<p>We are so puzzled... DS got a 217 selection index on the PSAT, 99 percentile, then a composite of 30 on the ACT. Science was the section with the lower score on the ACT, so he decided the SAT might be the better test for him. Took the SAT in June and was shocked by his low scores--CR 640, WR 640, M 590! He has plans to retake both tests and is taking the college board online SAT prep. </p>
<p>Any advice for us? Should he just go for the ACT? Does his low score on the SAT sound like a fluke? We'd like to get some individualized advice for him, but we live in the sticks and Kaplan type online personal tutoring is way too expensive.</p>
<p>I would do the SAT again because the PSAT is really similar and he’s shown that he can score high. How long after did he take the SAT? I managed to score a 205 on the PSAT in October, yet I didn’t prep or anything for the March SAT and my score went down to a 2030. Yet I took it in June and got a 2220, so he may be similar to me.</p>
<p>I’m not sure about the ACT, I’ve never taken it…</p>
<p>This question has been asked on CC many times. Do a search and you’ll find the threads. The short answer is no, the ACT is not easier than the SAT. The vast majority of students score about the same relative to their peers on both tests, although some do significantly better on one test than the other. Since all colleges and universities will accept either test, an applicant should submit the scores for the test on which he/she did best.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. I’m going to cruise around the forum and look for those who posted SAT scores and see how many have scores radically different from one test date to another. Didn’t realize you could have a “bad day” to that extent!
Any additional info/advice appreciated!</p>