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<p>At this level there’s not a college in the world that will give a tinker’s dam about the difference. </p>
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<p>Interesting question. On the whole I think bluebayou is right (post #20^^). But there may be a subtle effect, and here’s where I think kids from ACT-dominant states may have a slight advantage. If a kid from an ACT-dominant state submits ACT scores to elite colleges, they’ll think nothing of it and just evaluate the scores on their own merits. If that same kid submits SAT scores to elite colleges, they’ll probably think nothing of it and evaluate the scores on their own merits, because elite colleges are accustomed to seeing SAT scores and it’s not unusual for top students from ACT-dominant states to take SATs and submit those scores. </p>
<p>It matters, I think, that most elite schools are in SAT-dominant regions, and even those that are in places where the ACT is dominant (e.g., Chicago, Northwestern) get a lot of SAT scores. So basically, kids from ACT-dominant states can submit ACTs or SATs to elite colleges without raising eyebrows.</p>
<p>But I think it may be a little different for kids from SAT-dominant states. Since most elite schools are in SAT-dominant regions and get most of their applications from SAT-dominant states, it may raise an eyebrow if a kid from an SAT-dominant state submits only ACT scores. The natural inference is that the SAT scores are likely not as strong. And that might—underscore “might”—subtly influence the adcom’s impression of the file. On the other hand, if the ACT scores are strong, that’s a plus. And if there’s not an SAT score that would negatively affect the school’s reported SAT medians or middle 50%, that’s at least not a negative. Beyond that, if the reported ACT score would positively influence the school’s reported ACT median or middle 50%—especially if it’s in the top quartile–then there’s probably a net positive effect. And in any event, reporting a weaker SAT score is only going to hurt the file. So I’d say notwithstanding the subtle perception effect, the kid with a stronger ACT than SAT is going to be better off reporting the ACT score.</p>