I really messed my SAT and I have gotten a score of 1470 and I plan to apply this cycle.
Some people have told me to take the February ACT, the testing is in the other city. Should I go and register for the test?
You are starting college in 2026 ( this year)?
Likely not but check your college deadlines for tests ?
What schools are on your list?
I imagine only if there’s auto merit where 1470 is not enough and that allows late tests.
No. And you didn’t “really mess up” your SAT. A 1470 is in the 97th percentile.
The February ACT is much too late for this cycle. Unless you are planning on taking a gap year, don’t waste your time or money.
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Umm there are about 100 I applied to. Basically all T50s
I think most should be in December.
Yes
Ahhh - I didn’t realize it was you.
No - you are done.
And I keep asking - did you get Minot in, Texas A&M International, Southern Miss
These are the schools you need - not Amherst.
But the top top schools all have had deadlines pass.
The easy to get in schools - you already will max out merit.
So no.
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Many colleges will accept February ACT results. Of course, the onus is on OP to see if any of their colleges accept February results.
That said, no I would not. It’s 22 January; ACT requires somewhat different preparation and you’ve left yourself inadequate time to prepare.
And a piece of advice: “messed” and “1470” don’t belong in the same sentence. There are a grand total of zero US universities that will offer you a hug for crying “woe is me.”
Apps are done and submitted. All you can do now is wait. Good luck.
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Oh my god, that sentence left with a lot of discomfort.
You need to check and see the deadline for every college you applied to. But I agree with @skieurope that you likely have not left yourself with adequate time to prepare for the ACT. Have you taken a practice test or done any work for the ACT?
You have another thread asking if you should send in new essays from what you submitted with your application (a resounding no). IMO a problem with completing so many applications is that you may not have been able to spend enough time and effort making each application as strong as it could possibly be. But at this point it is what it is. Your applications are completed and now you have to wait.
As you know It is hard for international students needing significant aid. You took your shot and will see what happens. I hope you have affordable options in the US but please also apply to colleges in your home country.
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Not at all I have prepared mostly for the SAT. I also got my final exams in the month of february 24. I am willing to sacrifice sleep should I do it? I really want to get in. I don’t want to be left behind.
I did apply to colleges in my home country.
Thank you.
All the competitive schools have long passed deadlines.
All the high merit ones you needed to apply to - 1470 will be well above where you need to be.
So nothing to do here.
But relax.
–Have you researched what, if any, colleges you have applied to will accept that test? That is step 1.
-Have you even looked at the ACT exam? If you are not prepared, if you will be exhausted, if preparations will cause your classroom performance to be slip then it is not worth taking.
My gut is that the ACT isn’t worth doing at this time. You seem filled with regret about your US applications but at some point you need to come to peace with the idea that they are complete.
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The ACT is a totally different format and is very much speed dependent. You simply don’t have enough time to prepare. And the top schools won’t accept such a late score and good sleep is ESSENTIAL!
Study for your final exams and take care of your self. If you don’t do well on your final exams that will be a much bigger problem than your 1470.
I realize that waiting for decisions is very stressful but OP, you really really need to focus on self care and getting through the rest of your school year with solid grades and test scores. Do whatever you need to back burner the anxiety of college acceptances. Your applications are in. Your part is done.
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Are you really sure, I really don’t want to miss a chance here. Do you think getting like maximum marks would benefit me better than the scores? I am scared that colleges will look down on me because meanwhile my Grades are like near perfect and SAT scores do not correlate with that.
I am really stressed the last deadline for ACT would be tomorrow so please let me know.
Have you checked to see which, if any, colleges you have applied to will accept Feb. ACT scores? If the ACT would be accepted, can your family comfortably afford the related fees and travel expenses associated with taking the exam?
In the end it is your decision.
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You should assume that given that every single response has said don’t take ACT, and that all those users combined have more years of experience guiding others through college admissions than years you’ve been on this earth (and probably years more than your parent), then yes, we’re really sure
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Alot of colleges of mine will do. The problem and the dilemma I am stuck in is can I manage 200 pages of examination coursework and this exam.
Guessing the answer is no. But again, it is your decision.
The colleges that you have that do will have so few people that have a 1470. It will be well well above what they see.
There is zero reason for you to take the ACT.
Zero.
Are these colleges meet need for international or have generous merit for international? If not, it is not worth it because even if they accept you, you won’t be able to afford them . So spend the time on the exams instead because keeping your grades up is something that colleges DO care about .
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Have you posted the entire list of schools to which you have applied? I’m curious just because I have followed your threads and feel invested in your process.