest composite. Thanks again for everyone who responded!!