So I’m applying to Stanford and realized that their policy is to submit all SAT and ACT scores. I took each two times, and my scores for each sitting is as follows:
March 2016 SAT: 1540 (750 ERW, 790 M, 8/8/8 essay)
June 2016 SAT: 1580 (790 ERW, 790 M, 8/8/8 essay)
April 2016 ACT: 35 (36 E, 36 M, 32 R, 36 S, 33 E)
April 2016 ACT: 35 (36 E, 36 M, 36 R, 30 S, 33 E)
For most schools to which I’m applying, I’m simply sending both SAT scores, because the second shows an actual improvement. For Stanford, I don’t want to submit the ACT scores, because the second doesn’t really show an improvement over the first (and neither is any better than the 1580 SAT scores). Also, yes, I realize I probably shouldn’t have taken the ACT, let alone twice, in the first place.
However, as Stanford requires all scores from both the SAT AND the ACT to be submitted, if I don’t submit the ACT scores, will there be any way for them to know? I know that I should check with my school to check if they report scores on my transcript, but outside of that, I also realized that there’s a chance that colleges purchased my scores from the testing agency for recruitment purposes, and therefore may already have my scores. Is this a valid concern?
Before you start heading in the wrong direction let me tell you that a 35 is NOT going to prevent you getting into Stanford. At this point it will probably be something else on your record (perhaps something related to honesty).
D had a 36 ACT and a 2030 SAT she submitted to Stanford. Am guessing the 2030 score did not help. In your case there is so little difference between a 35 ACT and a 1540/1580 SAT. Both scores are excellent and “good enough” to get into Stanford. Unfortunately, standardized test scores are only one of a number of factors considered
Colleges can’t get your official scores by purchasing recruitment lists. But I agree with those above – you have absolutely no reason not to send all of your scores.
Why would you lie about this? And it is a lie, b/c when you sign your application you sign that it is true & accurate to the best of your ability.
Agree with @Wje9164be: it’s not as though your score would in any way negatively affect your admissions chances.
@collegemom3717 @“Erin’s Dad”
I know that two 35s are considered excellent, but I’m more worried that they’ll question why I chose to retake the ACT when I already got a 35 and I’m concerned about what they’ll think of me because of that.
(Yes, I realize that I probably shouldn’t have retaken it – but I can’t change the fact that I did.)
So, maybe a little recalibration is in order: your to get into Stanford led you to retake the ACT to improve a 35 to a 36 and the same (anxiety? ambition?) has you ready to lie about it - all to get into a university. I suggest taking a step back and considering what it says that you are willing to jump so fast to lying as a means to an end.
You could just delete one of the ACT scores. However, it really doesn’t matter that much. Test scores are highly selective intuitions, such as Stanford, serve only as filters. They might wonder why you took it again but if you would have gotten in without the second score you would get in with it.