Strategies for Submitting Your SAT and ACT Scores to Colleges

Many students face the decision of which standardized test scores to submit with their college applications. If you have both an SAT score of 1560 and a perfect 36 on the ACT, understanding which score to send can seem daunting. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you decide.

College Preferences

Each college has its own preferences when it comes to standardized tests. Start by researching the preferences of the institutions you're interested in. Some colleges may have a preference for one test over the other or may use a superscoring method to consider the highest scores from each test across multiple attempts.

Score Comparison

In terms of comparison, a 1560 on the SAT is generally considered equivalent to a 34-36 on the ACT. Your perfect 36 on the ACT stands out significantly, potentially making it more appealing to admissions committees. Consider how each score might be perceived in comparison to other applicants.

Context of Application

Assess how the context of your application might play a role. If you have strong extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations, your ACT score, especially the perfect 36, may highlight these strengths. Highlighting your confidence and competence in a manner that complements your other application materials can be advantageous.

Test-Optional Policies

Many colleges now offer test-optional policies, allowing you to choose whether or not to submit your standardized test scores. Consider your application's overall strength. If you feel that your application is strong enough without test scores, you can choose to apply under a test-optional policy, which may remove an additional barrier and focus admissions committees on your other qualifications.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, personal confidence in one test may influence your decision. If you feel more comfortable with the ACT, your score might reflect that confidence better. Conversely, if you are more comfortable with the SAT, sending that score may bolster your application.

In conclusion, if the colleges you're targeting do not have a strong preference for either test, sending your ACT score could be beneficial due to its perfect nature. This could give you an additional edge in competing with other strong applicants. Always ensure to check each college's specific policies regarding test scores to make an informed decision.

For further guidance, feel free to reach out to Achievers' Point.