Should I retake the SAT, ACT, or both?

Test Preparation
1

<p>I'm a rising senior that plans to take her Subject Tests in October. However, I feel that my SAT I /ACT scores are not high enough for some of the schools I'm applying to (especially my dream school, Duke). I plan to retake at least one of the "regular" tests, but I'm not sure which one/s. I'm not applying ED or EA mainly because of my test scores and for financial reasons, but if I did, it would be for Duke. plan to study biochemistry/premed.</p>

<p>** SAT **
Jan 2014: 640 CR 600 M 640 W (6 essay) 1880
June 2014: 630 CR, 720 M, 680 W (8 essay) 2060
Superscore: 2070</p>

<p>For the first test, I only completed one practice test.
The second time, I completed 6 practice tests before test day, mostly in the month leading up to the test.</p>

<p>Since I took more SAT practice tests, will my score improvements start to plateau?
I'm more accustomed to the SAT math, but I HATE critical reading.
I'd also have to take the test in November, after some deadlines have passed (esp for honors programs and ED if I decided to do that) and may have to indicate that scores are pending for others.
My busiest time during the fall is in mid-November.</p>

<p>** ACT **
June 2014: 32 English, 28 Math, 34 Reading, 27 Science, 29 English + essay (8), 30 composite</p>

<p>I only completed one practice test before the test day.</p>

<p>However, since I've only taken one ACT practice test, I feel that it would be able to improve a decent amount with practice as with my SAT I.
The test is in September, so I'd still be able to submit my scores for Nov 1 deadlines.
My weaknesses are in math and science, which won't help my application to a science-related field.
Some people say that the ACT is viewed as "lesser" than the SAT.</p>

<p>Because of my school background and half-white/half-asian race, my standardized test scores are very important to my application despite my high gpa and ranking. I don't feel good about my AP test scores even though I performed well in the classes, so I need to show the rigor of my classes.</p>

<p>Any advice for a fellow hopeful?</p>

2

<p>As a parent, I would not want my son or daughter taking subject tests, ACT and SAT in the fall when they are also preparing applications and juggling a heavy course load, etc as a senior. Tests are simply one component of an application - a lower score won’t necessarily be the reason you don’t get into a school, any more than a high score will be the reason you are admitted. Certainly your high school record, ECs and essay will be more important. So keep the role of tests in the application in perspective. They determine the pool - not the school. I would encourage you to select one test to focus on for the fall. As far as subject tests go - if the course work was recent and you only need limited preparation (e.g. run through a couple of practice tests) then add them in. You won’t be able to take subject tests and the SAT I on the same day - so that might determine your game plan. Good luck. </p>

3

<p>Thank you, Poohbah29!</p>

<p>I’d also like to add that one of the reasons for my low ACT math and science scores is the timing. However, for math, I had more than an entire column left unanswered at the 5 minute mark so I’m not sure if I can speed up that much.</p>