<p>I got my first ACT scores back today:
31 composite 24 english 36 math 30 reading 32 science
and I already have taken the SAT twice with these scores:
2060 composite 620 critical reading 800 math 640 writing</p>
<p>I want to take either test one more time and I can't decide which test to take because many score conversion charts say they are practically equivalent. I personally feel like it would be easier to improve the SAT score; however, I dont know if it would look bad taking it for a third time. I really want to improve my scores because I plan to apply early decision at DUKE. HELPPPPP!</p>
<p>Considering only statistics of people who improve would indicate that you should take the ACT again. The % of people who improve with a second sitting of the ACT is close to 50%, whereas the % of people who improve with a third sitting of the SAT is much lower. But, what’s true for everyone isn’t as important as what’s true for you. if you believe you have a better shot at improving your SAT score, then retake the SAT. The fact that you have a third sitting at the SAT should not adversely affect your admissions review.</p>
<p>I see where you are coming from but the main reason why I think I can improve my SAT the most is because my first attempt without prep (I dont know why) was cr 610 m 710 w 510 and my second attempt all I had was little prep (3 practice tests). I think with a third SAT attempt I could improve my writing to a 700+ and cr to 680+ with enough practice. Then again I could always take both if I need to.</p>
<p>I just took a practice ACT english section out of princeton review and got a 29 subscore which is a 5 point increase. However, this would only increase my composite by 1.25. Niceday Do you still think I should take the ACT again</p>
<p>It seems you don’t take SAT seriously and did no prep or little prep before taking the test. No matter which one you are going to retake, make sure you spend more effort in preparation. Try a series of practice tests on both and see which one you perform better.</p>
<p>It depends on the ability of the students. There are those get 2300+ with no preparation. And there are those spend 30+ hours and still performed below average. A very “serious” student may take a prep class (at least 18 hours) and 10-20 practice tests. A regularly serious student with average ability would at least get a book and go through all the practice tests in it. Here is what I cited from testmaster.com:</p>
<p>*Be Prepared Before You to Take the SAT</p>
<p>It often happens that students will sign up for the SAT without any preparation, just to see what their score will be. They’re thinking, “Well if I get a bad score, I’ll just take it again!”</p>
<p>Do not have that mentality! Once your SAT score is on your College Board file, it will always be sent to colleges anytime you send a score report. The best thing to do is to prepare for the SAT as much as possible before signing up for the real thing. An athlete would never play in a game without preparation beforehand, and you should not take the SAT “for fun” without previous preparation.*</p>
<p>I applied to Duke with a 32 ACT and was rejected this year. I didn’t study for it except for 3 hours the day before and I completely regret not studying for it. I’m not saying that a high score is required to get in, but you want a high score so that you have a better chance of getting admitted. </p>
<p>If you’re really serious about wanting to get into Duke, you need to study your butt off and do AMAZING on standardized tests like the SAT & ACT. Don’t retake any of those tests again until you have studied really hard because you’re reaching the point where if you score badly on your next try, taking it another time to score better wouldn’t look good. </p>
<p>It’s do or die. Just kidding, but really. You need to study your butt off this time and take it seriously or you will be risking your chances of getting into Duke.</p>
<p>Thank you for the great advice melted! Now, I am definitely determined to study like crazy to kill these tests. Sorry to hear about getting rejected to Duke, but do you have any advice for the application process regarding Duke.</p>
<p>Billcsho: I appreciate the advice! I will plan to read all of the Up Your Score book and take all the practice tests in the blue book. I really don’t want to mess this up!</p>