I’m currently 23 and enrolled in community college. It took a while, but I found something I’m passionate about and I am considering pursuing a PhD in that field. I got a 4.0 in my first semester and think it’s looking likely that I’ll be able to do that again this semester. I’d love to try to transfer to a top ranked undergraduate program in the field I’m interested in.
I was a mediocre student in high school, but did very well on standardized tests and scored a 35 on the ACT. Is it worth it to retake that or the SAT? I’ve heard that old scores are given less weight, and as test-taking is one of my strong suits, I could try retaking it. I just did a practice SAT and got a 1500, but I think I might be able to push that close to perfect by buying a Barron’s book and studying hard. I’m also in my second semester of college Chem and Calc. Would taking the Math and Chem SAT IIs just be a breeze that bumps my viability?
There is no point in taking either test. At this stage, colleges will be far more interested in your college grades, recommendations, work experience, and anything else you are involved in.
^What @Lindagaf said is true, but 100% confirm with each school’s website that they don’t require SAT/ACT scores from transfer applicants–you don’t want to end up not being able to apply because of a missing score.
The more college course work you complete, the less anything based on high school (including SAT, ACT, SAT subject tests) will matter, if it matters at all. Check each college you are considering transferring to whether it wants anything based on high school.
The exception would be AB/IB/etc. scores, if the college you are applying to transfer to accepts them to fulfill requirements or give credit (based on its policies, not the policies of your current college).
@PikachuRocks15 , this applicant HAS an ACT score of 35. One, the ACT has changed little in quite a few years. Colleges know this. Two, if a college requires it, he has it. Three, at 23 years old, it is highly unlikely any college is going to require him to submit a new score. The tests are purposely designed for high school students. Tests taken by adults are probably not going to carry quite as much weight, especially from a current college student studying those subjects.
OP, will you have completed a full year of study at CC by the time you transfer? You mentioned two college courses right now, but I’m guessing you are taking a couple of others? That will be a bigger issue.
Thanks for the advice all! UPenn specifically mentions it has to be taken within the last 5 years, but I could also just not apply there. Even with a 4.0 it’s likely a huge reach. @Lindagaf I’m a full time student right now. At my current pace I’ll be set to graduate with an associates after the fall 2021 semester. Was planning on applying to schools as a junior transfer for fall 2022 and looking for a job/internship in the 9 months I’ll have off.
OP, U Penn also says SAT/ACT— OPTIONAL.