UPenn's Testing Requirement Question

<p>I saw another thread about UPenn's testing policies, but it didn't definitively answer my question. </p>

<p>If I took two SATs, three SAT Subject tests, and one ACT with writing, what am I REQUIRED to submit? Is it:</p>

<ul>
<li>Both SATs and all subject tests
OR</li>
<li>Just the ACT with writing
OR</li>
<li>The SATs, the subject test, and the ACT with writing</li>
</ul>

<p>It would be really helpful to know Penn's exact policies. Thank you :)</p>

<p>*Sorry if this is a repeat from somewhere. I just couldn't find a thread that linked to a reliable source that directly answered my question.</p>

<p>Penn’s exact policies are found on Penn’s website</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.admissions.upenn.edu/apply/freshman-admission/required-testing”>http://www.admissions.upenn.edu/apply/freshman-admission/required-testing&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>It says this:
Penn requires freshman applicants to submit either:
• the SAT (which includes the Critical Reading, Math, and Writing sections) and two SAT Subject Tests </p>

<p>​ OR
• the ACT Plus Writing</p>

<p>The policy (linked to above) is clear but the ‘reality’ is a little more complicated. It’s worth noting that many students take a variety of SAT2 tests in order to demonstrate mastery of a given subject - and mastery over a range of subjects. Such students might take a range of SAT2. Maybe one in a humanity, one in a social science, and one hard science. Penn even (strongly) suggests certain SAT2s for students considering admissions to certain programs. As a result many students end up taking SAT2 tests as well as ACT and the SAT. Even a student who aced the ACT and didn’t plan on taking the SAT at all might end up taking it since the SAT is required for students who choose to continue in the National Merit program. So many tests - that’s why the question always seems to come up about what to submit. </p>

<p>I think, and it’s what I THINK it’s NOT the policy, that if a school “strongly encourages” something that’s as good as a requirement. Many GCs among others feel the same way. So as an example, a student applying to Engineering is strongly encouraged to take the SAT2 in Math Level Two and Physics. That student might not feel competitive if they JUST submit their ACT score so that student takes and submits the SAT2 scores as well as the ACT. Surplus to requirements? Yes, but that’s the reality. If that student as also taken the SAT (and not all do because some students do take SAT2s and ACTs without the SAT) - they’ll have to submit the SAT score(s) as well.</p>

<p>So bottom line? If you’ve taken SAT2s, the SAT, and the ACT you are required to submit: just the ACT, OR the SAT2 and the SAT, OR the results from all three tests. When you submit scores you must submit the entire test history - which for the SAT will contain both the SAT and the SAT2.</p>

<p>The most important thing to keep in mind is that Penn will only consider the highest scores.</p>

<p>@T26E4 @plmdin Maybe I wasn’t clear enough with my question. </p>

<p>Penn requires an applicant’s “entire testing history” (as seen by the link given by T26E4). Does this “testing history” encompass all of the tests an applicant takes from both companies or from just one of the companies? </p>

<p>Let’s say I took my SAT and SAT IIs and did well on them. Should I be afraid to take the ACT because I would HAVE to submit the ACT to Penn even if that score is substantially lower than my SAT score? I know Penn only “wants” to look at an applicant’s highest scores, but I would rather not take the risk of taking the ACT and submitting a score that has any potential to hurt me in the admissions process.</p>

<p>I think plmdin may have answered my question, but I think his/her answer was more centered on whether or not an applicant has to submit SAT II scores. </p>

<p>To me Penn says send A or B. They can’t enforce you not submitting one company’s scores. But really, you’re worrying too much. Having a bad score in the past is nothing. You’re over emphasizing the scores more than Penn will. </p>

<p>If you took the SAT as well as the relevant SAT2s and you are happy with the scores, submit those and be done with it. You don’t have to submit the ACT as well. If you want to take the ACT go ahead but you are not mandated to submit those scores if you are also submitting the SAT/SAT2. When Penn says to ‘submit entire testing history’ they mean you are expected to submit all the scores from the particular test you are submitting. </p>