Should I retake the SATs? Thanks in advance.

Test Preparation
1

<p>My scores thus far-</p>

<p>PSAT: 219 in 10th grade and 226 in 11th grade
ACT: 35
SAT: 2090, 2210</p>

<p>I don't know why my SAT scores are so much lower than my ACT scores. Anyway, I'm planning on applying to Ivy Leagues (Harvard is top choice, my brother goes there) next year. I have a very solid courseload and a LOT extra curriculars. My biggest problem is my lower SAT scores (I have a lower GPA but I'm coming from a hard HS and 10+ APs by the end of Junior Year so I think I am okay. What would still be an acceptable/good GPA with 10+ APs from a high-quality public high school would you say?). More imporantly, should I retake the SAT?</p>

2

<p>What are your scores for each section?</p>

3

<p>Then don’t send your SAT scores. The ACT and SAT are treated equally by virtually all colleges, including Harvard.</p>

<p>Traditionally, the SAT was more popular in the East and West Coast while the ACT was more popular in the mid-west. That is blurring now, but at least in California, the SAT is still more dominant. Most kids score about the same on both tests, but obviously there are exceptions like you. Go with your highest score, whether it’s the ACT or the SAT. I wouldn’t take the SAT at all now that you’ve gotten a 35 on the ACT.</p>

<p>Just make sure your ACT has the essay too.</p>

<p>From Harvard’s webpage:</p>

<p>We require the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT Test with Writing, as well as two SAT Subject Tests. Students should not submit two Subject Tests in mathematics to meet this requirement. Candidates whose first language is not English should ordinarily not use a Subject Test in their first language to meet the two Subject Tests requirement.</p>

4

<p>No, I would send in the ACT.</p>

5

<p>710 CR
750 M
750 W</p>

<p>Thanks everyone, this is informative.</p>

<p>Some schools require both (Such as Yale and UPenn). Will my SAT hurt me or they will look mainly at my ACT?</p>

6

<p>Where did you see that Yale requires both? I gathered that they require one from this from their website:</p>

<p>Do I have to take the SAT or ACT?
Yes. Transfer applicants must take the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test. Yale will not consider an application without scores from at least one of these tests. The only exception is for students from countries where these tests are not offered (such as the People’s Republic of China and Iran).</p>

<p>From UPenn’s site:
Which Test?
Penn requires first-year applicants to take the SAT Reasoning Test and two SAT Subject Tests in different subjects OR the ACT Plus Writing. No preference is given to either test. However, Penn requires that applicants submit all testing results from each administration of the ACT, SAT, and SAT Subject Tests. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that official score reports are released and submitted to the University of Pennsylvania for all tests taken.</p>

<p>So while UPenn tells you submit every test you take…truth is, they won’t be able to tell because Score Choice can hide it. From Collegeboard’s site:</p>

<p>Is there a loophole that allows colleges to “opt out” of Score Choice?
Colleges cannot “opt out of” or “reject” Score Choice. Score Choice is a feature available to students. Colleges set their own policies and practices regarding the use of test scores. The College Board does not release SAT test scores without student consent. This will continue under Score Choice. Colleges, universities and scholarship programs will receive the scores applicants send to them.</p>

<p>That means if you don’t feel like sending SAT scores to UPenn, you don’t have to. Of course, you may feel guilty and send it anyways.</p>

<p>Check about the ACT’s ability to hide scores.</p>

7

<p>I called UPenn to find out. They require you take AT LEAST one (the SAT or ACT). If you choose to take both, you are required to send ALL scores from BOTH.</p>

8

<p>That’s why I pointed out that even though they may require you, if you don’t actually send scores for one test…how would they know you took it?</p>

9

<p>Here’s what another guy in another thread on the same topic:</p>

<p>"It’s considered a breach of etiquette if you don’t send all scores. BUT there is NO WAY that the college would know. Read this, by the college board: <a href=“http://professionals.collegeboard.com/profdownload/sat-score-use-practices-list.pdf[/url]”>http://professionals.collegeboard.com/profdownload/sat-score-use-practices-list.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>On the third page: Students will be encouraged to follow the score-reporting requirements of each college to which they apply, but their scores will not be released for admission purposes without their specific consent. </p>

<p>In other words, even if these colleges REQUIRE all scores…you’re not obligated to send them. In fact, if you don’t want to, you have the option not to."</p>

<p>It comes down to this: are you comfortable not following their instructions if you know you won’t be caught? That is something only you can answer and decide.</p>

10

<p>NYGirl - your scores ROCK! You are such a solid applicant. You are going’ places my girlfriend! If your SATs don’t match your ACT, fuggehtabouddit! Send your ACTs. You are amazing and there are many, many strong schools who will want you. Congratulations!</p>

11

<p>the 710 CR isn’t the greatest. Honestly, until you’re 750+, you’re compared with other 650-750 scorers so there’s a small chance it could hurt you.</p>