<p>I've been struggling to break the 2250 barrier on the SAT and it isn't working.</p>
<p>My last score was a 2120 (740m, 700w, 680cr) but I'm still a bit unsatisfied. I keep trying on the practice SAT tests and I still keep scoring in the 2000-2100 range.</p>
<p>To prepare for the SAT, I worked my way through the blue book, and took prep classes at Elite for 8 weeks. I found that Elite really helped. I started out with a score of 1750, and raised my score 300 points by the time I left. I continued a self study course to raise myself to a 2100 level, but I'm afraid I can't go on any longer in pushing for 2250.</p>
<p>I will be entering my senior year this fall. Instead of taking the SAT again, I've considered just taking the ACT instead...but I have no idea how it will be like. I've haven't even taken an ACT practice test yet.</p>
<p>If I screw up and get scores < 30, will the colleges I apply to ever know? The only reason I'm giving the ACT consideration is because it's an alternate route...and if it has no drawbacks, I'm willing to take it.</p>
<p>Get yourself to the ACT site or a local book store for the ACT's own prep book. Look at the sample questions ... then you will know.</p>
<p>Colleges won't know what you get on the ACT if you don't send the scores to them UNLESS you have the scores sent to your high school and the HS puts the scores on the information it sends to colleges. But I really don't know if colleges look at test scores high schools mention that aren't supported by official score reports. (A score lower that what you got on the SAT and inconsistent with your grades might just be viewed as an off day -- you were sick, etc.)</p>
<p>What on earth on you complaining about?! A 2250 is a killer score! Move on to more important things, dude. If your scores are high but your ECs suck because all you do is take standardized tests for a hobby, your app's gonna suffer.</p>
<p>Oh, sorry, I read that too fast while watching the BoSox/Os game!! I was rooting for the Os to win because I hate the Sox. ;-)</p>
<p>Yeah, there's really no drawback to taking it, but you should do at least SOME practice because timing can be a big issue on the ACT. I mean, timing is key! Don't take it completely cold. You can get a free ACT on review.com, but it's worth getting at least the official practice guide and maybe the PR guide as well. PR helped me tremendously.</p>
<p>If it was up to me, I would just take the ACT. For me, I didn't study for it AT ALL, and I manage to pull a 31 and a 33. For me, ACT's just a whole lot easier than the SAT's. I believe my highest composite for SAT is a 2190.</p>
<p>That's what I'm at right now too, a 2120 (and I'd like a 2200... 2250 would make me the happiest person in the world)...</p>
<p>I took the ACT cold (looked at the real ACT book the night before briefly) and felt that it was much easier than the SAT. I had a bit of a time issue when I took the actual test though, so I'm going to give that another shot with a little practice. But if you don't like your score you don't have to submit it, so you might as well give it a shot, you may find you like the test much better. I think the fact that there's no penalty for guessing and the fact that nobody ever has to see it makes you more relaxed about the test, and maybe helps you do better.</p>
<p>I'm in the same situation...i have about a 2140 composite on the SAT and I'm taking the ACT this Sept. and I was wondering about whether colleges will look down on me if I took the ACT but didn't get a good score because my high school lists all the scores that we have....</p>
<p>Can't you have your high school take it off of your transcript? It would be unfair if they didn't. Otherwise, when you register, you can just not list your high school so they would never get your scores.</p>
<p>Took the ACT cold first time in horrible conditions (nothing like heavy construction next to the testing room and me forced to be sitting at the window) and got a 32. In better testing conditions, I got it up to 35, so I think you could do well without prep.</p>
<p>I neglected to read every post, so if I am repeating, forgive me. While I can see no drawbacks to taking the ACT, I would like to add something. I am sure you do not want to hear this if you are anything like me... great is never good enough. However, to most top colleges 2100+ are all viewed as the same. Anything above that really doesn't matter anymore. I'm sure if you have a perfect 2400 it bodes well, but it really makes no difference. In addition, if you worked hard to get that score, and have come close to it consistantly, then it's most likely an accurate testing of your skills -- which, by the way, is phenominal.</p>
<p>If you still opt to take the ACT, )which many do and find it easier), I would suggest reading a book on it and taking a practice test. The SAT and ACT are very different and if you do not find out the differences and practice, you would be unhappy with the surprising results.</p>