<p>I am facing a dilemma. I just got my ACT scores back, and the distribution is as follows:</p>
<p>32 Composite
35 English
28 Math
31 Science
34 Reading
9 Writing</p>
<p>I've also take the SAT:</p>
<p>2050 Total
700 Math
690 CR
660 Writing</p>
<p>My question is whether I should send both in order to show my adeptness in math. Obviously the Language Arts part of the ACT is superior to my SAT, but math is lacking. I've also taken all the math classes available at my high school, and received A's and one A- in all of them. Is that enough to make up for the poor 28?</p>
<p>Also, one other quick question: Bowdoin is test optional. Should I send the 32 ACT to them?</p>
<p>What is your UW GPA, and have you taken the most rigorous load your school offers? Those factors could weigh heavily on your decision (I would think a super high GPA means you are less likely to need to submit the test scores). Do you have any subject tests? Also, do you have any AP scores?</p>
<p>Are you applying EDI? If EDII or RD you should take the ACT one more time in December to see if you can get a higher composite or at least a higher math subscore. For Bowdoin that 32 is right on the brink because I am pretty sure their median composite score is 33 (granted it is a self selecting group that submits so the scores will be high). Your Eng/Read scores are super strong, and science is perfectly respectable, so it is a tough call which is why I would consider taking the ACT again and seeing if you can eek the math up a bit. Sores often go up the second sitting :)</p>
<p>But 32 is still a great composite score so I can see your dilemma. It is just that a 32 on one person’s record could be totally different from a 32 on another person’s. Factors such as URM, 1st generation college, recruited athlete, legacy etc. come into play and make a 32 more (or less) attractive based on those other aspects students bring to their applications.</p>
<p>My UW GPA is 3.96, and I have taken the most rigorous load my school offers. I don’t have any subject tests, but I have a 4 on the AP World. </p>
<p>I am applying RD to Bowdoin. My only qualm with taking the ACT again is that it honestly sounds unbearable, and the registration deadline is past. </p>
<p>I am a first generation college student, and I’m also gay, which was a small component of my common app essay. I’ve heard differing views on how that affects admissions, but it felt important to include. </p>
<p>Well Bowdoin stands strongly by their claim that not submitting test scores does not hurt you. So you could go either way. 32 might be at or just below their median but as a first gen college student it seems a 32 would be worth submitting because it is a great score. It’s a tough call! And I can only imagine the dread of taking another ACT but…if you can swing it… do it. You can always register late. Having said that, it’s hard to believe a test score is going to make or break your application, so if you are still working on the essay and/or supplements perhaps your time is better spent making those the best they can possibly be. And best of luck to you, Bowdoin is an amazing school!!</p>
<p>Meant to also add- if you are going to submit ACT you may as well submit SAT. Your ACT for math is below the 25th percentile but above the 25th for the SAT so it seems if you are going to submit you may as well show them your highest achievements across each test.</p>
<p>Yes I think you should submit both scores if you are going to submit ACT. The writing component of the SAT is the least important of the three, and it is your lowest score. Your 700 math is higher than your 28 math, and the 35/34 on your Eng/Read more than make up for a lower 690 on the SAT (if adcoms actually look at subsection scores- some schools might more than others and if they do they report ranges on the Common Data Set). Just curious, do you have a knowledgeable guidance counselor who can give you reliable insight?</p>
<p>Take my advice with a grain of salt as I am new to all of this with my D as well! But we have done a great deal of research into the testing profiles of the schools on her list. The Common Data Sets for each school are helpful, but the most recent CDS for each school is the class of 2017’s admission cycle which means you have to get the class profile from each school’s website regarding the class of 2018 for the most recent testing profiles. For example, Bowdoin’s CDS lists mid 50% of ACT as 30-33 for 2013/2014, but for the class of 2018’s profile it jumps to a median of 33 with a 50% of 32-34! <a href=“Bowdoin at a Glance | Bowdoin College”>http://www.bowdoin.edu/admissions/glance/index.shtml</a> (72% of applicants submitted standardized tests but that includes subject tests as a stand alone option). </p>
<p>I think a 32 is a great score and LACs such as Bowdoin are REALLY interested in first generation college applicants. So best of luck and knock their socks off with your essays and supplements! </p>
<p>a 32 is great. Have you thought about taking the SAT math subject test? IF you study for it, and do well, you can submit your 32 ACT, a great score, and anything over 700 on subject test would be great. They are only 45 minute tests. Register for the Math I, and the Math II, then see which one you do better on. BUT STUDY!</p>