<p>So here's my dilemma. I am currently a junior, and plan on applying to some top colleges such as Dartmouth, Washington and Lee, Cornell, Bucknell, etc. I recently took the December SAT and received a very satisfactory 2200 but only received a 690 on math, which I am confident is my strongest subject (along with science). I don't want that stat to stick out like a sore thumb when applying to engineering/science schools but I also don't want to take the SAT again (plus my reading and writing scores were pretty much maxed out and I don't know if I could equal them on a retake). I play three varsity sports so the dates I can take the test are limited, plus I really need to use those dates to take a subject test or two (a possibility would be November of my senior year, but then it would be too late for early decision schools). I was wondering whether or not taking the Math II subject test would help counterbalance the 690 (I'm confident I can score high 700s to 800 on it). I would also consider taking the ACT in June as that date doesn't conflict with sports to get a better math score on a general "reasoning test." The problem with this is I have no experience with the ACT, I don't want to have to prepare for a whole new test with APs and such towards the end of the year, and it takes place on a weekend in between two weeks of finals at my high school (although I will only be taking three finals, it still isn't ideal). So Math II, ACT, or try to find a date to take the SAT again?</p>
<p>An 800 on Math II should compensate…if math is your strong point, it should be easy to pull off (you only need ~43-44 for an 800).</p>
<p>Also if you’ve prepared for the SAT, you won’t need to do much for the ACT since a lot of the strategies are the same (you might want to look at science though). I scored a 32 going in stone cold (SAT was ~2050). </p>
<p>Just my opinion, but your best option is to take Math II and aim for an 800.</p>
<p>yeah, 800 should cover your math 1</p>
<p>My D got into Dartmouth with a 680 on her SAT math (a 790 CR and 770 Wr), and she did NOT take the math SAT II. I would not try and switch to the ACT – I would get your APs done in May, and then take the math SAT II in early June. Take the three weeks (after the APs and before the SAT II) to to do lots of practice tests for the math SAT II. Get a high score on that. Then on your Common App, under “Other Information” you can write what you just said here.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the help. I think I will take the Math subject test by the end of the year.</p>