<p>Let's start with some raw numbers...</p>
<p>April 10th ACT: E32, M34, R34, S27, W10, Composite 32, E&W 31
April 23rd ACT (Illinois PSAE): E34, M31, R31, S31, W9, Composite 32, E&W 32
ACT Superscore: 33.25</p>
<p>May 1st SAT: R750, M660, W800 (E11/MC80), Total 2210</p>
<p>The main question I have is whether or not it is worth it to take another SAT. Although a 2210/2400 is somewhat decent, the score is greatly weakened due to the fact that my perfect score was in the writing section, which I heard that many schools simply discount. Instead of getting similar scores in each section, I bombed the math section and ended up in the 88th percentile (!!!) in that section while doing well in reading and writing. I am positive that if I retook the SAT, I could greatly improve my math score but I also don't think I could repeat my perfect writing score or good reading score. I was thinking I could see how I did the second time and if my improvement in math didn't outweigh potential drops in the other subjects, I could use score choice and not send it. However, I heard many colleges consider it sneaky and suspicious to use score choice and I don't want to appear dishonest on my college application.</p>
<p>If it turns out that it IS in fact a bad idea to take a second SAT, then which test(s) should I send to colleges? I could also take a third and final ACT but I don't believe I could improve too much considering I'm absolutely horrible at the science section.</p>
<p>Finally, when should I start sending test scores? If I'm planning to take any more tests, should I wait until I take those or simply send the ones I have right away? Any help with any of this would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>Depending on which schools you’re planning on applying to, I would say that your ACT scores should do the trick. However, i notice that your separate scores on the ACT are like…up and down. Perhaps if you can retake it with, say, 34E, 34M, 34R and 31S, your composite at one sitting would go UP! I’m basing that off of your current 2 ACTs.</p>
<p>As for when to start sending scores or how many, I am unsure. Sorry.</p>
<p>MY QUESTION: How do YOU approach the reading/science sections? They’re my weaknesses and I’d like some tips :)</p>
<p>What schools are you aiming for?</p>
<p>Is money a concern (because some schools give better FA and/or merit to high scores)?</p>
<p>How would a school possibly think using score choice is sneaky and suspicious? The school has the option, not ALL superscore. If they are not in favor of it they certainly can request your highest single test date. Keep in mind, not all schools that accept the ACT will superscore. Check that out before you make a decision based on that.
Are you taking any SAT2 subject tests? A high score on the Math2 helps to put a SAT M score under 700 in a much better light.</p>
<p>@Mycoalwin: I have no rhyme or reason to how I approach the science test. I always look at the questions first and only read a passage/diagram if the question necessitates it. The reading I approach with a more structured strategy. One could say that the passages could be ranked from abstract to concrete as fiction, humanities, social science, physical science. I perform well in the “middle” of this scale, so I always do it in the order of social science, humanities, fiction, physical science to make sure I have time to answer all the questions I’m best at first. I next read the title and description and then skim the questions, marking in the text any reference to a specific line or word (doing this helps prevent me from zoning out, formerly a major problem of mine). Finally, I read the passage start to finish at a moderate pace and then answer the questions. I find I usually have more time than I think and don’t really need to rush at all. Depending on how fast you know you can read and retain, you should pace accordingly.</p>
<p>@mom2collegekids: I have a few fallbacks but my reaches are Michigan, Northwestern, Georgetown, UChicago, and WashU. Money is not a concern but financial help WOULD be great.</p>
<p>@blueiguana: I am planning to take the Math 2 subject test, so I’m glad to hear possibly doing well in that will help. The reason I’m hesitant to take another SAT is that a simple google search for “Should I use score choice?” yields extremely mixed results. If I end up bombing an SAT or my score just declines a bit, the idea that some schools (ones who require you to send all scores) would see it scares me. I only want to take a test if it can only leave me better off, not if there’s a possibility of being worse off.</p>