Kaitlyn
How much do standardized tests matter in the college application process?
I would consider myself decently smart, but not when it comes to standardized tests. I appreciate tests that my teachers make because if I am proficient in the topic, the grade will show. Standardized tests like, the AP exams, the SAT, and the Regents exams in New York are extremely stressful and are not an accurate representation of who I am as a student. I still do well, but not as well as I would like. #college #college-admissions
3 answers
Ria Jagasia
Ria’s Answer
Hey Kaitlyn! This is a great question. Standardized test scores are an important component of your application, but they are not your only chance to show admissions officers your potential. I can definitely relate to your concern as I was in the same boat in high school - wasn't too proud of my test scores. Make sure you have extracurriculars to show your involvement and your personal statement is a great way to show a college your true personality and potential. Ultimately, colleges are trying to put together a class that is full of diverse perspectives and potential which is not shown only via test scores.
Kristen Davis
Kristen’s Answer
In my experience, many merit based scholarships are based off of a standardized test score and occasionally a standardized test score and GPA (unweighted). Many state colleges also have a minimum guaranteed acceptance score and the more selective schools will have general profiles of a typical student. But a lot of colleges will also look at extracurricular involvement and most of the time they're looking for quality over quantity. So if you're part of a dozen clubs that you aren't highly involved in, it doesn't look nearly as impressive as being involved in a couple things that you've invested time in. Many colleges are just looking for well-rounded individuals. They can teach book smarts, but they want to teach people that will take what they learned and make a difference with it. Test scores are just one way that they try to get in your head.
Nicole Baillie
Nicole’s Answer
As I respond to your question in the year 2021, I share that a lot has changed as the world is working it's way through a global pandemic. For example, the broader aspects of remote working and learning has exposed some questions about how each of these things are done and how each of these things may be done in the future. More specifically, many universities have re-assessed how much emphasis they place on standardized test scores.
I don't know that I would suggest that they don't matter as my gut tells me that these standardized scores are a way for schools to quickly narrow down the candidates they look at particularly if it is a school with a "high brand" and low acceptance rate. As indicated in previous answers, your journey as a student, clubs/sports, other honors, class grades AND what you wish to study...these things combined carry more weight than your standardized test scores. So my recommendation here is to study hard for these standardized tests, give yourself time to prepare to the best of your ability, get a good night sleep the night before your tests and focus once the test(s) is in front of you.
Best of luck to you. You will be beyond these standardized tests before you know it :).