<p>I am a rising senior and just received a 30 on my first ACT (which was my target score) and I have never taken the SAT. I did not score well on the PSAT (180) nor did I do well on SAT practice tests. Should I even take the SAT this fall if I'm worried I will score low? I don't want colleges to see a low SAT I when I send in my subject tests, but I also know that most colleges prefer the SAT to the ACT so I feel like my application would be lacking without an SAT I score, is this true?</p>
<p>Additionally, should I retake the ACT? I completely bombed the math section (26) because I was pressed for time, but I feel like I could do better. However, I don't think I could get another 32 on science. I'm pretty satisfied with my score and I'm not sure if I want to risk it possibly going down =/</p>
<p>The rest of my application is pretty good; lots of ECs, 3.7uw/4.2w GPA, lots of APs, etc.
I'm looking into mostly California schools: Cal States, lower UCs, University of the Pacific, Chapman and maybe reaches such as Pepperdine or UCLA (yeah, I know, its a dream, shhh!!)</p>
<p>My children’s guidance counselor recommends that students try both the SAT and the ACT, as some do better on one or the other. The ACT is given on September 11, whereas there is no September date for the SAT. I see that as an advantage for the ACT, because for some students, school is not yet in full swing. </p>
<p>Not all schools require you to submit your SAT 1 with your SAT subject tests. I recommend searching the websites or the common data sets for your chosen schools to see exactly what their policies are.</p>
<p>You state in your question that you know that most colleges prefer the SAT to the ACT. What is the basis for this statement, I wonder?</p>
<p>All schools will take the ACT or SAT. I’ve never heard that they prefer the SAT. I don’t think you should bother with the SAT at this point. It is unlikely that you can do better than your 30 ACT. Why don’t you try doing some timed practice tests this summer to see if you can bring your score up? If you retake it in September and your score goes down, you don’t have to send it. ACT lets you pick which dates you want to send. Unfortunately, you have to pay for each test date you want to send.</p>
<p>retake the ACT…some people are just meant for the ACT (more analytical) and some people are meant for the SAT (more intuitive)…personally…im an ACT type of a guy. to show an example
My SAT score=1950 My ACT=33
My friends SAT score=2260 His ACT=31
some people just perform on one test better than the other…judging from your response…id stick with the ACT and try to bring it up to a 32 or 33. The first time I took it, I got a 31. 2nd time, 33. So it is definitely possible.</p>
