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How does your SAT score impact for college?
#undergraduate
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7 answers
Updated
Sadia’s Answer
Hi,
Test scores are one of the criteria in the college admission process. Good GPA and extracurricular activities are vital for college admission. Many universities are test blind because of Covid. If you don't want to rely on test scores, then look into the colleges that are test blind. You can also look for the test-optional universities but test blind universities are a safer bet.
Test scores are one of the criteria in the college admission process. Good GPA and extracurricular activities are vital for college admission. Many universities are test blind because of Covid. If you don't want to rely on test scores, then look into the colleges that are test blind. You can also look for the test-optional universities but test blind universities are a safer bet.
Updated
Gina’s Answer
Test scores are definitely important-- but extracurricular activities, overall GPA and volunteer work are just as critical.
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hi Marissa, as other counselors have mentioned, standardized tests, like the SATs & ACTs, is only one indicator of college readiness used in the college admissions process. It’s only a snapshot of a specific knowledge base. Depending on the institution you are interested in, the impact or how they weigh the scores may be high or low.
The test may also be useful to you in two other ways:
1) For personal development, it is a helpful resource for expanding your vocabulary, improving you writing skills and mastering basic computational skills needed in academia. If you are not interested in taking the test, you can consider it for this purpose.
2) It is also used in the application process for scholarships and grants. Although most colleges decided to forgo these tests because of COVID this year or in the future, some scholarship processes may or may not require this test for their processes. So do consider this possibility.
I hope this helped and all the best.
The test may also be useful to you in two other ways:
1) For personal development, it is a helpful resource for expanding your vocabulary, improving you writing skills and mastering basic computational skills needed in academia. If you are not interested in taking the test, you can consider it for this purpose.
2) It is also used in the application process for scholarships and grants. Although most colleges decided to forgo these tests because of COVID this year or in the future, some scholarship processes may or may not require this test for their processes. So do consider this possibility.
I hope this helped and all the best.
Updated
Erica’s Answer
Hi Marissa,
You have some great information here! I would also like to comment test scores are not required for community college and therefore not factored in to admissions decisions. Because they are open admission institutions, test scores (ACT, PA Keystone, PSAT, SAT) are used solely for course placement. There are minimum scores needed to be placed into college-level classes, if the minimum is not met, you would then take a placement test to determine where you would start. If you’re concerned about your high school performance and/or scores, I would suggest checking out your local community college.
If you’re interested in a 4 year institution, you can see if your local institution has a partnership with your school of interest and work with a transfer counselor (either way) to select classes to transfer to the next institution.
You have some great information here! I would also like to comment test scores are not required for community college and therefore not factored in to admissions decisions. Because they are open admission institutions, test scores (ACT, PA Keystone, PSAT, SAT) are used solely for course placement. There are minimum scores needed to be placed into college-level classes, if the minimum is not met, you would then take a placement test to determine where you would start. If you’re concerned about your high school performance and/or scores, I would suggest checking out your local community college.
If you’re interested in a 4 year institution, you can see if your local institution has a partnership with your school of interest and work with a transfer counselor (either way) to select classes to transfer to the next institution.
Updated
Jatu’s Answer
Your SAT scores impact your ability to actually get accepted into a school. Having a high sat score can also grant you a scholarship as well. The first time I took my SAT’s I saw how quick different colleges wanted me to go to their school just a few days after applying. Not saying that this happens to everyone, but keep in mind that the higher your score the better options you have for picking the school you want to go to. I would recommend studying a little bit and taking practice SAT tests to improve your test taking skills as well as to increase your chances of getting a high score.
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Jad’s Answer
It definitely plays a role, and a “good” score will vary based on where you’re applying and what your major is. Having said that, it’s not a requirement to have a high score to get accepted into, or to be successful at most colleges. I myself went from high school, to a two year community college, and from there to a four year university to obtain a double major, all without ever having taken the SAT.
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Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Marissa! Colleges look holistically at an applicant, your grades, your SAT scores, your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, etc., basically they are interested to know more than numbers but who you are as a person. There are some college that are making standardized exams optional and are focusing on other key areas like extracurriculars and GPA, however to others SAT scores are still important. On each college/university's websites there is usually an acceptance rate that gives information on GPA and SAT scores of the matriculating class, I would recommend to check out colleges and get information beforehand so that when you apply you can still apply within range of your academics. Most colleges still do accept SAT scores and they have an average listed on their website for the matriculating class, this should also give you an idea of where your SAT score lies and how competitive you are as an applicant; as mentioned above, remember it isn't only SATs so a college will look at your SAT scores but additional factors will also be important. A student who scores high on a standardized test is a good candidate academically but what if they didn't participate in volunteering or demonstrate leadership or have strong essays which presented their goals. Study well and make the most of your candidacy for college by maintaining good grades, getting a good SAT score, and participating in some activities/clubs that matter to you! Keep up with your guidance counselor and make sure to obtain recommendation letters from teachers who can speak well and in detail about who you are. Just a few things to think about!
I hope this helps!
Best of luck future undergrad!
I hope this helps!
Best of luck future undergrad!