<p>I have no doubt that there have been many threads regarding sending in the SAT+Subject Tests vs ACT. If someone can link me to a straight up answer, that would be great.</p>
<p>The problem is that Yale has stated that it will accept the ACT in lieu of the SAT and two subject tests. Why would it not be a matter of SAT vs ACT? Is the parallel of the subject tests the science section or some other subscore on the ACT?</p>
<p>Let me give an example to explain what I mean. What would be better:</p>
<p>SAT: 2100 + 5 Subject Tests all 800's
or
ACT: 34</p>
<p>Obviously the composite for the ACT is higher, but would the difference be balanced out by the subject tests?</p>
<p>Would it make sense to send in both? They said that they would choose either one or the other and determine which is the 'higher' score. But they stated that they look at either the SAT + subject tests independently or the ACT independently. </p>
<p>So would sending in an ACT of 34 which is higher than a 2100 thus negate all those high subject test scores? I'm only asking since they seemed to make clear that it was either one or the other and they're not supposed to take into account certain parts of either at the same time.</p>
<p>I don’t know if there is a “right” answer but my rising sophomore took the ACT AND two subject level exams (Bio M and Math II). In his case, it worked to his advantage as his Bio scored allowed him to skip taking one of his major prerequisites.</p>
<p>If an applicant has taken the ACT and is serious about the top schools, they would want to take 2 subject level tests anyway as it is a requirement for many of the schools.</p>
<p>The reason Yale (and 17 other schools) does not require Subject tests in addition to an ACT is that (1) the ACT, like the Subject tests, is already considered to be a more content-oriented test and (2) not requiring Subject tests removes a potential barrier to applicants from ACT-dominant states (where even the existence SAT Subject Tests is largely unknown).</p>
<p>Yale does not suggest Subject tests be submitted with an ACT even if they are not required so I am inclined to think that their absence incurs no “penalty” whatsoever, even when compared against an equivalent SAT score and strong Subject tests, let alone your scenario. Thus I would conjecture that the strong ACT score would have higher standing notwithstanding Subject test scores. I would add, however, that a Yale admissions officer could very well dismiss the whole question as too test-focused and point out that other considerations are apt to make more of a difference.</p>
<p>Finally, it can’t hurt to submit an ACT and strong Subject test scores.</p>
<p>I agree with everyone above. You have no dilemma at all. You can (and I would) submit your ACT and your SAT II’s (ie SAT subject tests). My son is in your exact situation–same ACT, same high subject tests. His SAT I was 2230, so he will probably submit that too, although it is a bit lower than his ACT. You could submit your SAT I or not- (I have heard that the colleges look at your highest score, which would clearly be your ACT over the SAT I)-I’d talk to your couselor about that.</p>
<p>Except if you submit ANY SATs you have to submit them ALL -that is Yale’s policy. So if the SAT IIs are sent, you have to submit any regular SAT scores as well or else you submit only your ACTs-again, all of them are required. You can’t “submit your SAT I or not” at Yale if you submit SAT IIs. Sadly, that is different than many colleges. Still, 2100 is a strong score and all of those 800s would make it worthwhile, IMOH. They should just concentrate on your ACT which is better anyway.</p>
In his case, it worked to his advantage as his Bio scored allowed him to skip taking one of his major prerequisites.</p>