Both my SAT and ACT are sort of in…awkward score ranges. I took both of them once after self-studying with online materials (Khan Academy for the SAT and online practice tests for the ACT) (and I bought a prep book for the SAT), though I believe I prepped for SAT a lot more than the ACT. I got a 1540 and 34. I plan on EDing at UPenn; are these scores okay? I am signed up for the October SAT (at my parents’ insistence), though I really do not want to take it (I don’t have time to study atm).
Those are great scores and they are very comparable. However, higher score would not hurt if you have already signed up. Your current score is within the mid 50. For competitive schools, one should aim at the 75th percentile or above unless you have a very strong application, legacy, or hooks.
@billcsho thank you. I’m a bit concerned about doing worse the second time on the SAT… My math score was lower than my practice runs (on average), but my reading score was the highest it’s ever been.
A small drop in section score does not really matter. Schools usually look for the best section (if superscore) or composite score from your submission.
Oh wow we had the exact same scores on both tests haha. When I visited UPenn I had the chance to do a one-on-one sit-down with the admissions counselor for my region for a whole hour. During that time I asked him about my scores and he said that they were good. He kinda let me in on an adcom secret that standardized testing scores really aren’t all that important as people sometimes make them out to be. “Less important than you think, but more important than you want.” They use the scores more as a benchmark first to make sure that applicants are academically competitive and can handle the rigor of the school, but they aren’t a huge factor once you already fall into the school’s score range.
I just recently retook the ACT so hopefully my score raises, I never did any preparation for either of the tests though since I don’t like how rushed they feel. I’m also signed up for the October SAT but I’m going to be taking the SAT Subject Tests. Best of luck to both of us!
@MyDogsNameIsFat lol what a coincidence. Good to hear that our scores are past some threshold 
1540 and 34 are both 50% though, and I hear it’s best to aim for the 75% range. Well, we have more things to worry about (agh those essays). Yes, good luck to us! btw are you applying ED to UPenn?
The 75th percentiles for Penn’s incoming class for the new SAT are 750 EW and 770 math and those are superscored numbers. That’s a 1520. I’m not sure where you’re getting your info. Just google “Penn SAT” to find these stats. They are published by the school itself.
@homerdog really?? Huh. Thanks for the info; I’m a bit less stressed now haha
@Yarnweaver Omg these essays are killing me ugh. And nah I’m not going to apply to UPenn, it’s my younger sister that’s really into that school.
@MyDogsNameIsFat which schools are you interested in then?
Update: got a 8/12 on my ACT essay. Should I just submit my SAT (I got a full score on the essay)?
Oops sorry late reply, I’ve been trying to focus on school haha. I’d love to go to Yale, that’s where I’m applying EA, but a little more realistically Tufts or Northwestern. You could look at the thread I have to see some of the others
just submit the sat, your score is in the upper tier