Should I take the ACT and if so, with or without writing

<p>I'm currently a high school senior and will be entering college fall of 2011. I currently have two SAT scores: 2060 (620 CR, 780 M, 660 W) and 2070 (590 CR, 730 M, 750 W). My SAT subject test scores are currently Math II 800 and Physics 800. I plan on applying to top schools such as Princeton, MIT, UChicago, Cornell etc.</p>

<p>I have been contemplating a long time whether or not I should do the ACT. Just few days ago, I finally did an ACT practice test with absolutely no preparation at all and got a 33: (28 E, 36 M, 34 R, 33 S). I believe that if I really do the test, I could get at least 34, which is said to be equivalent to a 2260 on the SAT. My combined highest score on each section on the SAT is only 2150, which is no where near 2260. Moreover, I doubt I will be able to push my 620 reading up any more.</p>

<p>I plan on applying to UChicago and MIT early action and MIT requires writing. I understand that if I were to do writing, my English/Writing Score would be no more than 30. However, this is not reflective of my SAT Writing which is 750. But, nonetheless, a 34 would be much better than a 2150 on my SAT.</p>

<p>So should I take the ACT? Should I take writing? Should I only send my SAT scores/ACT scores or both (keeping in mind I want to send my SAT Subject Test scores as well)? How will colleges judge my SAT/ACT scores and their respective sections?</p>

<p>Thank you for taking your time to read my post and I look forward to your responses. Thanks in advance!</p>

<p><em>I copied and put the same thread in the general SAT/ACT forum as that probably be more relevant</em></p>

<p>There are lots of threads about this - and almost everyone will suggest that students take both. Some students test better on one test than the other. Most advice will say to take both before your senior year and then focus on the test you did better on - and take it again. Yes - take the writing. Many schools require it - it would be silly not to take it and then need it for a school you are interested in. </p>

<p>Other posters all indicate that their belief is schools use the highest scores submitted, unless you read something otherwise on that school’s website.</p>