I plan on applying SCEA to Harvard and have just learned (through CC) that SAT II’s are no longer required.
My plan was to retake the ACT in September, SAT in October, and SAT II’s in November (since according to Harvard’s website they will still be accepted even after the SCEA deadline).
However, now I’m curious as to how much of an impact SAT II’s have along with the SAT and ACT scores that I will send.
My SAT scores: 1750 which I raised by myself to a 2150 and I plan on raising that to a 2200+
My ACT scores: 32 W-31/8; I plan on raising it to a 34-35
So basically my question is whether a lack of SAT II’s will hinder my application for Harvard(or even other Ivies) if I plan on sending both my SAT I and ACT scores. Should I just focus on both the ACT/SAT and ignore the SAT II’s altogether?
While it’s true that SAT II’s are no longer technically required, I think that they are definitely recommended for those who can afford/ have time to take them. If you test well and think that you could do well on the SAT IIs I would say definitely take them. In regards to your plan of when to take each test before the SCEA deadline, I would advise you not to retake both the SAT and the ACT. There is no need to take both tests, you should just focus on improving the score of the test that you do better on (it seems like the ACT is better for you), it definitely will not hurt you to not send in an SAT score, and by not taking so many tests in the fall, you would have a better chance of improving your scores and working on the quality of your application. Good luck!
I agree that you should focus on retaking the ACT and not retake the SAT. I also would take the subject tests. What about the other schools that you are applying to? Don’t some of them require at least two subject tests?
Thanks to both for your insights.
As August is now among us and the ACT registration deadline is tomorrow, I need more clarity on what tests I should take.
As both responses above claimed it’d be better for me to take the ACT rather than the SAT, I’m thinking that it must be best to take the ACT in September and then subject tests in October (relieving me of some stress by avoiding a Nov. test date).
The reason that I’m so hesitant is the fact that my EC’s are somewhat lacking so I keep thinking it might be better to cover not so pretty EC’s with pretty test scores. (Also CollegeBoard is apparently waiving fees for SAT Oct. test for students who took the June SAT, which is kinda appealing)(not that money is an issue but you save where you can 
)
I really just need a plan because I’m not sure what to do. School’s about to start soon and I can feel the stress creeping in, just waiting for the right moment to suffocate me. I love you guys, thanks.
(Also I noticed that this may not have anything to do directly with Harvard, but cut me some slack) 
I’m not sure I understand what you’re confused about? You say that you want good test scores to replace your weak extracurriculars (which probably won’t happen even if you get a 36, sorry). We’re trying to tell you that you should focus on just the ACT rather than trying to take the SAT too… If you spend enough time preparing for the ACT you should get a better score. You don’t have to send every single test score to Harvard, so if you get a 34-35 you can just send that and you don’t have to send past test scores. I don’t think there’s any benefit to sending scores on both tests (or if there is it’s minimal).
Instead of preparing for the ACT SAT and subject tests, use your extra time to really improve your ACT score and do well on the subject tests. Based on everything you’ve said I think you should take the September ACT and the October subject tests. You can take the November SAT if you want but I think your time would be better served on other aspects of your application.