<p>So I took the ACT for the first time in October and, not knowing how well it would go, I submitted my SAT scores from last year just to be sure that I had a score in for the Yale EA deadline. I submitted my ACT without knowing the score. But I just got my ACT score back today and it’s a 36. The problem is that my SATs were less than stellar (2190, although my SATIIs weren’t bad). Will Yale penalize me for the poor SAT score or will my new ACT score outweigh the SAT?</p>
<p>Relax. Yale views your tests in the most favorable light. </p>
<p>A 2190 is not a shameful score, and an ACT of 36 just means that you are more of an ACT kid than an SAT kid, OR, perhaps that you were better in a few hours on one weekend than you were in a few hours on a different weekend. </p>
<p>Thank you. Rationally, I understand that tests are examined favorably, but oftentimes the crazy period that is application season blurs that rationality a bit. Your reassurance is truly appreciated.</p>
<p>Application season is tough for anyone who cares and has applied to selective schools. Focus on Plan B, and prepare for RD season. If you’re lucky (and I intend no disrespect by referring to luck), you will be able to stick to Plan A. That said, even your Plan B will include many schools that are excellent and will love to invite you to attend. </p>
<p>Even if they were incredibly nitty-gritty about your 2190, you’ll be fine. I’ve heard of people with lower scores being accepted by Yale. A 2190 is fine.</p>
<p>At this point I would focus on other components of the process. Scores are over and done. They are just a piece of the puzzle and yours are respectable. Whether or not you get in will not rest solely on these scores. Lots of applicants with 36 ACT or 2400 SAT still don’t get in.</p>
<p>I agree with everyone else. First of all, a 2190 is not a bad score. However, a 36 (WAY TO GO BY THE WAY!) on an ACT will outweigh any doubt that your “bad score” could cause. They understand that each applicant is different and that’s why they allow applicants to submit EITHER the SAT or ACT. You didn’t have to submit both. But that doesn’t matter now. Don’t stress about it! </p>
<p>Random side note: I watched a video that a Yalie created where he went around asking students why they thought they got accepted. It was an overwhelming: “I have no idea!”. Some even answered: “They threw names in a hat, and picked randomly!” 90% of the applicants to Yale all have close to perfect (and perfect) GPAs, high SATs and ACTs, etc. It’s all about distinguishing yourself in your application. So don’t worry! After you hit submit, put it in the back of your mind and focus on senior year!</p>
<p>Yes, I agree. I think of scores as the common factor for students who apply/are accepted to Yale and other similar institutions. The other sections of the application (activities, essays, etc.) are the opportunity to highlight your differences from this commonality, another perfect score, and what, in my opinion, are the decisive factors in the admissions process. The personality outweighs the standardized scores. I was just nervous that a 2190 (which I do know is not a score to be ashamed of by any stretch of the imagination, especially considering I was half-zombied out from a cold on testing day) on a test I had taken multiple times would be given greater weight than a much better score on a test I only had taken once. Again, a lot of this is just the inevitable pre-decision jitters talking and I thank everyone for their perspective and advice. </p>