Is it worth taking the ACT?

Test Preparation
1

<p>hi everyone. i've taken the SAT two times, each with no prep. the first time i got a 2190, the second, well, i did a bit worse, i messed up in the CR and went down to 2130 but my math and writing were slightly higher.</p>

<p>first time:
reading: 790
math: 710
writing: 690</p>

<p>second time:
reading: 700
math: 720
writing: 710 </p>

<p>so, superscored, i have a 2220.</p>

<p>several of my close friends have taken the ACT and done much better. two got in the 1950-1990 range on their SATs and came away with a 32 and 33 composite ACT. i'm told that's very good.</p>

<p>in my situation, should i bother taking the ACT? or are my SAT scores fine as-is for admission? i'm looking to major in chemical engineering and applying to (in order from safe to reach schools) university of maryland college park, university of delaware, johns hopkins, carnegie mellon, columbia, and MIT.</p>

<p>i've heard that the ACT reflects different strengths, and my strength has always that i'm very well-rounded - pretty good at everything, not a standout anywhere. so i would like to take it. but i have AP tests, several subject tests, etc. to pay for and take and i'd rather not take another standardized test if it is unnecessary.</p>

<p>thoughts? :) also, if i were to sit for the ACT, what should i try to get?</p>

<p>thank you all so much.</p>

2

<p>Try to get as high as you can. I got a 2220 on my SAT as well, and ended up with a pathetic 32. I’m going back to the SAT (because more people use it, and it’s fairly new to colleges).</p>

3

<p>

I have no idea what you mean by that. The SAT is not new to colleges. I took it over 30 years ago.</p>

<p>OP, it can’t hurt to try the ACT if you want to. Your SATs are certainly good. You might do better on the ACT.</p>

4

<p>you might as well but do NOT autosend the scores. if the act comes out well, great, send it in and show them you can do both tests. if it doesnt, they never need to know ;)</p>