I took the SAT and got 1330 twice. I’m thinking of taking the ACT. with both science and writing in August (my senior year). will it help? I’m applying to UTD, rice, UT, Texas A&M, UNT
I want to apply early for UTD, Rice and UT so I’m applying before December.
Any thoughts?
For Rice and UT, you’d have to apply test optional - but you can’t to UT as the test is required. Will you be in the top 5% of your class? For Rice, definitely apply TO.
A&M is optional but for the most part, I think your score works. It will for UTD and UNT as well.
If you think you’ve maxed out the SAT, then sure - try the ACT. You’d need a 30 for it to be a better score.
It looks like Rice, you’d apply ED1 by November 1 or ED2 or Regular Decision by January 4th.
For UT, October 15th is the deadline or December 1st.
A&M is December 1st.
UTD is December 1st.
UNT is very, very late.
Good luck.
Best of luck.
What major? Is it one where the ACT writing will make a difference? So few colleges look at it, I’m wondering if it’s worth your time. For example, Rice says
- Essay sections: The ACT Essay and SAT Essay sections are not required and not considered for admission.
Also check the colleges for ACT science policy. It’s optional for most, but some will include it in your score and others specifically exclude it.
Hard to tell if it’s “worth” it without understanding your SAT score /where the gap is between what you want and where you are. Have you taken any practice ACTs and if so what was your score?
That’s the essay - but not the four sections of the ACT- English, Math, Reading, and Science
My kid’s guidance counselor believed that about a third of students score higher on the ACT, a third score higher on the SAT, and a third get the same (equivalent) score on both exams Nobody here knows where you fall. Nobody here knows how well you prepared for the SAT and if that can be improved. I’d suggest you take a practice ACT and see if it seems to be a better exam for you.
This is a gross simplification, but the SAT is perceived to be a bit harder but allows more time, so if you simply can’t do better at this point, the ACT may be your test PROVIDED you are willing to put in the time and practice to learn to do the slightly easier material faster. With an August test date, you have time, but you will need to use it. Just switching tests may not yield the results you want.
As others said, some people do better on the ACT, some on the SAT. So I think if your practice ACT tests are looking promising, it is worth giving it a shot.
This really isn’t the question OP asked. I think “definitely apply TO” is a little too generic advice. 1330 is a very good score and while below Rice’s 25th percentile, it may still be strong enough. After all, 25% of the class is below that line. Perhaps OP comes from a school where the average score is below 1000. Or is FGLI. Or any number of variables. Without understanding OP’s full profile, you can’t just make that call.
Well we had a similar situation recently and OP was 70 points below whatever the school was and some said you were above the average, etc. I said 70 points was too far below. Go TO.
They submitted. Didn’t get in. Of course, we’ll never know why they didn’t get in.
But when you’re that far below - well, I wouldn’t. That’s me. 1510 is the 25th percentile - so this student is not at all in the range.
You made find it needs further analysis. But it’s 180 points from the 25th percentile. That’s enough for me to guide that way, even though 70% or so submit and I think it hurts not to.
Anyway, other than a test score, we know nothing about the student - but the reason I commented is because they shared the score, listed schools, and say they are thinking about taking the SAT. So I guided to the schools they listed - how they might be with the current score.
Thanks
Would also note that Rice “recommends” submitting a test score, and on CC common wisdom is recommendations should be adhered to if possible. But OP does need to do AP practice tests to see where they stand. My D19 did far better on ACT vs SAT, while C26 had almost identical scores on the practice tests. Hard to say in advance how OP will shake out.
Take a practice ACT and see how you do. My kid was set on the SAT (where he was getting fine but not great scores on practice tests and one real test) until he took a practice ACT and did really well. Never looked back.
Both of my kids did markedly better on the ACT than on the SAT. I think it’s pretty common for students to do better with one format or another, so it’s worth a shot. Be sure to practice first, and maybe read up on how the ACT is different. The study materials available through the ACT website are helpful. I would recommend doing the science supplement, but not the optional writing section – it seems like fewer schools really care about the writing test, especially if you have strong grades in English and perhaps an AP test (AP Lang?) to back those up.
Not if the student gets a great ACT score.
@ZZ_zee try the ACT. Some students do find it’s a better test for them. And good luck!
i want to apply for the biomedical major, I’ve not done any practice ACT’s as I was focused on SAT and now I’m prepping for my AP exams
okay, I’ll try out the practice test and see how it goes! i was thinking of using the summer to prepare for it and take it on August 14th. I’m pretty sure the results should come in before the early decision deadline.
yes, I will try the ACT out! thank you!
ah, yes I’m planning to keep my SAT score and if I get a 30 or more I’ll use that!
Deifnitely will do that after AP’s. Thanks!
Yes, I have AP Lang where I’m doing argument essay. I think I’ll keep them and do the ACT without the essay. Thanks for your help!
Yes I’ll definitely try that, thank you!