<p>Should kid 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. If they make NMSemi, that will add even more to their plate. 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.</p>
<p>ctl987:</p>
<p>Focused as it is on National Merits Scholarship questions, this is really the wrong forum to be asking these questions. You might try one of the College Admissions or Testing forums.</p>
<p>However I will respond with some of my observations:</p>
<p>-- In my experience the NMS application process is not a significant increase in time commitment if your student already has a viable essay at hand that s/he can massage to fit the NMS prompt and if your HS does its part in the application process.</p>
<p>-- For students seeking to navigate competitive admissions I see taking both tests as optimal but not essential. Some students do do significantly better in one of the formats and that can be helpful. But you might want to consider that, IMO, your student would have to score 33+ on the ACT to achieve a significantly stronger score than an SAT 2130. In addition are you factoring in the possible need to take SAT Subject tests in the coming months, too? I see that USC recommends them and other schools might require them. If time is an issue, your student might be better served to focus on these.</p>
<p>-- Check with each target school, of course, to verify test deadlines, but almost all schools accept the December ACT for the purposes of regular decision admissions. However scholarships at each school can carry their own stipulations and these can be different from those of general admission so there is no good response I can give to your question other than you must investigate the deadlines for each scholarship individually.</p>
<p>How about the September 8th ACT? Kid may not be as heavily involved in school at that point, particularly if he starts school after Labor Day.</p>
<p>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</p>
<p>We can’t answer that question since each school has different rules. The last ACT scores that Bama will count for merit is the October ACT (for senior year). So, take the Sept or Oct ACT if you want Bama to consider him for a non-NMF scholarship.</p>
<p>What state are you in and what was his PSAT?</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone. kid will likely take either Sept or October ACT. We also got some tips on the parents forum that helped resolve those issues. so Dec ACT issue is now moot. but I appreciate the input from all. Mom2, I sent or at least intended to send u a pm on which state we’re in.</p>