<p>I'm applying ED to Cornell this fall, but I know I can do better on my SAT (2060: 690 CR, 660 Math, 710 Writing) and ACT(30) and I'm looking for opinions as to whether I should take the September ACT or the October SAT to maximize my chances of getting accepted to Cornell. Parents don't wanna pay for both so I've gotta pick one.</p>
<p>Hi! First I’d like to say you get a virtual high five for applying to Cornell 
I hope to go there once I graduate high school (My graduation year is 2016).</p>
<p>Although I’m only going into my sophomore year, I’d recommend you take the October SAT. I just made the decision to do the October SAT over the September ACT a month ago. The SAT is taken far more commonly than the ACT. Therefore, you will find far more information to assist you through the SAT versus the ACT. Even though these tests are supposed to be based on intelligence, preparation and help is definitely a factor in the score. So you can go with the SAT and find tons of help, methods, and information, or you can go with the ACT and find a few methods and maybe a few people to help out. In regards to the information aspect, I personally feel that College Board does a better job of releasing SAT prep and information than the ACT. Something else to consider is that the SAT is a month later than the ACT, giving you an extra month to review.</p>
<p>If you choose the SAT, I recommend you then read an article from a girl who took her score from a 2070 to a 2240. [7</a> SAT Tips to Get a Score of 2240 - Advice | iaam](<a href=“http://www.iaam.com/magazine/advice/7-SAT-Tips-to-Get-a-Score-of-2240#.UdxMkT7TWsM]7”>http://www.iaam.com/magazine/advice/7-SAT-Tips-to-Get-a-Score-of-2240#.UdxMkT7TWsM)
There are definitely more articles to help you on that website, so I highly recommend you check out. The website, Iaam, gives life skills advice to teens and tries to empower students like us. Plus, many of the people who work/intern there get accepted to or are going to top colleges so their advice is pretty worthwhile.</p>
<p>Whichever test you choose, I hope you have the best of luck!</p>
<p>Your ACT of 30 translates to a 1980. I think that since your SAT is already higher, you may want to focus on that. Your Math subscore will be the easiest to improve upon so I would start with practicing in that area. Make sure you take a couple timed practice tests before you test in October so you are familiar with the time constraints and feel well-prepared.</p>
<p>If you want to maximize your chance, do both. You are quite a bit away from the average admission stat.</p>
<p>I’m a Cornell alum and still live in Ithaca where lots of my family teach and work at Cornell. Good luck with your application! It’s a gorgeous area and inspiring campus with some brilliant prof’s and great opportunities for whatever you want to pursue. Re: the SAT/ACT choice I would encourage you to re-take both. The cost is relatively minor for the opportunity it could avail you - hopefully your parents can understand that. If it’s a hardship, there are fee waivers available and they are easy to obtain. My daughters are in the throes of college app’s as well, and have discovered that scores really can vary with both tests and retaking is worth it esp if you have time to prepare. D1 pulled off a 35 composite on her first try with the ACT but she did prep by taking lots of practice tests. This seems to be the ultimate key with both tests - practice timed tests under test conditions! Cornell really does look at the whole student so don’t get too hung up on test scores if they turn out not to be your strength. Again, good luck :)</p>
<p>Thank you all for your input</p>