<p>Browsing this forum, I've noticed that some people have implied that if you submit the ACT you don't need subject tests. Is this true? If so, would submitting them anyway be advantageous? It would probably help me a little because I have a good ACT score but a slightlyless impressive scores on SAT IIs.</p>
<p>Each college has its own requirements and preferences for standardized testing. It's important to not generalize about requirements since each college will be quite specific in what they want.</p>
<p>If a school will accept EITHER the SAT or ACT scores, I think it makes sense to send the scores that will give you the advantage, i.e., the best of EITHER the SAT or the ACT scores -- not both. If you have not clearly done measurably better on one test vs. the other, you have the option of then of sending what that school most prefers -- either the SAT or the ACT. It becomes obvious which test score is the comparatively higher of the two. If you are not certain, ask your Guidance Counselor to help you make that comparison. If you are uncertain which test a school prefers, phone or e-mail an admissions office of a college, and ask which standardized test they prefer. (This is information generally available at the school's website, under Admissions or Prospective Students.)</p>
<p>Each college will also have requirements specific to whether or not SAT Subject Tests (formerly SAT II) are required in addition to the SAT Reasoning Test (formerly SAT I) and/or the ACT. Many schools who will accept the ACT standardized test are also wanting the Writing test.</p>
<p>It begins with identifying colleges of interest to you, and then determining those colleges testing requirements/preferences. If in fact you feel your ACT scores are superior, then send those and do not have the College Board sent your SAT scores to that particular school.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Overwhelming majority of colleges do not require SAT II's or even use them.</p></li>
<li><p>However, many of your high ranked colleges do.</p></li>
<li><p>Go to the following to see a good list of colleges that either require, recommend, or consider SAT II's: </p></li>
</ol>
<p>You will see in the required column that the number often has an asterisk * next to it. That means the particular college accepts the ACT (with writing) in lieu of both the SAT and SAT II's. The ones without an * in the required column require II's even if you submit the ACT. In the recommend column, those that recommend SAT II's recommend them even if you submit the ACT. Note two changes to the list: Duke is shown as requiring the II's but accepting the ACT in lieu of both the SAT and SAT II's; Duke has changed to recommending rather than requiring II's and recommends them now even if you submit the ACT. Virginia, which used to require II's, also now recommends them instead.</p>
<p>Ok - so NorCalDad said do NOT send in both scores. What if I have almost perfect SAT II's (2390) and a perfect ACT (36) but a not-so-perfect SAT (2260)? Should I send in both? Will the 2260 detract from my 36? (If it's important, both are second time tests)</p>
<p>julyinoh,</p>
<p>Let me clarify, send in those scores that give you an advantage, and if you did exceptionally well on both SAT and ACT, then yes, send in both sets of scores because that would provide a reinforcement of your academic ability.</p>
<p>As you know, an ACT score of 36 is as high as you can get. If a school accepts either of the ACT or SAT (normally a school does NOT require both), then you have an advantage in sending in only your ACT score of 36 (vs. sending in your SAT I score of 2260).</p>
<p>That said, if you are also having to take SAT Subject Tests, you should understand that the College Board will send in ALL scores for ALL test dates that they have available -- i.e., including all SAT I and SAT II scores. In that case, you have no choice because the College Board does not offer the option of selectively sending in specific scores.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Will the 2260 detract from my 36? (If it's important, both are second time tests)
[/quote]
I don't believe the 2260 will detract ... they will hopefully see your abilities, and standardized testing is only one measure of your abilities. At any rate, if the SAT Subject Tests are a requirement for the college that interests you, you will not have a choice. Also, the ACT score of 36 will pop out at them certainly. The "second time" testing will not be relevant to the adcoms.</p>
<p>Drusba's comments are very useful... especially the link. Ultimately, because schools can change in their requirements from year to year, always refer to a specific college's testing requirements for admission. If you have any doubts, most admissions departments are willing to answer specific questions by either phone/e-mail.</p>
<p>My d has 2250 SAT I scores, 33 ACT scores, but her SAT IIs are lower (Math I 710, Lit 600, Chem 560). She wants to submit both the SAT and ACT scores to the schools that require SAT IIs.</p>
<p>Thoughts?</p>
<p>At some schools - the ACT will cover the requirement for the SAT II's - due to have the science component.</p>
<p>We submitted both - and it covered the bases needed. Check with the school tho to make sure this is the case.</p>
<p>Actually qualified for Honors due to the ACT score - found that interesting.</p>