Hi everybody,
So I just finished my junior year and I’ve already taken the ACT and SAT. I took the tests cold for the first time to get a baseline, and I received basically the same score on both (29 ACT/1990 SAT). On the ACT, I got a 10 on the essay whereas I got an 8 on the SAT essay, and here’s the rest of my breakdown from both tests:
March SAT:
Reading - 690
Math- 560
Writing - 740 (I actually only missed 2 of the multiple choice on this, which I was proud of)
Math is obviously my worst subject, so the type of math that’s easier to practice/learn on these tests matters to me. I want to study over the summer for the fall dates, but I don’t know which one would be better suited to my strengths.
I’m no expert – just a parent who has done some research and talked to some experts. My personal bias is in favor of the SAT because I’m confident that it’s coachable. Your reading and writing scores are already great, both on the SAT and ACT. One advantage of the SAT is that you have one “lower” score, not two (math and science) on the ACT. I also think that quality studying – using the methods and resources available here on CC – can significantly increase all of your SAT scores. (I’m not as familiar with the methods and resources for studying for the ACT.) One advantage of the ACT is that there’s no rush; if you go for the SAT you have just 4 testing opportunities left – Oct., Nov., Dec., and Jan. Because you’re going to be busy with classes in the fall, I’d strongly recommend studying hard this summer – especially if you choose the SAT. It’s a personal choice. Which one just feels more comfortable to you?
Since you are a rising senior you will only have a few opportunities to take either test in the fall. You can take the Sept ACT and still make most early admission deadlines. Taking the ACT or SAT in Oct will put you past early admission deadlines and some, but not all colleges, but you will still be fine for regular admission. You are significantly more likely to be admitted during the EA/ED cycle, plus you will be eligible for FA/ Merit too. In most schools, the early cycle is the only time you can get merit scholarships.
Do you know where you would like to matriculate and which subject? You will need to check the policy at each college re: last SAT/ACT date for EA and RD. There may be more than one, some schools have a EA 1 and EA 2 deadline.
Both tests are coachable. The good part is that with math especially, studying for the SAT and ACT are very similar. I would:
Study like crazy this summer and sign up for the Sept 12 ACT and Oct 3 SAT. See how you do on the ACT. You should have results back by the end of Sept. (If you didn’t study at all and got a 29, you could improve your score 3-4 points with intensive preparation. That would get you to a 32-33, very competitive for all but the most super-elite schools and STEM programs). Go ahead and report the scores to the EA schools when you take the test. You will have a good feeling on how you did on the test. If you think you aced it, you can wait and see your scores. If you didn’t, continue to study for the SAT on Oct 3.
32 ACT is the key number for most merit aid. 33 is the median for admitted students even at high end (e.g. Princeton) Ivy League, and >75% at most flagship state schools (except for engineering)
This way you can decide whether to apply EA or RD. I realize this is not ideal, but you are under a time crunch. In the mean time, start writing your essays, prepare your parents for the FAFSE and make sure they file their taxes by Feb 1.