SAT, ACT, or Both?

Justin314 · 06-21-2012, 11:08 PM

Hello,

I just got my scores for my SATI.
Math: 770
Critical Reading: 630
Writing: 600
TOTAL: 2000

I am taking the most advanced courses in my school (IB) and have several other strong EC's. I am hoping to go to an Ivy League College, so now comes the question of ACT or SAT. I took the ACT but have not yet gotten my scores yet. I expect it to be similar though.

I know my SAT is low, but mainly because I need to study how to master the critical reading and writing. I truly believe that practice is what I need to raise my score. But which score should I raise?

Should I spend my summer studying for the SAT, ACT, or both? I personally feel that the ACT is easier, primarily because there is a science section and also because all types of a question are in one section.

My main question: Would colleges care if I have a low initial SAT (that I never re-took) but a great ACT after studying for the whole summer? What if I just don't send my initial SAT score, only my improved ACT?

Thanks so much!

alaina101 · 06-21-2012, 11:13 PM

At several schools, you don't have to submit both the SAT and the ACT. So, if you take the ACT again and do well on it, you can just submit that score and then you won't have to worry about your SAT. That being said, a 2000 is not a horrible score, and it would still get you into several high caliber schools. If you have impressive grades and extracurricular record, you could still get into some top schools without an amazing score.

Justin314 · 06-21-2012, 11:40 PM

Do most high caliber schools require both the SAT and ACT?

There are only three SAT dates before 2013, which I plan to use for three subject tests. It would be annoying to use one of these for an SAT re-take.

On a side note, can I take all SAT subject tests in one day? I remember seeing on the CB website that you have to pay $X for each test day plus $Y for each test; this would only make sense if one could take multiple subject tests on one day. Does anybody know about this?

Thanks!

RexT95 · 06-22-2012, 07:12 AM

you can take up to three subject tests on each testing day so you could just do all three on one day and re-take the sat if you feel you can score higher

LimitlessProd · 06-22-2012, 01:09 PM

Most high caliber schools do require you send in all your scores, especially the Ivy League. The thing about taking 3 Subject Tests in one day is that it's not easy to study for 3 completely unrelated and specific subjects and score well on them. If you think you can do it, go for it. Wait until your ACT scores come back and then decide what to do.