Here is what I am thinking, breaking the schools down into categories.
Need-blind/Meets-need for international students
As you know, this is a very small number of schools which require the most rigorous of academics. A higher ACT score may help here, but you have already posted that you sent essays to them that you don’t like. They consider the whole package, and a better ACT score would be only part of what they consider. And these schools definitely want to see their applicants keep their grades up, so that is also very important. Chances of acceptance to these schools is in the very low single digits, so likely not worth the effort.
Need-aware/meets-need for international students
Same as above, but they may very well say no simply because of your high need, so probably not worth the effort.
Need aware/doesn’t meet need for international students
These schools won’t meet your price point, so don’t even worry about them.
Need aware, but with high enough merit to a large enough group (ie, Washington and Lee) — a higher ACT might make a difference if you have already applied to them and their scholarship.
Need aware, with automatic merit – you have likely already crossed the threshhold with your SAT scores and so a higher ACT score is not needed. Ole MIss is such a school. I expect you to get into Ole Miss and be awarded their full tuition merit scholarship based on your existing SAT profiles, which should bring it to an affordable cost for you. I think this is one of your best options. No need to take the ACT for this.
Need aware, no automatic merit, but you can afford it based on the existing price. Minot State is one of these, where I expect you to get in based on your current profile and SAT scores. And to be able to afford it or be very close to afford it. I think this is also one of your best options. No need to take the ACT for this.
“I really messed up my SAT” and “1470” do not belong in the same sentence, unless the sentence were more like “I am hoping for an excellent score, such as 1470”.
1470 is a very good score on the SAT exam.
Personally I would recommend that you just do not worry about it.
If you applied to 100 universities, then 1470 will be very good for the large majority of them.
No. Do not sacrifice sleep. You need sleep. You do not need anything better than 1470 on the SAT.
Exactly. Be patient. The results will come in over the next few months.
Just curious- how does one apply to 100 schools in the top 50? That question is only slightly tongue in cheek, as I assume you perhaps did a shotgun application to the top 50 U’s and the top 50 LACs. Take some deep breaths . If you want to take the ACT and don’t do well, there are some schools that would still require you to submit all of your standardized test scores. That could backfire for you.
I wrote essays good enough for cornell and dartmouth I believe. Is it worth the 1% chance though. I’ll somehow manage things even if they are extreme. the fees is like half my father’s earnings.
Unlikely. Further, for many/maybe most of the T20s the latest ACT test they will take for RD is December’s. UCLA and UCB, often in the top 20 depending on ranking, are test blind, so a higher score won’t help there either.
Please stop perseverating about this. Don’t take another test. Your course grades are more important. Your mental health is more important. Having some free time is more important.
Can you go outside and take a walk or do something else that will get this test off your mind?
Most schools have the policy that all scores must be received by the application deadline. The deadlines have past for nearly all the T50 schools.
Below that, your 1470 is a great score.
You seem to be spiraling. You need to step away from your computer, rest, and focus on what you can control - taking care of yourself and finishing out your school year strong.