Received ACT score. Should D even take the SAT now?

Test Preparation
1

I apologize if this has been answered umpteen times: My daughter recently received her October ACT scores (C34 - E:35 M:35 R:35 S:32 and Writing:29). We are in IL, and she will have to take the ACT a second time at her school in March, hoping to raise her composite by a point (although they don’t take it with Writing b/c the state, who I think pays for the test, is too cheap).

I’m wondering now if she needs to worry about taking the SAT, or if she can skip it? We are doing the ‘merit dance’, hoping to find scholarships at whatever schools to which she applies. It seems everyone accepts the ACT, so I’m not sure if there is an advantage to sit for the SAT if she’s got a merit-qualifying ACT score (Writing score is a little low, but not sure that matters).

The one(?) caveat is that she may need a confirming SAT score, but I’m not sure we’ll be able to figure this out once we get her PSAT score back in December, especially with the new format/scoring. I’m not sure this is even a factor at this point.

So, taking NMS out of the picture: Should she spend some time and take the SAT just in case, or use her time to do other things?

2

Don’t bother with the SAT. A 34 ACT is great and if she can get it to a 35 then that’s even greater. Better to focus her energy on that one extra ACT point instead of taking another test entirely. If she does end up qualifying for National Merit then she’ll have the opportunity to take the October or November SAT and will probably get the confirming SAT score with ease.

3

The SAT is not necessary unless you need to confirm the PSAT for NMF. ALL schools accept either the SAT or ACT.