Should Your Daughter Submit Both Her Perfect ACT and SAT Scores?
Making the decision to submit either the ACT, SAT, or both scores can be daunting. Here are some factors to consider to help you make an informed choice.
College Requirements
College admissions often have specific standardized testing requirements. It's important to check the policies of the colleges your daughter is applying to. Some schools, like Stanford University and Yale University, have test-optional policies or may have a preference for one standardized test over the other. Understanding these requirements will guide you in deciding whether to submit both scores or just one.
Score Context
Submitting both scores can provide additional context, especially if your daughter received significantly different results on the ACT and SAT. If her ACT score is notably higher, it might demonstrate her consistent proficiency in standardized testing environments. This can be particularly valuable for admissions officers who are already familiar with her impressive ACT score.
Holistic Review
Many colleges use a holistic review process when evaluating applications. This means they consider a wide range of factors, including grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. If her overall application is already strong, a high ACT score alone might be sufficient.
Potential for Confusion
Submitting both tests can sometimes lead to questions from admissions officers. They might wonder why she performed differently on the two tests. If your daughter feels confident that her perfect ACT score accurately represents her abilities, it might be best to just submit that score.
Personal Preference
In the end, the decision should ultimately come down to how your daughter feels about her performance on each test. If she believes that both scores accurately reflect her abilities and strives for thoroughness, she might opt to submit them both.
Based on these factors, if your daughter's ACT score is perfect and she feels it represents her best abilities, she might choose to submit only the ACT score. However, submitting both scores could strengthen her application by demonstrating a consistent level of performance across different standardized tests.
It's also important to consider the specific requirements of the schools you are applying to. If a school requires all test scores to be submitted, you will need to provide both. Conversely, if the school only accepts one score, submit the one that best aligns with their preferences.
Lastly, if you are considering submitting additional test scores for a fee, it is a good idea to check the school's preferences. While it might be tempting to submit all scores, paying for additional test scores just to meet the school's preference might not be necessary if they already accept the one you have.
Ultimately, the decision should be guided by your daughter's confidence in her scores and the specific requirements of the colleges she is applying to. By carefully considering these factors, you can make a decision that best represents her abilities and achievements.