Re-take SATs or take more SAT subject tests before EA deadline?

<p>From my understanding, if I end up applying Early Action to schools next year with the deadline of November 1st, any standardized tests that i want to submit have to be taken before that deadline. There are two test dates for College Board in the fall, one in October which falls comfortably before the deadline and the other on November 1st.</p>

<p>My first question is whether or not I will be able to report the November 1st test scores to schools to be considered for EA?</p>

<p>If that is not possible, then my dilemma is whether to re-take the SATs to try and boost my previous score of 2020 (730 Math, 650 Reading, 640 Writing), or take 3 SAT subject tests, Math (1 or 2), Lit, and one more to be decided. I have already taken the US History and I got a 680, so it's usable. My ACT composite score is a 33, which I don't plan on taking again and will be sending in. All of that considered, which would be more beneficial to take, assuming that the one I do take I will do well on? The SAT subject tests or SATs?</p>

<p>Check what each school requires for testing and permits for timely early applications.</p>

<p>"assuming the one I do take I will do well on"? In that case, I would say SATII, as your ACT score looks competitive for most and school. Keep in mind however, that most people advise against taking three subject tests in one day (and you'll find only a handful of schools require 3, most that want SATII's are happy with two), for fear of a)too much study, not enough study time b)burnout after sitting through all the tests.</p>

<p>As to the Q about November test dates, I think that depends on the particular university. I think however, that most will take November scores.</p>

<p>I heard most colleges don't mind, and you can always pay to rush them (so they get processed in 5 days and sent to the colleges).</p>

<p>Harvard and a lot of other colleges say that they don't get rushed scores any sooner than regular service scores. Most scores are sent to most colleges these days electronically.</p>

<p>The two schools I'm <em>considering</em> applying Early Action to are Georgetown and Boston College. For both of the schools, it seems as if the November test date will not be ready in time for EA applications (BC said it explicitly, Georgetown was more vague but it seems like it wouldn't be in time). For Regular Decision, Georgetown requires 3 SAT subject tests regardless of taking the ACT, but BC allows the substitution of the ACT for 2 SAT subject tests.</p>

<p>Knowing this, I'm still not sure which would be the better course of action, SAT subject tests in October or retaking the SAT. Because neither are required, it's now just an issue of which would possibly help my chances more: a (hopefully) higher score than 2020 on re-taking the SATs or potentially good/decent scores on at least 2 SAT subject tests.</p>

<p>keep in mind that Georgetown is extremely lenient on SATII's for EA candidates</p>

<p>I do realize that, so what I'm wondering is if a better score (than 2020) on my SATs would help, or would some good scores on SAT subject tests help more? I guess I just don't know how colleges consider SAT subject tests, as in if some more SAT subject tests and a good ACT score is better than a good SAT and ACT score?</p>

<p>Have you looked at how your SAT score compares to your ACT? There are conversion charts for that, and I am thinking that your 33 ACT is very, very "useable". Why not just go with that and take the rest of your subject tests, rather than retake SATs?</p>

<p>
[quote]
more SAT subject tests and a good ACT score is better than a good SAT and ACT score?

[/quote]

Typically, they will use the higher of the ACT or SAT. </p>

<p>Also, you could consider retaking the ACT. It isn't given on the same day as the SATs, plus you have score choice with that.</p>

<p>According to a chart developed by the University of California, a 33 composite on the ACTs is comparable to 2220-2270 on the SAT. With that in mind, it seems as if SAT subject scores would benefit me more because I'm not sure if I could even do better on the SAT the second time around. And it's possible but not probable that I'd take the ACTs again. Being in the Northeast, I generally would have to drive further away to find a testing site.</p>

<p>Then I would :
1. take the subject tests.
2. possibly retake the ACT
3. submit the subject tests with the highest ACT score, for those that require the subject tests.
4. submit only the highest ACT for those that don't, if I didn't love my subject test scores.</p>

<p>Keep in mind, this assumes that you took the ACT with writing, to sub. for the subject tests.</p>

<p>Also, you probably already know, you have to decide between Georgetown and BC EA, because they are mutually exclusive.</p>

<p>Good luck, tell us how it all turned out.</p>

<p>It was my understanding that Georgetown and BC's Early Action programs are not Restricted in any way?</p>

<p>Georgetown: Students applying to Georgetown under our Early Action program may not concurrently apply to a binding Early Decision program, although they may make multiple Early Action applications.</p>

<p>BC: Students are free to apply to other Early Action and Regular Decision programs.</p>

<p>^
if that is straight from the colleges, then that's my bad. I may have been inserting ED into the equation. Sorry!</p>

<p>Haha that's no problem, I was just making sure that I wasn't confused. And no need to be sorry, you've given me some good advice so thank you.</p>

<p>One last question: I read somewhere that if I want to submit my subject scores that my SAT reasoning test scores will also be sent. Is that true/is there any other way tot do it?</p>

<p>^
Yes, SAT sends EVERYTHING. They are changing that for the class of 2010.
But if you are a rising senior, you are sol in that regard.</p>

<p>Again, with your ACT score where it is, I wouldn't worry too much.</p>

<p>I have the same problem as you do OP. My solution: don't apply EA. Applying RD will allow me to get all of my scores the way I want them and not rush the process. I would rather apply RD with stellar scores in everything than EA with mediocre scores.</p>