Applicants worry about ACT/SAT score requirements
33 posts in the last 30 days, all from r/ApplyingToCollege.
“I have heard different sides of this topic but if there are any admin officers, teachers or anyone else that could please shed some light on this. I have a 25 act superscore. the first time i took it my composite was a 25 and the second time i took it my composite was a 24 so…”
“I kind of mistakened the July ACT release date and checked really late, and the great news is. I got a 36 composite score which I'm really happy about, the problem is with the science section where I got a 10 on science. Should I still submit it to ivy league colleges? Is there…”
“i got a 35 act (36 math, 35 english, 33 reading, 33 science) and a 1510 sat (770 math, 740 reading). my parents are convinced that I HAVE TO, without a doubt, submit my act score ONLY. the problem is, i dont think my act score is that good 💔 i've tried researching which score…”
Students are confused about whether they need to take both the SAT and ACT for college applications, especially when schools list “SAT//ACT required.” Some feel pressure to achieve high scores on standardized tests despite not being strong test-takers, with one student specifically mentioning Georgetown's requirement.
SOURCES (60)
“I have a 1510 SAT rn. (Higher English than math) I wanna apply to some T20s Should I take ACT to give myself a better/more realistic shot I think I can get a 35 on ACT but idk if that’s more so confidence or arrogance.…”
“Hi, I am seeking some help on deciding where I should apply and not submit my ACT score. My breakdown is: 32 composite 35 english 34 reading 31 science 27 math I am planning to apply as a poli sci major early action for all the schools I can. my current list of schools is: American University George Washington University Gettysburg College Northwestern University University of Illinois Urbana Champaign University of Michigan University of Richmond University of Virginia University of Wisconsin M”
“so i already made a post asking if I should go test optional, I was told to get my SAT score up and take the ACT. unfortunately my sat did not go up and my act was lower than my sat. I am applying EA to these schools so should I go test optional for my sat? SAT: 1400 Total (composite is my highest so) 710 Math 690 Reading - school avg is around 1350, so i am between my schools 50 to 75th percentile ACT 29: 32 M, 30 E, 24 R (dont even ask how idek) For ref I am top 5% of my 400 graduation class (”
“I want to apply as an engineering major, but I received a 29 composite act with a 26 math score. I was only able to take it once due to a few reasons and am not sure if I should go test optional at schools or just submit it. Some schools I’m applying to do accept 29 composite act, but I don’t know if the 26 math would bring that down. submitted by /u/FIA_453 [link] [comments]”
“I have 10 days to study for it. Previously got a 900 though. ( 550 R&W / 330 Math ) Me Not Be submitted by /u/ASeriesOfGoodEvents [link] [comments]”
“I got 30 act on the sep act test, but I want to get higher score (there's no seat left on oct). that's why I want to take it again in dec. Is this possible to do it, if not I need to rethink about it submitted by /u/Stunning_Sky857 [link] [comments]”
“Is it necessary to “verify” a 36 on the ACT by also taking the SAT? SAT is wildly more popular in our area. Lots of peer pressure at high performing high school to take SAT. Plans to apply to top engineering schools (including but not limited to MIT). Student (junior) is afraid 36 on ACT needs to be backed up by SAT scores. Scoring high on practice ACT without prep. Scoring very high on practice SAT math without prep, but lower on reading. Must submit all scores to MIT. Option 1: only take ACT.”
