<p>I took the SAT twice and my super score is 1950. The first time I took it (December 2012), I got 630 CR, 640 Math, and 670 Writing (1940). The second time (March 2013) was a lot harder and I got 570 CR, 650 Math, and 640 Writing (1860). At this point I am fed up with SAT because I worked so hard from test 1 to test 2 and I didn't really improve much. As for the ACT, I got a 28 with a 33 English (31 plus essay), 29 Math, 24 Reading, and 26 Science. I registered for ACT in September and I am working my butt off to improve it because my goal is a 30. For all of my schools, I am either average or barely above average and my 50 points on the SAT can determine whether or not I get in. I feel that I gave my best on SAT, but my parents want me to take it again. Should I? Also, how should I improve ACT? For all the practice tests I've taken, I actually did worse in all the sections except for reading. Unfortunately, ACT doesn't super score :(</p>
<p>Btw, I am an incoming high school senior and most schools I am apply early action.</p>
<p>First off, I would recommend taking whichever one you feel you can do better at. Secondly, I would take the SAT again just because you may retain information from one administration to another and the grading curve may be different, in both cases you would get a better score. As for the ACT, the practice tests are much harder than the real ACT test! I got a 28 on 26 on the two online ACT tests I took and was freaking out! Then I took the real ACT for the first time and got a 32!!! Trust me, I would add about a point or two to each section for the online practice tests. Seriously, I got 29s on the two online reading sections I took and on the real test, I got a 35 reading! As long as you study and practice you will improve.
And by the way, check the early action admissions for each school you are applying to. Most schools with early action applications require that you only apply to that school for early action. From a fellow rising senior, good luck!</p>
<p>Similarly to what Smithg said, I would recommend taking whatever test you feel you can do better at. However, if you feel that you do about the same on either, I would definitely recommend the SAT.</p>
<p>With the SAT it is much easier to improve those fifty points, while it is much harder to increase a score a whole point on the ACT. In essence, when looking at the overall composite number, it is much harder to differentiate between a low 28 and a high 28 because of how the averaging system works. Thus, if you are trying to improve a little, I feel that it would be much easier to do so on the SAT.</p>
<p>As for suggestions for improving, I would suggest to just do as many tests as possible. It may sound tedious, but the biggest part of these standardized tests is getting used to the material and the timing. If you have the time, I would definitely look into taking various strategy classes regarding both tests. Otherwise, just practice practice practice and hopefully you will do better as your brain matures and you get more familiar with the material.</p>
<p>Okay thank you so much! I think I’m going to take both again just to be safe.</p>
<p>I agree, take both again because you have nothing to lose (unless cost is an issue). But don’t spread yourself too thin. I would say pick 1 to prep for that you feel more confident with. If you try to prep. for both then you will likely end up just prepping a little for both (rather than significantly for 1) and get less impactive results.</p>