<p>My grades are pretty good I guess, i got a 39/42 in IB in 11th grade with 4 HLS(math, phy, history, english lit hl, chem and spanish ab initio sl). Im going to 12th in a week or so, I wrote the SAT and did REALLLY BAD. I guess because I do well in school I just didnt study for the SAT at all I spent around a week studying and then wrote it, and I was actually pretty happy, but obviously i didnt know what i was doing because i ended up with 1830. And the universities I really wanted to attend are caltech, upenn, princeton, cornell, and those top tier universities. With a SAT score like this I wouldn't get in anywhere. </p>
<p>Since I wanted to apply early to caltech and upenn, I need to finish all the examinations by October. This gives me the chance to write the ACT and Subject Sat's for math lvl2 and physics. I've started preparing already for the ACT that's in September. Should I just focus on the ACT and Subject Sat II? Im worried that if I dont submit SAT scores I'll be looked down upon, because I havent heard of many people getting in with only ACT and Sat II scores when I looked through the threads here. </p>
<p>A lot of top universities look more favorably on SATs, even though they are supposed to weigh the ACTs equally. However, if you don’t plan on improving your SAT score a few hundred points in the next couple months, it might be wise to focus on the ACT. The format is a little different and I personally found it a lot easier than the SAT (which is probably why top colleges look down on it). Take some practice ACTs and see how well you do. Also, just make sure you take the ACT plus writing. </p>
<p>Wouldn’t it take a long time to prepare for the sat while preparing for ACT and sat II? because if i do plan on taking the sat again, i’d have the act in september and october, and sat II in october, then the sat in november and december, only the regular decision colleges would see it anyways.</p>
<p>I really think colleges do not care if you submit the ACT over the SAT. Both my sons did better on the ACT and only submitted those results. It is also important the you should start taking the SAT/ACT early in their Junior year, so you time to study and retake at least twice and also try to fit in some SAT II’s along the way. You are a little behind so I think you should focus on the ACT and Subject tests. Good Luck.</p>
<p>@Ranza123 Please don’t spread things that are not true. If colleges truly preferred the SAT, why wouldn’t they just SAY that? Many people find SAT easier (My friend, for one, scored a 2200 and a 30. Clearly the SAT was easier for her). Others fine the ACT easier. </p>
<p>So, no. Colleges don’t prefer one over the other. Don’t say things that you have no support for. This is what makes CC a breeding ground for theories. This is also what makes CC an unpleasant place for students to come to. It stresses them out.</p>
<p>Please, stop.</p>
<p>@noel597 I am not spreading things that aren’t true. It was during an information session at I believe Brown University that I was informed that although they treat both equally, most people submit the SAT and they sometimes lean toward the SAT. I would gain nothing by spreading things I am blatantly making up. If you choose not to believe me that’s fine, take my advice with a grain of salt. </p>
<p>@noel597 if you honestly think my advice is that detrimental, I’ll take it down. I was just trying to be helpful. </p>