SAT (and?) ACT

Test Preparation
1

<p>Hey folks I have what seems to be an over asked but rarely answered question: Should I take the SAT and the ACT or the SAT or the ACT? I'm a junior now planning on taking these tests (whether both or only one of them) as late as possible, i.e. June. Which option should I take?</p>

<p>Each time I've asked someone or researched the differences between SAT and ACT I've come across different information. I took the PSAT and scored in the 92nd percentile without studying (or knowing virtually anything about it admittedly, I didn't even know that omitting an answer did not result in a point deduction). I felt good about this, yet at the same time I don't think studying for the SAT drastically improves scores... </p>

<p>I have not taken the PLAN or been exposed to the ACT much, but the general consensus that I've been exposed to is that the ACT is quite easy and the essays are more opinion and argument based which I excel at.</p>

<p>Now since I know the colleges I will be applying to (and most in the nation) don't prefer one over the other, which should I choose? I was advised by my counselor to take both, and I think I'm leaning towards this option. Should I just study up and take both of them, or am I more suited for one of them? I was thinking of taking both and not sending in my scores until I find out which I did better on then just sending in whichever one that is, will this work? On that note, how much does it cost to send SAT / ACT scores?</p>

<p>Thanks for any help guys.</p>

2

<p>Can you take both and then send whichever score is better? That seems like the best option.</p>

3

<p>That’s what I was thinking. How much does it cost to send SAT/ACT scores? I’m guessing I need to pay for a process and not just a postage stamp… A little off topic but on the same note: can anyone tell me how much it takes to send AP scores as well? Thanks a lot.</p>

4

<p>Take both. It costs $9.50 (IIRC) to send your SAT scores if you don’t choose the colleges (up to four) before you actually take the test.</p>

<p>Oh and shouldn’t your AP scores show up on your transcript? I wasn’t aware that you had to have them sent separately.</p>

5

<p>Thanks for the estimate Dnerd. About the AP tests: I was told that they were only sent out for free if you filled in the code of the college you wanted to send it to while taking the test (which was only one for free). This may be wrong but that’s what I was told, could anyone verify?</p>

6

<p>This is true, but very few schools expect you to send an official AP score report as part of the application (only once you’ve been admitted and would like AP credit).</p>