“I'm not from the states and the places in my country that you can take the tests at are almost or over 2 hours away from me... how bad is it that I'm going test optional? (also i already graduated so i doubt I'm gonna do better than i did in school) and my grades are above average (not extremely but most of my leaving exams grades are above 85 out of 100) and I'm applying to theatre programs so it's a big part of my application submitted by /u/lvcygraybaird [link]”
“My current ACT is a 31 (35 English, 30 Math, 28 Reading), and I’m retaking it October 17. UNC’s app deadline is October 15, so I won’t have my new score before submitting my application. If I submit my application by October 15, will UNC consider my October 17 ACT score if I send it afterward? Or should I just apply test optional? For context, I have a 4.0 uw GPA, 4.9 weighted, and rank 1 in my class, but i’m also out of state. Any advice appreciated. submitted by /u/Valuable-Tadpole”
“I got a 590 on the math and a 740 on the reading. I know Umich is test optional, but I don't know if it'll hurt my already kind of meh chances. I have a 3.9 gpa unw and I'm co-secretary of NTHS, but besides that, I don't have any major leadership positions. I'd be applying for engineering. Please help? submitted by /u/endless-moon117 [link] [comments]”
“I am planning on applying to the University of Houston as a Texas resident who has above a 3.0 core GPA with 1400+ SAT. UH states "1400+ SAT or 32+ ACT, with a minimum 3.0 core GPA" guarantees the major I want (engineering). Is it stupid to apply with essays that basically had no work put into it? (reason: I want to focus more on other schools) Thanks for your input. submitted by /u/Equivalent-Archer230 [link] [comments]”
“Hi y'all, Just got my ACT back today, and I have my first EA on Oct 15 and several others on Nov 1. I need to figure out which one to submit, so any insight will be helpful. For both, I have superscored, and here are the breakdowns: ACT: 35 Math, 35 English, 32 Reading, 32 Science. Composite 34 . (Might opt out of submitting my science) (Planning on retaking to get a higher reading) SAT: 740 English, 780 Math. Composite 1520 . (I took the Oct one, and hopefully I get 800 math this time) Righ”
“I have heard different sides of this topic but if there are any admin officers, teachers or anyone else that could please shed some light on this. I have a 25 act superscore. the first time i took it my composite was a 25 and the second time i took it my composite was a 24 so overall not that good. As of right now i've been evaluating my college list and for some schools a 25 sits right in the middle accepted range of scores but for other schools, I am definitely planning to not submit my sc”
“I just got my ACT score back today, and I am pretty happy with it, but it raises a question about how I should submit test scores. I am applying ED to UPenn Wharton, so math score is important (go figure). Not sure what happened, but I got a 33 math on the ACT (36 Science, 35 English, 36 Reading), which is not very competitive in the state I live in. If anyone has been following r/ACT today, you might know that the math curves have been pretty brutal; I guess I fell victim to it. Still, I'm”
“Should I submit a 32 ACT to Ross OOS 31 Math 30 English 35 reading Not trying to be a pick me genuinely want to know bc it’s below the avg they have listed submitted by /u/Open-Translator-6101 [link] [comments]”
“Hi everyone!! I got my scores for the ACT today (composite 33, math 28, reading 36, english 35, science 34) my dream school is Stanford, but I'm wondering if I should sacrifice applying EA there to retake my ACT with the possibility of getting a 34+. Would I be better off doing EA with my current score or regular admission and retaking it? Thanks everyone~ submitted by /u/Appropriate-Jump334 [link] [comments]”
“Basically the title, I’m leaning towards submitting just the SAT because according to the conversion charts, a 33 ACT is equivalent to a 1450 - 1480 SAT. Are those accurate tho? For a little more context, my SAT is a 750RW and 750M. My ACT is a 35 english, 35 reading and 29 math. submitted by /u/Entire-Valuable8582 [link] [comments]”
“I’m in-state, applying EA, and planning to major in biology. My ACT is 31 (25M, 35R, 34E, 30S). I go to a more rural/fringe NC high school, and I have strong grades in math despite the low ACT math score. I’m mostly worried that the 25M will hurt me as a biology major, even though my overall score is solid. Would you submit this or go test-optional? Edit: I’m top 5% of my class (4.5 w / 4.0 uw) and I have decent ec’s submitted by /u/Comfortable-Tax7556 [link] [comments]”
“My kid has taken both tests 3 times, and the best scores came the last time The question - i’m reading conflicting information about what the 33 ACT means.. For ivy and sub ivy schools - should she omit the SAT and only show the ACT? submitted by /u/Pleasedontblumpkinme [link] [comments]”
