SAT or ACT?

Test Preparation
1

<p>I am a junior in high school, and I have taken both the SAT and the ACT once. On my SAT I got a 1940 (580 reading, 710 Math, and 650 writing). On my ACT I got a 32 (34 Math, 36 Science, 29 Reading, 29 Writing). Needless to say, I did much better on the ACT and feel that it works more to my strengths. I plan on taking more tests this year, but I do not know which one I should take. Should I focus on ACTs and play to my clear strengths, or should I take another SAT to try to improve on the "black-eye" from my last test? Will colleges even look at it, or can I only report my ACT scores?</p>

2

<p>As long as you took the act plus writing I think that’s all you need</p>

3

<p>Focus on the ACT and retake it instead of the SAT. If you do choose to report your SAT score to colleges, it will most likely be disregarded because of your higher ACT score.</p>

4

<p>Check the schools you wish to apply. A few (very few) schools require ALL scores of BOTH the SAT/ACT. My son did better on the ACT, but will retake the SAT because 1 school requires both.</p>

<p>For US News ratings, the SAT CR/Math are very important, the ACT does not come into play. If any of your schools are obviously trying to improve the US News ratings, be mindful. You’ll either want to:

  1. work to strongly improve the SAT CR b/c of these schools or
  2. want to be sure the schools do not require all test or
  3. consider dropping the school or naming it to a higher reach catergory.</p>

<p>The entire system is a game. Your “win” result is admittance. Many colleges “win” result is to improve their standings, even if they say they do not care about standings. Your best strategy is to maximize your application so both parties win.</p>

<p>If you plan to major in a STEM field, your ACT science score is certainly something you wish the colleges to see.</p>

<p>So - I am trying to say, look at your list of college choices careful.</p>