<p>Today I took the ACT and felt pretty confident in my score (33+) but of course, you can't take chances with college tests. So I'm considering taking tests in Jan and Feb to maximize my chance of doing well. </p>
<p>My question is: Should I take the January SAT, or use January to get 3 SAT IIs which are appropriate for the type of colleges I'm applying (top 20) I have a 740 SAT II Chem and took Lit and Math 1 last week, but I'm not confident that I scored 750+ on either of them. </p>
<p>If I take the Feb ACT, should I take the Jan SAT 2s? Or should I take the SAT?</p>
<p>I don’t know that the amount of emphasis place on standardized scores is worth taking them that many times. If your grades are through the roof and you have an all around awesome application-essays, ECs, recs, etc, you may be just spinning in circles. What grade are you in? Standardized scores are just a part of your picture and you are either in their league or you are not.</p>
<p>Yes, I took it in June and scored a 1930 (660 CR / 570 M / 700 W) with no prep (stupid I know, was stressed about APs). </p>
<p>@dowzerz</p>
<p>I have good grades, ECs, essays, etc…but I would like to compliment them with great test scores. My school has serious grade inflation (a 92% avg isn’t even 50th percentile in my graduating class), so I want to show colleges that my ranking in the school is based off my actual capabilities, not some grade inflation. </p>
<p>Having a high class rank can help colleges see a high GPA without automatically dismissing it as the product of grade inflation so you shouldn’t worry too much about that. It’s only a problem if you attend a non-competitive school and you have a 3.8+ GPA but are ranked in the bottom of your class.
To answer your question, a 33 will confirm that your good grades are legitimate so you don’t need to take the SAT again. A 1930 is a lot lower than what a 33 ACT corresponds to so you’d be wasting your time studying to get that up. Just focus on subject tests and , more importantly, college apps.</p>
<p>Okay then, thank you I guess I’ll be taking the SAT IIs!</p>
<p>On a side note: Would an 800 US History look better than a 750 or so Math II? I’m terrible at Math, but a lot of colleges seem to like Math II. Should I take it even though my chances of getting an 800 are slim? Or does 2 months with a Barrons book mean I have a shot?</p>
<p>800 US History looks better IMO, but with 2 months you have way more than enough time to hit 800 on Math 2. Even two weeks would be enough, especially considering the fact that you’re already at a 750.</p>
<p>Depends on the colleges you want to apply to and the strengths you want to present to them. If you want to show you’re good at math, do the Math II.</p>
<p>I agree with Handle. There is not so much mystery to it as some would have you think. What are you interested in pursuing and what are your strengths?</p>
<p>To go top 20, you are going to need a math over 600s, minimum 650 and realistically over 700. Since you havent gotten to that yet but have a possibility out there, consider the Math II, only becuae until you know you have done it, you dont have it in the bag. But most important is finding a school that you fit and that fits you. If you are having to do so much to make the numbers tell the story you want them to tell, it may not be your story to tell.</p>
<p>If you don’t intend to major in a math related field I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary that you take Math 2. I recommend it because it has one of the most lenient curves and isn’t hard to study for and do well on even if math isn’t your strongest subject. Also, keep in mind that most, if not all, colleges require 2 subject tests at most, and unless you’re applying to major in engineering, math 2 isn’t mandatory. There’s a ton of tests to choose from so take what you think will best represent your abilities and don’t feel obligated to take what you feel looks better if you’re not confident that you’ll do well.</p>
I guess I’ll be taking the SAT IIs!</p>