“Does anyone happen to know? I have only found SAT for the entire island of 1007. Anyone from PR that has applied to ivy’s and higher achieving private schools that care to share your story? In USA or outside submitted by /u/Select-Cabinet2265 [link] [comments]”
“If I got an English score in the 750-800 range, would a low math score be looked at poorly by schools? submitted by /u/ZM290 [link] [comments]”
“I’m planning to major in biology b/c I want to pursue dentistry, but I don’t know if I should submit my SAT or ACT score. ACT: 35 (34 Math, 32 Science, 36 English, 36 Reading, 12/12 Writing) SAT: 1500 (730 English, 770 Math) My ACT is higher overall but the math/science aren’t perfect so I’m conflicted. Should I just submit act? submitted by /u/rosesdontfall [link] [comments]”
“I have a freaking 33 on the math and i saw that the 25th percentile score for last year was 34 am i fried for ed1 or is it not that deep submitted by /u/AfraidAnywhere3508 [link] [comments]”
“Basically the title: I took both the August and September SAT and I got a 1520 super score (770 RW on August, 750 Math on September). I got a 1470 composite on both SATs. I have another school SAT October 14th which I'll try to increase my math score on but I'm planning on that being my last SAT. Is it worth it to register late for the October ACT? Everyone is telling me it's easier than the SAT but I won't have a lot of time to study for it. I also don't think I'll do an”
“Hey, so I've got 1440 SAT, retaking it in December with hopes of getting 1500+ So would it be better to apply REA with SAT, or wait for the regular deadline with SAT, or REA but without SAT ? Some people say I shouldn't submit 1440, others say it's better to submit a 1400+ than nothing at all, so I'm confused submitted by /u/Longjumping_Train_22 [link] [comments]”
“I have a 1520 SAT (730 RW 790 M) with good gpa and (potentially) good IB predicted score. I'm planning on applying to brown ED for art but I'm wondering if I should take the October SAT to increase my score -- would it be worth spending more time on it? submitted by /u/Jolly_Advice_3595 [link] [comments]”
“I scored a 1540 on the SAT (800 Math), and I was wondering what would generally be considered a good score. I understand that college admissions are holistic and that the SAT is only one part of the overall application, but I’d still like to get a sense of a good baseline score? submitted by /u/user2039381 [link] [comments]”
“For example let's say if a school's 25th percentile for ACT is a 31 and SAT is 1510. This is pretty common for most private schools where the SAT is submitted much more. Would a 33 be looked at more favorably than a 1500 even though a 1500 is "better" than a 33? Or would AO's look at a 1500 more favorably because it's the "better" score? submitted by /u/SnooRevelations9330 [link] [comments]”
“I have a 1420 SAT (740 RW 680 math) and just took the ACT (im expecting a mid score like 30-32) Im taking it again in October and hoping to superscore. for my other academics I have a 4.0 uw gpa and 8 APs. Will it hurt to submit my SAT/ACT or should I just submit. (id submit whichever is higher score) submitted by /u/Responsible_Disk1387 [link] [comments]”
“lowk haven't looked into this. but whats the process of submitting scores. like when do I do it? and is the payement per school I'm applying to. esp given that I have multiple scores like sat, act, toefl and aps(not in my school cause international), what is the way to do this. thanks submitted by /u/Adorable-Return7439 [link] [comments]”
“I kind of mistakened the July ACT release date and checked really late, and the great news is. I got a 36 composite score which I'm really happy about, the problem is with the science section where I got a 10 on science. Should I still submit it to ivy league colleges? Is there a way to stop colleges from seeing your score on scinece? I am applying for computer engineering or electrical engineering submitted by /u/Intelligent_Bus6011 [link] [comments]”
“I got a 33 on my ACT (31 math 33 reading 34 english and 36 science) trying to go into engineering at purdue, uiuc, georgia tech, virginia tech, and a&m. I put off ever retaking another ACT like a moron, but could register for the SAT and grind out studying for to try and get a better score. What would be better for colleges? submitted by /u/Suspicious_Animal_46 [link] [comments]”
“Im a current senior, , I currently have a 32 ACT superscore (33 english, 36 reading, 27 math) my highest single sitting being a 31. my schools average is around a 24. I've taken 6 AP exams (AP lang, AP human geo, AP world, APUSH, AP psych, APES) and I've gotten 5s on all of them except AP environment with a 4. I'm also 5/208 in my class Im looking to apply to some ivies, and I was wondering given my context if I would look better to admission officers. I have a strong background in h”
