Standardized tests...looking for parent advice

<p>I posted this on the SAT/ACT forum as well, but I'm also looking for advice from knowledgeable parents. Can anyone help me out?</p>

<p>For schools that require "SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests; or ACT," such as Brown, would sending an SAT score and an ACT score fulfill the requirements? </p>

<p>If the SAT score is better than the ACT score, will it still be considered, or will the ACT score be looked at primarily because the SAT score is only viewed in conjunction with subject tests?</p>

<p>I'm asking because I have 2350+ on the SAT, but I haven't yet taken subject tests and am concerned about how I'll do on them. I took the ACT once and got a 32, and I'm waiting for the scores from the April test, but I doubt it will be in the range of my SAT score.</p>

<p>I've been studying for Math II and Literature and am taking both in May. For some reason I've been struggling a lot with the math, and how I do on lit seems to depend a lot on the individual test. So yeah, I'm not really confident I'll do well in them and I want to know how having a great SAT score, a good ACT score and no subject tests would appear to colleges.</p>

<p>You can send them your ACT score, which is an alternate for the SAT subject tests. But, it looks like you test well. Go for it and then decide. There is always “school choice” where you determine which scores go to which schools.</p>

<p>You should also know that certain tests are harder than others. Math II has an easier curve, so kids tend to get very high scores as compared to the Math I. I heard Literature is actually quite difficult because there is so much reading and not enough time. But I might just be remembering one person saying it.</p>

<p>Take the tests and then decide if you want to send them.</p>

<p>No answer on the general question, but I’ve also heard and read that Lit can be very tough, or at least unpredictable, even for good students/test takers. You might want to consider another test as well.</p>

<p>Thanks, I am also considering taking US History. I’m still curious about how a great SAT score and good ACT score with no subject tests would appear to colleges, though.</p>

<p>^I don’t think anybody really knows the answer to that question. Is Brown a score choice college? If so, you have nothing to lose by taking the SAT IIs. If the scores are not what you were looking for, then just do not send them and you will still have your SATI and the ACT scores in pocket.</p>

<p>My son who never got better than a B in English, but got a 790 on CR didn’t find the Lit too bad. He got a 700 without much studying. I think a great SAT score and a good ACT score is better than just a good ACT score, but I’m guessing you’ll do fine on the subject tests and really don’t need to worry. There isn’t really one answer to your question. Some schools have some sort of pre-screening process where only the best score will appear on the folder and others will make it easy for the readers to see all the scores since they may do something like just circle the best score, but print them all. </p>

<p>If you are taking AP US history you will probably find that SAT very easy.</p>

<p>Thanks for the advice, and if anyone else has any other input I’d love to hear it.</p>

<p>The lit test depends a great deal on what sort of English courses you have had. It requires a certain amount of familiarity with analysis of a sort that is not always taught these days. (I know - I sound very old-fashioned here.) Just take the SAT subject tests and see how it goes. I suspect you will be fine.</p>

<p>The official SAT blue book of sample real subject tests will give you a good idea of what sort of questions will be on the exam. My son’s score’s on the practice tests were very similar to what he actually got. (+/- 20 points).</p>