<p>(I wasn't sure where to post this so I've put it here as well as in the Brown U. Forum.)</p>
<p>My son is trying to decide which test scores to submit with his application to Brown. Here are the details:</p>
<p>SAT I - 2160
Critical Reading -740
Math -680
Writing - 740</p>
<p>SAT II Chem - 710
SAT II Bio E - 740
SAT II U.S. History - waiting for score</p>
<p>ACT Composite 34, Writing 7</p>
<p>Our H.S. guidance counselor is suggesting going with the ACT numbers, even with the Writing score of 7. By the way, the 7 is an unexpected surprise and factors in to some of our hesitation with submitting just the ACT scores.</p>
<p>So, the questions boil down to:</p>
<ul>
<li>would you suggest submitting the SAT I + 2 SAT Subjects or the ACT?
<ul>
<li>for Brown, could we submit <em>all</em> of the scores? Or is that a bad idea? (This is our first time through the process...)</li>
</ul></li>
</ul>
<p>Essay score on SAT? and then my answer would probably depend on whether Brown uses the essay for admissions (IMO)…if the answer is “yes”, then I would send them everything and let them sort it all out…otherwise ACT all the way</p>
<p>agree with Rodney; ACT+Subject Tests. My guess is that your S used the same essay format as for the SAT, but the ACT has a very specific prompt and directions (a writer HAS to acknowledge the other pov and refute it to score well).</p>
<p>rodney and bluebayou: Thanks for your input.</p>
<p>Thanks for asking about the SAT essay. I didn’t realize that I could see that score online so I’m glad that I went and looked. In my son’s case, the essay was an 8 (4 + 4). I don’t know if Brown looks at the SAT essay or not. The SAT essay of 8 is pretty much in line with the ACT writing of 7. So, it’s looking like overall the ACT (w/ writing) would be better to submit than the SAT scores.</p>
<p>Schools do indeed use the highest scores for evaluation, so I recommend sending them all. They can see the three 740s, and the ACT translates to a 760 SAT equivalent. Has he considered taking the Math II Subject test?</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestion to send in all of the scores…</p>
<p>As for the Math Subject test, he had not considered that. Are you suggesting it just because it would be another chance to try and boost his math score? Or, is there some significant difference between the Math Subject test and the Math portion of the SAT I? Thanks.</p>
<p>Huge huge huge difference in math SAT II and math SAT I.</p>
<p>My D is in a boat similar to your son. She’s scores lower on essays, and has similar scores to his. Keep in mind that an ACT of 34 is in the top 99th percentile of test takers, and I don’t know what your SAT is, but it’s no where near that high. My D was 2210 and I THINK she was in the top 97%. </p>
<p>Re: Math SAT II…I think it can be a REAL shocker to some. And do some reading on here about Math I versus Math II if he decides to take it. </p>
<p>My D = 740,740,730
SAT II 780ENG, 750USH, and 620 math 1 (!)
ACT 34</p>
<p>It’s a “smarter” (or lack of a better word, sorry) overall student body who take this test…compared to virtually everyone taking the SATI or ACT. And the math in the SAT I only goes to…what…Geometry or ALgebra II? Whereas MathI and MathII go…precalc? </p>
<p>My D tried to retake Math, and did Math II instead…where there is a MUCH more forgiving scoring curve. And she studied with Barrons, and learned it was acceptable to store formulas in your calculator. She ended up cancelling her score so I don’t now how she did. The proctor’s clock was broken, plus…she had to “go potty” so badly she could barely concentrate. But she said “I felt like a math wiz!” And was very comfortable with the test overall, and is retaking in November (WITHOUT a big glass of orange juice and a bottle of water before the test!). So…do some research before you do this. She didn’t, and wasted a lot of testing dates learning.</p>
<p>FWIW…for her upper level school applications…she still intends to send ALL scores and let them sort it. Just seems like the right, and safer choice. Good luck.</p>