Should I not report my SAT score if my ACT score is much higher?

Test Preparation
1

Theoretically, if i were to work super hard for the ACT and get a 34 or 35, should i just forget about an average SAT score, or still report it?

2

I scored 2110 (800 m 650 w 660 r) and 34 (35 m 35 e 32 r 35 s). I’m hiding my SAT.

Don’t even bother with the SAT if you score higher.

But don’t expect to score high on ACT. I went in my first time hoping for a 30 and got a 32.

3

So do colleges not ask for both?

4

For most colleges, you can send either SAT or ACT when you have taken both. A small number of colleges require you to provide both all SAT and all ACT scores that you have: Stanford, Penn, Georgetown and possibly (their stated rule is ambiguous) Bernard and Pomona.

5

Thank you! In your opinion, which is easier? I am more of a science person.

6

For me, the ACT was easier and required less prep to score high on- I felt like it was more closely aligned with school curriculum than the SAT.

7

My son took the ACT multiple times, and finally got a 35 composite, but his math score was a 34 that time. He had a 35 in math on an earlier ACT, but that composite was 33. When completing the Common App, should he report both full ACT scores so the schools can see he had a higher math score on the earlier test? He plans to major in engineering.

8

Obviously yes if either (a) the college superscores ACTs, or (b) the college requires all ACT test scores if you submit any ACT. Otherwise, possibly do so since the 33 is itself not much lower. Also, some of the universities that generally use that ACT with highest composite to determine admission may have exceptions based on college involved or may use the higher section score for something else such as scholarships or placement in first year courses. Example I am aware of: UIUC, which generally uses that test with highest composite to determine admisison, but the engineering college will consider a higher math score from another test both in determining admission and in determining any merit aid.

9

For reporting scores in CommonApp, just list the highest section scores. That is why you list the ACT section scores with individual test dates. You don’t need to fill the CommonApp differently for different schools. You just need to provide official score reports to the school according to their requirement, superscore or not.