I’m considering to apply here in the fall; I have a 35 ACT, but some of my classmates tell me that it is beneficial to take the SAT as well. How big of a difference is there in the decision process?
Congratulations on your score. Your friends are wrong. There’s no need for you to take the SAT.
I’m not sure where this trend of taking both ACT and SAT started but none of the admissions representatives at the 14 schools we have toured with our daughter this year have expressed an interest in having kids take both tests. They all say that they do not have a preference between ACT and SAT.
@Sherpa is correct. Your friends are wrong, there is no benefit in taking both the SAT and ACT, especially with a 35 ACT. Congratulations!
Another data point here - my daughter (current H student) submitted her SAT scores but not her ACT, as the ACT was a state-mandated test without writing. Her score did appear on her transcript though, and Harvard noticed this and requested she submit an official score report. So in her case Harvard appears to have cared about the second test. I have no idea if this made any difference, or whether it was just a formality.
I’ll side with the others though - 35 is a great score and I wouldn’t think it’s imperative to also take the SAT.
It only provides a benefit if your first score is low. Then you try the other test, as some folks do better on one or the other.
With a 35 as your first score, obviously you rest well with ACT. I’d be afraid you’d test lower on SAT and muddy the waters, as Harvard will see both. A 35 is so close to perfect, I doubt any school even uses it as a tie breaker.
As they say in Vegas when you’re dealt a 20…stick!
35 on the ACT ='s your done! Congratulations, there is absolutely no need to take the SAT.
@HRSMom Harvard won’t see both unless you choose to send both. I agree with everyone though to not take the SAT.
@azwu331 35ACT, congrats, is high enough to apply to any colleges. At Harvard you dont need SAT when you have 35 on ACT. But keep in mind that some colleges does require SAT and SAT II so you might need to submit SAT scores to other schools you are also applying to.
@CollegeEducation - I don’t believe there are any colleges that “require” the SAT. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
I don’t know of any schools that require the SAT. All the schools we have researched fall into one of two categories: 1. Require SAT or ACT 2. Test optional There are schools that require a certain number of SAT 2s but these schools allow you to submit either SAT or ACT. There are a few schools that require you to submit scores from ALL tests that you have taken (e.g., Yale).
I thought UC (California) wants to see SAT scores, beside the SAT subject test. If I am wrong, I stand corrected!
:)>-
Seriously, submit the one where you’ve got the better score.