<p>I know many colleges say that they are "equal" and that they'll take your ACT scores in lieu of your SAT and SAT 2 scores. But how true is that? When I was on Collegeboard, it seemed like most colleges had a higher amount of people submitting the SAT's than the ACT's. </p>
<p>I know that before it use to be, in general, that the East Coast preferred the SAT's, the Midwest preferred the ACT's, and the West Coast was neutral. Does that still hold true today or do most colleges view them more equally?</p>
<p>I was curious because my ACT scores (33) were significantly higher than my SAT scores (610 CR, 730 M, 750 W) and below average SAT 2 scores (560 Bio and 740 Math 2). If I was to submit my ACT scores on the East Coast, would it hurt me compared to someone who submitted SAT scores, or would I be fine? I'm curious because I'm wondering if it's worthwhile for me to retake the SAT's again when I'm perfectly happy with my ACT scores.</p>
<p>As far as I've heard, most colleges only let the ACT be a substitute for the SAT I, not any of the SAT IIs. So you should be able to send the ACT's higher score to substitute for the SAT I without any issues, but don't send the SAT IIs and you'll be in trouble.</p>
<p>Christopher, you're incorrect. Most schools in fact let you submit the ACT in lieu of both SAT I and SAT II. Some of those schools include Yale, Brown, Vassar, and Wesleyan. You need to check the individual schools' websites to see what they require.</p>
<p>As far as preferring ACT or SAT, why would the schools lie? If they really did prefer SAT, they could easily say so. Some schools did until recently.</p>
<p>If you search these boards, you'll see that there are many kids who got into top schools with just the ACT. Send what you think will show you in the best light.</p>
<p>Christopher - the ACT in lieu of SAT and SAT II came about a couple of years ago when the ACT added an optional writing section. Most of the schools who wanted SAT IIs wanted writing and one or 2 others. With the revamp of the SAT and the addition of the writing portion of the ACT the schools realize that the ACT provides enough info for them. Just make sure you take the optional writing portion of the ACT.</p>
<p>in the midwest the ACT seems to be much more popular just by looking at the "% submitted" stats for say, UChicago vs. Cornell.</p>
<p>ACT scores at Midwest universities also tend to be higher, whether this is a result of the college's preference or just simply the popularity by region is unknown to me.</p>
<p>That's what I was thinking meow360, but I wasn't sure how colleges would view my ACT scores, which is why I made the thread. I forgot I also got a 640 on my SAT 2 in Chem, still not great or anything, but better than the 560 in Bio.</p>
<p>But I made this to try and help decide if I should take the SAT's over again in the fall, but I wasn't sure if it'd be worth it since I'd be cutting it close to the ED/EA deadlines.</p>
<p>(which is one search option on the linked page) to find the score profile for any college of interest to you. What the college reports about the score ranges in its most recent entering class will give you some idea where you stand. </p>
<p>After edit: if you want to put some early round applications in at colleges that require SAT II tests, your better return on investment from retaking tests might come from retaking the SAT IIs, rather than from retaking the SAT I.</p>