My D26 has the following test scores:
ACT (single sitting)
33 composite
35 math
35 science
32 reading
29 English
SAT (superscore)
1410 composite
710 reading
700 math
She was planning to submit only her ACT scores. However, while playing around on College Vine, we noticed the algorithm sometimes showed her SAT scores as giving her a slightly better chance of admission to some schools. This seemed to happen because her 29 English ACT score fell below the average for a few schools, whereas her 710 Reading SAT does not for most of the schools on her list.
In a case such as this, would it make sense to submit both scores to colleges where her overall composite score is at or above the middle 50% for both tests? How do colleges look at test scores? I assume they would never mix and match between two different tests (e.g., ACT math, SAT reading).
And before anyone recommends she re-take the ACT to improve that English score, I have already tried and received a pretty clear no from my D. She took the SAT three times before taking the ACT as a school-day state required exam. She is not interested in more prep and testing – and is willing to let the chips fall where they may, I guess. That being said, if it makes sense to send both scores, she would certainly be willing to do so.
Thanks in advance for the advice!
Is she a STEM kid? If so, I’d just submit that ACT score.
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Yes, primarily looking at direct entry BSN programs.
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I think the 33, with BOTH a 35 in math and a 35 in science is going to work just fine for BSN programs! It’s not like a 29 is ‘bad’ (maybe by CC standards -but not by any OTHER standards!)
Based on the fact that you are primarily looking at direct entry BSN -I know that many of those programs are pretty holistic - and a 33 certainly checks the ‘test scores’ requirements.
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There is no downside to submitting both, as most schools allow self-reporting of scores during the application process. There would be an extra cost to submit both sets of scores to schools that require official scores during the application process.
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Would you only submit both if both composite scores are over the 50th percentile? For example, UMich (one of D’s reaches) has published ACT 33 and SAT 1460 as the 50th percentile. In that case, should she only submit the ACT??
I can make the case either way for Michigan, has she asked her HS counselor their opinion? I would lean towards letting your D make the decision that she is most comfortable with.
Generally, I believe many admissions officers will take the highest test score and move on. Meaning I don’t think many would say ‘oh, the ACT is in range, but not the SAT, so let’s not admit’ (if she sent both.)
Also, I would not use collegevine for admission probability or school categorization. I would rely on the HS counselor for that as well.
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Thanks. Unfortunately her school counselor will not be much help. They are all super nice, but carry a caseload of about 500 kids. (We are at a very large urban public.) I will let D decide, as you suggested…. But figured I would mine the collective experience here first!
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We have a similar situation with our high school - basically one college counselor for 1500 kids. They are overwhelmed. The advisors are more helpful but their caseload is still really high.
Question for the group - is this something you could ask the AO? Or is that a absolutely NO kind of question?
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Absolutely ok to ask one’s AO for direction on submitting test scores or not. Some will be very clear and direct with guidance and some won’t.
Also make sure your student is paying attention during live and/or virtual admissions presentations…some schools give clear guidance in those. And if they don’t, that can be a good venue to ask too.
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