Which scores to send?

Elijah47 · 10-10-2012, 05:55 PM

I'm a senior, so I can't really do any more testing, but here are my test scores:

SAT (June 2012): 700 M, 720 CR, 800 W (10 E) - 2220 total
SAT II (May 2012): 780 Math II, 780 Chem
ACT (September 2012): 35 M, 33 E, 32 R, 32 S, 8 E - 33 composite

I really have no idea what to send. From what I've heard, a 33 and a 2220 are roughly equivalent. I'm definitely a "math person" if you were to look at my transcript, but it's not reflected in my SAT. On the other hand, I did great on SAT writing and really badly on ACT writing.

Which would make me a stronger applicant? The SAT + subject tests or the ACT? If it makes any difference, the vast majority of my schools are LACs in the northeastern United States.

Thanks!

drusba · 10-10-2012, 07:04 PM

Send all unless cost is an issue. The colleges in that situation choose that test, SAT or ACT, which they believe is better for you and use it for admission. If cost is an issue, still send all to high ranked colleges but if you are applying to any college where your SAT and ACT scores are already in the upper 25% of the currently enrolled freshman (colleges publish their middle 50% ranges), you could choose to send either as long as the school does not require you to provide all scores.

Elijah47 · 10-10-2012, 08:25 PM

I'm looking at the numbers now, and I pretty much fall exactly on the 75th percentile for a few of my colleges. For example, according to College *******, Wesleyan's ACT 25/75 is 29-33 and SAT is 1930-2240. I'm in similar situations with Tufts and Vassar. I should probably send both tests to those schools anyway because they're serious reaches and I need any edge I can get. I just don't want the 700 in SAT math or the 8 ACT essay to hurt me.

jennieling · 10-11-2012, 06:35 PM

Send them all. They will be impressed that you could do that well consistently over 2 different tests (ie not just a "fluke"). And they won't look down on the * ACT essay, because you got a 10 on the SAT essay and an 800 on SAT Writing overall, so clearly you can write. And a 700 is not terrible on math; anything 700 or above is good for the selective colleges. Plus you aced the math (35) on the ACT. So no worries--and send them all.