<p>Should I retake my SAT if I got a score of 1190 (just CR and Math)-1850 with writing;9 on essay and I got a 30 on the ACT with writing, 8 on essay, which apparently is around the same as a 1350 SAT (just CR and Math)?</p>
<p>I want to apply to UCD, UCI, UCLA, UCB, UCSD, and Cal Poly (SLO).</p>
<p>Thank you so much!</p>
<p>Your ACT would most likely suffice, but if you feel that you can GREATLY increase your SAT score, then you might spend another 4 hours doing that. (Studies show that a second try at any test = higher score…)</p>
<p>You might want to change study tactics though. This: [The</a> Test Prep Series- Nerld Blog](<a href=“http://www.nerld.com/blog/the-test-prep-series/]The”>http://www.nerld.com/blog/the-test-prep-series/) is a great series on how to study for the standardized tests, I suggest you check it out.</p>
<p>forget SATs, you scored in like the 79th percentile which is not very impressive at all. Adding 100 points still only gets you into the mid 80s. Don’t even send them to colleges. Your ACT on the other hand is really pretty strong with a 30 putting you in the 95th percentile. Take a prep course focussing on your weaker sub-score areas, and retake the ACTs. If you can get it to 32, you will be in the 99th percentile. Assuming the rest of your credentials are strong, you will be in great shape for acceptance at selective schools and/or merit aid.</p>
<p>croinpa has a point, but you might not need to take a prep course. In fact, some people are strongly against such things as they are costly and (it seem to them) highly ineffective. Check the link I gave you and give it a try. Sometimes, dedication in studying is all you need.</p>
<p>Yuechen has a good point too about not needing a prep course if you are willing to do the research on what needs to be studied and then actually do it. But I find most people need the accountability and structure of an actual course. Another thing to keep in mind is that a good prep course will teach you strategies for improving your scores. Personally, I think they are worth the investment as a few points can make thousands of dollars difference in merit aid. But obviously it is your choice, and we only wish you the best of luck.</p>
<p>Thank you so much, both of you :] </p>
<p>Yes my first SATs weren’t that amazing, at a 1770…:[ I’ve been taking LOTS of practice tests for the SAT and been reviewing but have realized my scores are still in the same 1850 range so I was a bit hesitant on spending another $40 or so if I won’t improve much.</p>
<p>If I apply to the UC’s, would they look at the ACT and SAT as the same weight? I heard western America schools prefer SAT (darn).</p>
<p>But Yes, I think I might try retaking the ACT, because it seems I can do a bit better on that than SATs. (would there be a reason for that, or do I just happen to do better on ACT?) I mostly just ran out of time for the sections. </p>
<p>Again thank you so much! :]</p>
<p>KaiLun, As I said earlier, I would focus on the ACTs and forget the SATS. Schools require one or the other, never both. Don’t take this the wrong way, but the reason that some people do better on the SAT is because they are better learners than they they are reasoners. ACT is more curriculum based, while SAT is more reasoning based…more like an IQ test. The theoretical answer to why you do better on ACTs is that you go to a good school that teaches a strong curriculum and that you are a good student. College admissions is all about showing yourself in your best light. At the super selective schools, they are just looking for reasons to reject kids. They get a ridiculous number of super star applicants. There is no reason to report and highlight a relative weakness. Forget the old eastern/western preference thing. If a school says they accept the test, then they do. Don’t second guess it. Also, learn the answering strategies for these tests. For instance, there is a difference in how things are scored if they are wrong versus left blank. Understand that for selective schools you will be competing against kids who are being packaged by professional counselors, consultants, and prep school guidance counselors. I don’t say that to scare you, just to encourage to think about your application holistically, meaning make sure that you are presenting a picture of yourself that is “your best you” across all the dimensions that the application process allows you to highlight.</p>
<p>Lots of luck.</p>