“is my math act too low for nyu stern (ed) I have a 35 composite but my breakdown is 33 math 35 science 35 eng 36 reading Is the 33 too low despite my composite being a 35? submitted by /u/Outrageous_Gap_2011 [link] [comments]”
“(Im a senior in massachusetts) So basically my dilemma is that i’ve taken the SAT twice, and got a 770 Reading and 580 Math 😬 the first time. The second time I took it, I got a 750 Reading and was able to improve my math score to a 660. I wasn’t planning on taking it again (unless this post convinces me otherwise)! Most if not all of the schools I’m applying to do super-scoring, leaving me with a 1430 overall. I’m applying as an international relations major so it’s not incredibly math focused,”
“I’m applying to UNC Chapel Hill for biology, and I’m debating whether I should submit my ACT score. I have a 31 (25M, 35R, 34E), which is within UNC’s middle 50%, but I’m worried the 25 Math could hurt me since I’m applying for a STEM major. For context, I'm Instate!! My GPA is 4.0 UW / 4.5 W, and by graduation I’ll have taken essentially all of the math courses offered at my school. (up to Calc BC) I’ve done well in my actual math classes, but for whatever reason I’m just terrible at standa”
“will colleges care that i only took act or is sat required submitted by /u/Royal-Butterfly3712 [link] [comments]”
“title, not sure if this matters but i have high course rigor and am ranked in the top 1% of class of 600+ submitted by /u/Familiar_Fun6385 [link] [comments]”
“Okay so earlier this year my school registered me to take the ACT, but, having already registered to take the SAT, I didn’t really care abt the ACT and studied like the bare minimum; turns out that was enough because I got a 36. Then, assuming that I would only have to report my best score on my college apps, I completely ignored my SAT and didn’t study for it at all. I got a 1460, which I know isn’t awful, especially for having gone in blind and with 2 hours of sleep, but it’s not MIT-level. I”
“If I score a 1600 on the SAT and a 36 on the ACT and report both, does that help my application more than just submitting one perfect score (either the 1600 SAT or the 36 ACT alone)? Or do colleges treat a single perfect score the same as two? submitted by /u/user2039381 [link] [comments]”
“Hi! I have a 31 on the ACT (35R, 34E, 25M, 26S), and as you can probably tell, my STEM subscores are significantly weaker than my English/Reading lol. Part of that is probably due to a rough junior year, some not-so-great teachers, and my goldfish memory, but I'm worried that having such low Math/Science subscores could hurt me since I'm applying as a Biology major. I'm an in-state applicant to UNC Chapel Hill and am also from a less-competitive county, if that makes any difference.”
“So ik this is r/a2c , and y'all are all mostly very smart with like 1560s or 35s based on what ive heard from other ppl, but i was wondering if a modest 33 act (36 math 35 english 29 reading 36 science but optional) would severely hinder my chances of getting in to engineering top publics/privates, and to what extent would this hurt me? im not worried about my ecs at all, and idrc about not getting into an engineering t20 because i already have a full ride to a state school due to national m”
“Hello! I‘m gearing up to take the act again on the 19th, but I had a quick question that I just wanted to ask before that. I took the ACT back in April through my school, and got a 32 composite, making me the highest or one of the highest scorers in my grade. (most people scored in the mid-low 20s range) My question is, do schools have access to and take this data into account? (For example would my 32 weigh higher than a 32 at a school where a 32 is the norm?) submitted by /u/Whole-”
“im just confused as to how colleges validate what score you get if you self report? once you enroll they'll get the offical reports right? sorry this might be a stupid quesiton but im confused about the difference between the 2. submitted by /u/ilovechipotle111 [link] [comments]”
“Hi, I'm an international student applying to brown this fall with full financial aid. I got a 33 composite on my ACT: 35 in reading, 32 in math, 33 in English and 35 in science. I googled the average ACT score for Brown, and it is 35, so I'm wondering if I should retake it this October. I only have 2 days to register for the October ACT; please help 🙏. For some context, the ACT is a big expense for my family, and I don't want to retake it if my 33 ACT score works for Brown. I will h”
