WeCareALot

I think Stanford might be okay with the ACT, but would it hurt to send ACT scores to the Ivies and MIT even though they tend to prefer the SAT? If it came down between you and another applicant, you with the ACTs and the other with SATs, would schools prefer the other student since they have the right KIND of test?

eighteenforluck

Not bad at all. They have a method of "converting" to SAT scores based on your percentage equivalent. Man southerners that I know at Penn submitted ACTs.

dooit

I don't think Princeton even accepts ACT

CopterMom

Yes, actually Princeton does accept the ACT it just "prefers" the SAT. Keep in mind that these schools will require SAT Subject tests (formerly SAT II) even with the ACT. Many students are beginning to take both tests, the SAT and the ACT, as a matter of course because they may do better on one type of test over the other. This way they have the freedom of submitting both or whichever one gives them the best profile. Schools have become much more flexible about this.

DianeR

Last I heard Princeton was telling folks that they take either test and neither one is preferred.

Yale doesn't require SAT IIs with the ACT.

WeCareALot

I was just curious because I really want to send my ACT to Harvard. It's sooooo much better than my SAT.

drusba

Except for Princeton's preference (don't know if it is changing), all the ivies and MIT accept the ACT. In fact, Yale, Penn, and Brown accept the ACT in lieu of both the SAT and SAT II's. The "preference" for the SAT that many still believe exists is something that has not existed for many years.

However, Harvard requires the SAT II's in addition to the ACT or SAT and when you send those SAT II's to Harvard, your SAT will also be sent. The College Board, whenever you request any score to be sent, always sends all your scores, both SAT and SAT II. Thus, you will not be able to conceal your SAT from Harvard but it will use your ACT for admission if it considers it to be a higher score.

Rooster527

Does anyone know where I can find an ACT-SAT conversion chart?

justcallmefunk

google it it is the easiest thing in the world to find...

Marian

WeCareALot, you need to realize that Harvard and the other schools are going to see your SAT score whether you like it or not.

You have to submit SATII scores to those schools even if you take the ACT. The College Board reports all scores; you have no choice. Thus, when it sends Harvard your SATII scores, it will send your SATI scores at the same time.

But if you have a good ACT score, send that too. It can't hurt.

DianeR

You have to submit SAT II scores for some schools, but some allow the ACT to substitute for both the SAT I and II. I knew this is true for Penn, Yale, and Brown, since these are the Ivies my daughter applied to (and she preferred not to report her lack-luster SAT II scores).