<p>Boston U is my first choice, and I know that I am required to take the SAT + 2 subject tests or the ACT with writing. The thing is, deadlines are fast approaching, and I'm having to make a few decisions.</p>
<p>My first SAT I's were not that strong (1770: 580 V 490 M 700 W), so I know that I should re-take that. The problem is: I also need to take two subject tests. I am only good at one subject - literature.</p>
<p>Because of this, I was considering forgetting about the SAT, and instead focusing all of my attention on the ACT with writing. I know that it would be very difficult to study for four different tests over the next three months (if I were to take the ACT, SAT I, and 2 Subject tests), so I thought maybe this would help with the stress level. However, I have never taken the ACT or a practice exam for it, so I'm not sure if it would be better for me.</p>
<p>What would you recommend that I do?
The registration deadline for the SAT in October is in four days, so I have to make up my mind pretty quickly.</p>
<p>Should I forget about the SAT because of the subject tests and instead focus on the ACT?</p>
<p>You will be fine on the SAT2. Do not psych yourself out. Get some practice tests and do them. Literature is one of the hardest ones. If you can do well in that, you can do welll is some others. Whatever you took an AP in, you can grind away and do just fine of the SAT2.</p>
<p>Well this is a pretty crappy predicament. I’d like to say that you’ll do better on the ACT, but that isn’t necessarily true. I got a good score on the SAT (2030) and a less impressive score on the ACT (I think 29). So you can’t bank on an automatically higher ACT score. </p>
<p>That being said, your second option sounds even worse. Just because you’re “good” at literature doesn’t mean you’ll score well on the lit. test, and banking on an impressive turnaround in your SAT and a high score in a subject you suck at doesn’t sound like a good idea. </p>
<p>Take the ACT. It’s your best bet. Also (and I say this not to be mean, but because it’s something you should hear) you might want to start looking at other schools. I didn’t apply to BU, but had a few friends that did, all of whom had better scores than you. None of them got in. Doesn’t mean you won’t, but you should keep that in mind.</p>
<p>I have decided that it would benefit to me focus on one test - the ACT.</p>
<p>That being said, BU is my dream school, but I know that I have a low chance of getting in. I am looking at other schools that have better programs for what I want to do (photojournalism), but I visited Boston and loved it. I am kind of praying that when I go to visit the University of Missouri I will like it even more, because another big stretch would be paying for BU if I, by some stroke of luck, made it in.</p>
<p>Now, I would have to take the ACT in October, correct? If I wanted to get it to schools in time? (versus the one on December 11th)</p>
<p>Toppiesfb - I think you made the right choice. My D is an English/Literature person and did better on the ACT (w/writing). I also know of two really bright kids that didn’t study for the ACT but took it just to see after taking the SAT a couple of times (both were NMF). They both did better on the ACT.
I think my D took it in Oct but she was applying ED. You might want to check with the schools you are applying to for the last test date they will take.</p>