“i scored a 1490 on the august sat a 710 rw and 780 math and was wondering if i should retake. i'm applying to big business schools like uf, iu, uiuc, ut austin, unc, uva, and all the ucs and was wondering if my stats are good enough for these schools or should i retake the sat and aim for a 1500+. i have a 3.8 uw gpa and have taken 7 aps and 12 de and i would say my ecs and essays are above average. please help and give me feedback. ( i live in ca) submitted by /u/Forsaken_Frosti”
“Do they only require one score to be submitted now? I remember a few years back they required all scores. Im a junior trying to see how many times I can take the test for reference. submitted by /u/camilledre [link] [comments]”
“Hi I’m currently a senior working on my common app. I took the SAT and ACT, but didn’t score high on either. Therefore I plan on not submitting my scores. ALSO IM WORRIED ABOUT LETTER OF RECOMMENDATIONS, do teachers talk bad about students I letter of recommendation?? I want to major in architecture. Have great ECs great essay topics Architecture portfolio viewed by architects - great reviews from them GPA: UW- 3.7, W- 4.1 -this is my gpa since junior year, my school didn’t start grading yet for”
“for context, i'm a high school senior so if i'm retaking the sat, october would ideally be my last one. i got a 1500 on my august sat and i don't know if i should retake it for a 1550+ or just leave it be. the average sat score at my school is 1275, if we're speaking from a holistic view. i'm applying to some pretty competitive colleges, including several ivy leagues for fun, so would retaking it give me an admissions boost + should i even waste my time/energy? submitte”
“title. yes i am asking this right after i found out the aug sat score. yes it was not good. 😭 is it a disadvantage if i don’t submit any score? is test optional REALLY test optional? to the auto mod post: my score is neither in the 25-50% of my applying schools, and is 68th percentile for my school. submitted by /u/Short-Car6163 [link] [comments]”
“I got a 1530 on my most recent sat (790 math 740 reading). I know this isn't bad at all, but because some other areas of my academics aren't the best (like ranking and ap/ib scores) I was debating retaking to maximize it. I think I could get higher; I never study for reading at all and just YOLO it. but for math I studied a LOT. My mom also thinks it isn't the best and thinks I should since I've gotten higher on practice tests. Does a 1530 compared to like a 1580 have much differ”
“Hi I apologize for being that person who's like "I got 1500+, should I do it again" in advance. Ive taken SAT thrice, 1st time was junior year September, got 1430 (710/720) then in March of junior year, 1480 (750/730). August just came out, I got 1520 (760/760) I feel that it is good but not as good as my classmates, who are all averaging around 1540s (I go to a private school with very high academic caliber). I'm also an international applicant who is considering financial aid”
“For context, I'm an international student applying the Fall of 2027. I heard that everyone should get their SATs completed by oct for EA ED deadlines. That was initially my plan as well but if I'm not able to get a good score (my first SAT). I was thinking of taking it again in December and then applying to unis. My question is: Is there really a big difference in Early Action/Decision and Regular Decision for top school and average ones ? If so then what are they. submitted by ”
“Should a student submit a 1470 SAT with 800 math and 670 verbal when applying to test optional schools for comp sci or engineering if the middle 50% is 1500+? submitted by /u/Academic-Window-7726 [link] [comments]”
“my overall act score already isn't ideal, but it is in the top 50-100% for some of the safeties/targets im applying too. 31 // R: 35 / E: 34 / M: 25.... / S: 30 im applying as a science (stem major) and im worried that may be held against me? Should i go T/O even for some of my safeties? submitted by /u/Own-Print8150 [link] [comments]”
“co27 and i think it’s genuinely just wraps for my SAT score .. how bad will going test optional affect my application dream school is tufts… submitted by /u/lizbuxbaum1213 [link] [comments]”
“Hey yall. So for the SAT I didn’t study until the night before and similar story for the ACT. I used a free trial of Acely for the ACT and it felt like it helped. What resources did you guys use? I know this seems like a silly question, I struggle with standardized testing. Thank you🩷 submitted by /u/PrestigiousAbalone63 [link] [comments]”
“i took ACT last july and got a 35 in one sitting. my highest ever superscore score for SAT is 1360. im a senior right now, and i'm wondering if i should take the sept 12th SAT, or is my 35 ACT enough. does it look better when u apply with a really good SAT and ACT, or is one good score enough? right now, im only planning on reporting my ACT to colleges. but im considering the possibility to retake the SAT, but th i dont have that much time to study with my classes and college apps. also, im”