<p>I’m not regretting it.</p>
<p>The SATs are not a measure of intelligence or any kind of practical knowledge. Virtually all they test is your ability to take them. I think it’s ridiculous to make the claim that they’re an indication of your ability to succeed either in college or in the real world. The first time I took the SATs I did terrible on the math, while people I know who are clearly less good at mathematics received excellent math scores. I also received an 800 in CR going in cold while friends of mine who have a much better command of language did poorly. Unfortunately, college admissions in the US is largely based on these useless tests, and the students who can afford tutoring for them perform better and receive more scholarship money. The entire system is absurd.</p>
<p>Well with the high competition in US universities, the colleges need some kind of objective data to use in order to sort out the applicants. And it’s not like they only look at test scores - they put much consideration in EC’s and essays too. Not to sound mean, but if you don’t like the US system, you can apply to universities in other countries instead</p>
<p>@maquina i know its a little late but if you had trouble with SAT math you should try ACT math. i dont know why, i think its cause it involves a little more trig, but i really liked the ACT math and my score improved (from a 710 SAT math to 36 ACT math)</p>
<p>regarding the interview, i had a great experience, really connected with my person and we barely talked at all about chicago. he said i would be a great fit. i wish interviews had more of an affect on decisions, but unfortunately they dont really, so thats good for people who didnt have interviews</p>
<p>I gotta say, although SAT doesn’t always measure intelligence perfectly, it does to certain degree. Before I start studying for SAT CR, my score was around 400 on mock exam as an ESL student. I studied CR extensively, learned a LOT and got mid 700s on the test. I really felt huuugeee improvement in my English ability and grammar after studying for it.</p>
<p>As for ACT, it’s outrageous how easy ACT is compared to SAT for Asians (east Asians for me). If I had known ACT before I spent so much time on SAT, I would have gone for ACT. Reading and writing are much easier. 8 of my friends from my country got 34+ on ACT and none of them was even close to 2000 in SAT. A grade 7 kid got 36 on it easily. I see no point of ACT. All it has is easier reading and writing. SAT 2 cover math/science. I really think university should put less weight on ACT because it doesn’t measure one’s English ability as accurately as in SAT.</p>
<p>For me in the Midwest, I can count on one hand the amout of people who have taken SATs. ACT is significantly more popular and easier to schedule. As someone who knows people who struggled with the ACT I wouldn’t say it’s easy…</p>
<p>I’m in the Midwest, and I only took SAT for National Merit, but I felt that it was much easier to take than the ACT. But then I only got 2180 on SAT but I got 35 on ACT</p>
<p>I think it is definitely easier for East Asians, either internationals or overseas who have grown in similar culture. Because Asians are taught to memorize and study effectively, they are very good at studying for math/science. However, Reading and writing are probably their weakest part. Since ACT made reading/writing easier than SAT’s, my friends (EAst asians, again) are getting crazy scores even with poor English ability. It’s not that I’m jealous but ACT often hardly measures one’s English ability.</p>
<p>But I’m sure admission officers are talented and keen enough to catch such trend, and put it in consideration. But seriously, gr 7 East Asian kid only with decent English gets 36?</p>
<p>standardized tests in general are a poor measurement of academic potential. I think UChicago realizes this, and hence, puts the emphasis on their essays.</p>
<p>I agree with nebraskagal, and in Illinois, we’re required to take a state exam that includes the ACT. Since the ACT is the more prominent test in the Midwest area, it’s just convenient for us to use it, especially for applying to schools within the region, rather than taking the SAT in addition to it. Also, HateSMUS, it is not necessarily an easier test - both just use slightly different ways to assess intelligence. I know people who thought ACT would be easy compared to SAT, but then they took the science portion and scored pretty low. Also, please refrain from saying “for Asians” because it might be offensive to others who may mistake the phrase as having a negative stereotypical connotation</p>
<p>I’m regretting not having tried out the ACT now. Oh well. I can always transfer. Thank you for the advice!</p>
<p>Yes, I would say it doesn’t measure potential at all. But I think it’s a good way to measure test-takers’ reading and grammar skills.</p>
<p>Agree with HateSMUS. Obviously the test measures something, and has it’s uses in the college admissions process. I’m just saying I think people take it to be more meaningful than it actually is far too much. I’ve been trying to start a tutoring program at my school so that lower income students at least have more of an even shot at scoring well and receiving scholarship money. Just the idea that that money is often awarded only to those who can afford intensive prep for it just seems so perverse to me.</p>
<p>i dont think one ethnicity (asians for example) does inherently better on one or another test, unless you have stats
i think the tests are just different on an individual level. but the change isnt great, and probably wont make a difference in your admissions either way
i liked the ACT better, and i went from a 2270 SAT to a 36 ACT… not that big a difference</p>
<p>35 ACT*
i was one point away from a 36 composite :/</p>
<p><em>sighs</em> I can’t believe UChicago still hasn’t told us when we’re getting our decisions. :/</p>
<p>I met some people of my ethnicity who didn’t do well on both ACT and SAT. I’ve seen people who took ACT and scored better on than on SAT. However, I’ve never seen the opposite. Just my experience :S I think it’s more similar to as how ‘good’ Asians are described as at math. It’s quite generalized and not true for certain cases, but it’s a trend that ESL Asian has a better shot at ACT. Just by looking at reading sections, I personally found critical reading passage and questions more complex and contain harder vocabulary.</p>
<p>i mean, im irish and i got a 36 on reading</p>
<p>@AwkwardPenguin I know!! I’m not one to freak out about decision dates, etc…but…GAH AT LEAST TELL ME WHEN IT’S COMING! :/</p>