Would my scores really go up if I took it again? What about the ACT?

Parents Forum
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<p>I've taken the SATs twice March: V560 M690 W540, June: V580 M690 W490. I had th PR SAT book and I read that before the June ones, didn't really help me, though I admit I did not have the time to study the vocab section in it, which could have probably helped me.</p>

<p>By taking the SATs again in October, would my scores go up that much more??? A teacher recommended I take the ACT, but I'm only applying to East Coast schools, so would colleges really consider the ACT (if it was good) over my average SAT scores? Any comments would also be appreciated, cause I'm kind of confused on what to do. Thx</p>

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<p>I can only speak to the ACT question. With a few exceptions (most notably Princeton, I believe) the ACT is accepted on par with the SAT. The old stigma that east coast schools look down on the ACT vs. the SAT just doesn't exist anymore.</p>

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<p>Try the ACT, you have nothing to lose. Many kids do better on the ACT than the SAT-- mine was one of them. You can specify which ACT test date score to send to the college, unlike the SAT, which sends every score you've ever taken.</p>

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<p>can anyone else comment with a suggestion?</p>

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<p>Definitely do the ACT, My S did MUCH better on it then SAT's and got into most all of his schools as a result. Many kids do significantly better, not all but it is worth a go!!</p>

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<p>Do you think I should take the writing section of the ACT too? or should I not bother?</p>

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<p>If you know what schools you want to apply to, check and see if they require the essay score. If you're not sure about the schools, I would probably do the essay anyway so you don't end up having to take it again.</p>

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<p>Socksrule,
RE: Improvement on SAT if you retake. My S took the old SAT as a sophomore and the new SAT in June. His scores from sophomore year to junior year were markedly higher. My S. prepped for the new SAT by taking 2 practice tests onlline (you can subscibe to College Board for the service) and two practice tests under timed SAT like conditions taken out of the SAT prep book. My S reported that taking the practice tests helped him nail down the timing and allowed him to see the patterns or themes of questions. He went from a 700 Verbal to an 800 and from a 720 Math to 780. He attributed the improvement to taking the practice tests. He thought taking the practice tests were better prep. than studying from the SAT book, etc.</p>

<p>I hope this helps a bit. Good luck with any future test taking.</p>

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<p>My D took the SAT and ACT. SAT Verbal 620, Writing 750/ 10 essay. ACT English 36, Reading 34. Some kids just do better on the ACT.</p>