<p>I am debating whether kid should add October ACT into a very busy schedule. kid got 2130 on SAT, with a breakdown of 800, 650, and 680 on 2400 scale and 1450 on old scale. Kid may be national merit semi-finalist and as an aside, I wish we could get find out before late August or early September on that issue.... At any rate, they are going to be very busy with apps and essays as it is without adding a half-day ACT testing to the plate. They may apply to some Ivies but odds are USC will be the hardest school(from admissions standpoint) they will be applying too. I suspect they would do great on ACT but think their time would be better spent focusing on writing essays and making sure all apps for scholarships are in on time. Also to throw into the mix, to go to USC, they may need a full tuition scholarship due to its costs. I know it's a long shot. As an aside, given their temperment, they will not study that much for the ACT. However, the test is right up their temperment alley so I think at least a 32 is easily within reach. Also, can anyone answer the following: if kid takes the December ACT and submits test results after the rest of their application, would schools consider this for scholarships? I've considered this option too so they can focus their college app energies in the fall on the apps and essays. thanks for any input.
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<p>According to [Compare</a> ACT and SAT Scores | ACT](<a href=“http://www.act.org/solutions/college-career-readiness/compare-act-sat/]Compare”>http://www.act.org/solutions/college-career-readiness/compare-act-sat/) , an ACT of 33 is considered equivalent to an SAT CR+M of 1460. Is it likely that he will exceed 33 on the ACT, and are there any schools or scholarships where that difference may matter?</p>
<p>Not sure. I would think for USC a 33 to 36 would make it “more” likely they could get a better scholarship(if they get admitted) but I think a stronger essay would help a lot more. That just makes sense to me. For many of their other schools, they are already in good standing for scholarships now. I am thinking working on essays makes a lot more sense but wanted to bounce it off others who are either in or have gone through this process. What we likely do is register late for ACT if kid has time to take it and not be overly stressed about it; otherwise, we’'ll just let it go. I am realizing as I look over these college apps that there are a lot of essays involved for scholarship consideration. Even for schools with common app, many of the schools kid is looking at have supplements.</p>
<p>NMSF will score a scholly at 'SC, but not full tuition. And a 2130 won’t either.</p>
<p>What are the <700’s in? CR, W? If so, an unhooked has little chance with the Ancient Eight.</p>
<p>The time it would use up to take the ACT is minimal (a morning), but the rewards could be great. It needs to be done early in the fall and not in December though. If your child is planning on super selective schools, he/she should do everything possible to be as competitive as he/she can-- SAT >2200, ACT>33</p>
<p>Some schools require SAT subject tests or the ACT, so if the kid hasn’t taken subject tests, the ACT could check that box.</p>
<p>By the way, I’ve noticed that some schools say SAT or ACT. If both are strong scores, is there any reason NOT to send both in?</p>
<p>IMO the ACT has a pretty favorable conversion to the SAT. For example, I probably missed 3 problems on the MC of the ACT and got an 8 on the essay, but still got a composite 36, which is often changed into a 2400 on the SAT. I only missed two-three questions on the MC of the SAT with a 7 essay and got a 2270. I didn’t get suddenly smarter when I took the ACT, the test format just favored me more. </p>
<p>The ACT only takes one morning, the only prep time I would do would be to take one practice test of each section, with perhaps two tests on the science section since that seems to cause a lot of problems for some people. I think the concern that “tests take so much time” is a false one. Time taking the test will hardly take away from essay and app writing.</p>
<p>Thank u everyone. It does make sense to take it then. I think they will do well on it. Quick moving straightforward timed test is right up their alley. and the 800 was in CR, the other 2 scores were below 700. bluebayou, thanks for the tips on USC in particular. I was hoping the SAT would be good enough but suspected as you confirmed, that it would not be. We’ll go for either the Sept or October ACT.</p>
<p>The ACT is much shorter than the SAT so yes, one Saturday morning. To “prep” for the ACT all kids need to do is get used to the timing and what speed to move through the sections, the test moves much quicker than the SAT. Almost every kid I know (and the ACT is mandatory for all students in Michigan) gets tripped up the first time by the timing.</p>
<p>I would lean towards taking the ACT. Both of my kids scored higher on it than the ACT. </p>
<p>In addition to the timing being different, it is worth spending some time preparing for the Science section, which has no SAT counterpart.</p>
<p>D had ACT score in this range and was admitted to USC. However, she did not qualify for any merit scholarships. Keep in mind that you will have to submit application for early deadline for merit scholarship consideration but there is no separate application to file at USC. </p>
<p>D was an “ACT kid” and didn’t do as well on SAT - whereas S was the reverse and did great on the SAT and not so hot on the ACT. Couldn’t hurt to take both tests since you might do better at ACT.</p>
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<p>Same result in our household.</p>
<p>^ Ditto here. Except opposite genders.</p>
<p>S did so much better on ACT…liked the science portion especially, since he said there was a lot of math in that part (?)</p>
<p>Take it, so you know. Otherwise, you’ll wonder IF you could have gotten a great score…</p>
<p>Take the ACT. It could give the kid a chance to have another great score on his application.</p>
<p>Yes, take the ACT, I agree with Niquii</p>
<p>OP, in case you haven’t already done this, I suggest you do a quick check to confirm that SAT score is sufficient to qualify for Nat’l Merit Finalist (in the event his PSAT meets your state cut for NMSF–fingers crossed for him!). I think it’s AOK, but there is a 1960 threshold calculated a little “funny” – CR + M + Writing-multiple choice only, so run the numbers. See this thread for the scoop: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/national-merit-scholarships/1388865-clarification-needed-sat-score-advance-finalist-status.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/national-merit-scholarships/1388865-clarification-needed-sat-score-advance-finalist-status.html</a></p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks TxArtemis. The SAT is fine; it’s 2130. Very relieved when the SAT score came in 
the harder part will be the state cutoff 
They will either just make it or just miss it. Kiddo thought they had done a lot better on math so that was a shock but CR score was great and writing score respectable. And math was great too; it was just lower than they expected. plus they outscored this writer/parent and are VERY(perhaps too pleased:)) with that.</p>
<p>OP - The scores were a bit different in our day 
For example, today I read on another thread that 1980s score of 720 translates to 780 today. Don’t sweat the NMSF cutoff too much. It opens the doors for some good scholarship deals, but many students of that caliber end up at colleges that offer $1000/yr or nothing for NMSF. </p>
<p>“As an aside, given their temperament, they will not study that much for the ACT.” - Many of the kids who do well on SAT/ACT do so without a bit of studying. I think one practice test to learn the format would be useful, but it would be worth taking the test even if no time for intensive studying.</p>
<p>OP, not sure you followed the link I furnished, but 2130 is not the score they will use.</p>