SAT vs ACT - Importance of Math

Hey all,

Let me preface that the question is nitpicky but when these firms are judging you by a single piece of paper everything seems to count.

I've read on a number of sources that most firms want to see M/CR on the SAT= 750/750 as a minimum. The Math score is ESPECIALLY important to prove you have the intellectual and analytical horsepower to succeed in consulting. Having said this, I received below a 750 Math (composite 2280). Whereas on the ACT, I received a perfect 36 on Math and a composite 35. I was thinking of listing my ACT Math/Reading/Verbal scores and my SAT Subject scores (both 800 and one is Math Level 2) as proof that I'm also capable with the SAT. Is this a good idea?

I guess two risks I run are...
1. The firm or screener might be biased towards the SAT
2. Not showcasing my near-perfect CR score (which I think might look impressive)

However, displaying a 35 ACT (SAT conversion = 2330), two perfect 800's on SAT Subjects (with one being Math Level 2), and a perfect Math ACT score seems like a good deal to me. Thoughts?

Once again, apologize for the nitpickiness but I understand every bit counts when these firms have so few ways to differentiate between top candidates.

Thanks

2 Comments
 
Best Response
helpinghand

Hey all,

Let me preface that the question is nitpicky but when these firms are judging you by a single piece of paper everything seems to count.

I've read on a number of sources that most firms want to see M/CR on the SAT= 750/750 as a minimum. The Math score is ESPECIALLY important to prove you have the intellectual and analytical horsepower to succeed in consulting. Having said this, I received below a 750 Math (composite 2280). Whereas on the ACT, I received a perfect 36 on Math and a composite 35. I was thinking of listing my ACT Math/Reading/Verbal scores and my SAT Subject scores (both 800 and one is Math Level 2) as proof that I'm also capable with the SAT. Is this a good idea?

I guess two risks I run are...
1. The firm or screener might be biased towards the SAT
2. Not showcasing my near-perfect CR score (which I think might look impressive)

However, displaying a 35 ACT (SAT conversion = 2330), two perfect 800's on SAT Subjects (with one being Math Level 2), and a perfect Math ACT score seems like a good deal to me. Thoughts?

Once again, apologize for the nitpickiness but I understand every bit counts when these firms have so few ways to differentiate between top candidates.

Thanks

I'd list the ACT

 

Minus qui commodi odio assumenda. Sunt asperiores asperiores non doloremque dolor quisquam laborum. Nemo consequuntur nam autem aspernatur. Quaerat est ullam eos qui dolores. Accusamus sed doloribus exercitationem.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Consulting

  • Boston Consulting Group 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 99.0%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.4%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.9%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Consulting

  • Cornerstone Research 99.5%
  • Bain & Company 99.0%
  • Boston Consulting Group 98.4%
  • McKinsey and Co 97.9%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.5%
  • Boston Consulting Group 99.0%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.4%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.9%
  • LEK Consulting 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Consulting

  • Partner (4) $361
  • Principal (30) $294
  • Director/MD (58) $274
  • Vice President (54) $246
  • Engagement Manager (113) $232
  • Manager (170) $173
  • 2nd Year Associate (185) $142
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (116) $135
  • Senior Consultant (354) $132
  • Consultant (642) $122
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (164) $121
  • 1st Year Associate (576) $121
  • NA (16) $114
  • Engineer (6) $114
  • 2nd Year Analyst (390) $104
  • Associate Consultant (176) $101
  • 1st Year Analyst (1163) $90
  • Intern/Summer Associate (208) $83
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (632) $68
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”