SAT Scores

[Lynn CC]

I was wondering if you can pick scores, from different SAT dates, to send to colleges to benefit you.
I don't think I said that right.
If you want to use a Math score from June and a Language score from October can you mix and match?
Anyone know how this works?

 

[Pugdog007]

I don't think you can do that but I'd love to be told I'm wrong.

 

[AWD]

I'm pretty sure that all of the scores are sent to the
individual colleges, but the schools only consider the highest
scores.

 

[RachelTori]

Your highest math is used; your highest verbal is used - they don't have to be from the same date. This is automatically done; although all your scores are forwarded, only the top 2 are used (you can't make any special requests - just what colleges get the scores).

 

[monarchsfan16]

All the scores are sent. But the colleges just take the highest of the scores. However, there are some schools, like the University of California system that just consider your highest composite score-from one try. They won't combine the highest from multiple attempts.
I wish the colleges didn't have to see some of my scores-I retook this month and totally blew it

 

[Lynn CC]

All the scores are sent. But the colleges just take the highest of the scores. However, there are some schools, like the University of California system that just consider your highest composite score-from one try. They won't combine the highest from multiple attempts.

.I wish the colleges didn't have to see some of my scores-I retook this month and totally blew it
monarchsfan16 A {HUG} to you, your not the only one who got lower scores on a later attempt. My DS got 50 points lower on his Language this time around, and 30 points higher on Math that's why I was curious how the colleges looked at them.
It isn't easy, I'll remind him he's not alone

 

[dzneelvr]

What's the difference between SAT and ACT? My DS is reaching that stage in education and I'd better get a handle on this....
thanks.

 

[Lynn CC]

dzneelvr I'm not sure I can answer your question specifically. I'm sure www.collegeboard.com can though. They have so much info on there for students and parents.
DS registers, pays for, prints his tickets for admittance and practices for all his SAT's or any specific college tests that he needs to take right on that website.
He also sent in his college application(along with all the suppliments) to Harvard right through that website, And paid the college fee.
It's a great way to stay organized!
Have fun, I think getting the kids involved about the whole process in the sophmore year would be a good start.
I started reading on that site in DS's Junior year and telling him things I'd learned, but most kids don't want to think about it until their Senior year, and there is a lot that can be done (as far as test taking) before then.

 

[monarchsfan16]

Originally posted by dzneelvr
What's the difference between SAT and ACT? My DS is reaching that stage in education and I'd better get a handle on this....
thanks.

The ACT has several sections to it, including a science section. The ACT has really nasty timing; the SAT has timing that you can work with, usually. The ACT is the test that needs to be taken if your son is going to be applying to colleges in the Mid West. It's favored by them, since it's based in Iowa. The SAT for now only has verbal and math sections. The ACT has 4 different sections. But I think both of them are undergoing changes. I took both tests. Quite frankly the ACT was brutal. My ACT and SAT scores don't come close to matching up.

 

[Az Pirates]

Originally posted by dzneelvr
What's the difference between SAT and ACT? My DS is reaching that stage in education and I'd better get a handle on this....
thanks.

I think MOST schools will accept either one.

It's always best to check with the colleges your son may be interested in for their specific requirements though.

The ACT tends to be more content based whereas the SAT is billed as testing critical thinking/problem solving.

 

[bsnyder]

Lynn, have you subscribed to the U.S. News & World Report College Rankings site?

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/rankindex_brief.php

It's got information on all the individual schools...which test they require (SAT, ACT, SAT II's) as well as whether they take a composite or the highest single test.

It really varies from school to school, and this is a great place to find it all in one site. The subscription for a year is $15 and it's well worth it.

Also, this site www.collegeconfidential.com has a lot of good information and a well laid out message board.

 

[Lynn CC]

Thanks Bet! That is some great info

 

[dzneelvr]

My THANKS to all of you as well. What great information.
That is why I LOVE this Board!!!