Standardized Testing for College – How Much Do Your Scores Matter?
The SAT, ACT, and SAT Subject Tests are some of the hardest hurdles to overcome when applying to college. As you study to take the tests (probably multiple times), you might think to yourself: what score do I need to get into Yale? How many times do I have to take the test to get into Stanford? Standardized testing for college admissions causes a lot of stress, and many students spend most of their free time studying to attain perfect scores. But when applying to college, how much do your test scores matter?
There is no clear answer to this question. If you have a high test score, then you are often deemed academically qualified by the admissions office. But is that enough? You’ll sometimes hear stories about the guy in your math class who has straight A’s and a perfect SAT score who still doesn’t get into Stanford, while the girl with lower scores sitting right next to him does. Why does this happen? To sum it up, having a perfect standardized testing record isn’t as necessary or unique as you’d think.
Testing requirements
Standardized testing for college is most often required. Choosing whether to take the SAT or ACT is completely up to you. The SAT is longer, but has a more forgiving time limit. The ACT is shorter, and includes a science section. You certainly do not have to take both tests. I only took the ACT! But be aware that many top schools also want the optional writing portions of the SAT and ACT to be included with your test scores — so don’t opt out.
For college admissions, each school typically has their own vague test score threshold. Once you reach a school’s median score or slightly above it, an admissions officer will report that you have adequately demonstrated your reasoning skills. Let’s think about an example – say you love Princeton. Princeton’s middle 50% test score ranges for their class of 2021 are as follows: SAT math section — 700-780, SAT reading and writing – 680-760, ACT – 31-35. If you’re within or above these ranges, Princeton will tag your standardized test performance as satisfactory. Got a 750 on your SAT math section? Don’t spend hours studying to get this up to an 800 – the fact of the matter is, admissions officers will not really differentiate between a 750 or an 800! Once you’ve reached a school’s threshold, you can spend your study time more wisely.
That being said, if you’re far below a school’s median scores, your chances of admission are low. Even though colleges read applications holistically, they do look for certain thresholds to ensure that you can handle academic rigor. Most colleges will still read every page of your application, even if your scores are low. But if you really want to get your foot in the door, you need to meet the threshold. The median scores at top universities can be very difficult to attain! Doing practice tests over and over is key to succeeding on standardized testing. Practice until you’re ready because the fewer times you take the actual test, the more impressive a high score will be.
Top schools often ask for you to take at least two SAT Subject Tests. You want to show strong scores here as well, and subject tests can be a good way to show a particular interest or specialty (if you have one). If you are applying to a college’s pre-med program, then taking the SAT Biology and Chemistry Subject Tests will reinforce your science passion to the admissions committee. Receiving high marks on your SAT Subject Tests shows that you’re not only interested in the science field, but you’re also capable.
SAT Superscore
If you have taken the SAT multiple times, some schools will utilize a superscore. A superscore is when a college combines your highest scores from each section, all from different test dates. Superscoring is desirable because you will most likely have a higher score, especially if one section of one test one particular test date hurt your overall score. When applying to colleges, check their specific testing requirements. Some superscoring colleges allow you to submit any tests that you’ve taken, while others strongly encourage that you sent every test. These colleges may superscore, but they ask for all dates to see your if your test scores improved with each test you took. Admissions officers seek students on an upward trajectory – not inconsistency!
One well-known standardized testing policy is to accept the “highest sitting.” This means that the college takes your highest total score from a single test date. Most schools will just ask for your highest total score, but others might still ask for all of your test scores from different dates. They will look at the highest score, but also take into account how many times you took the test and how much you improved.
Testing-optional
What if standardized testing is not your strong suit? Good news — there are other options. There is a test-optional surge happening in the U.S. right now. Participating colleges don’t require standardized tests for admissions. These schools focus on other parts of your application, such as your essays, activities lists, and letters of recommendations. Over 850 colleges currently offer this policy!
Here is a list of the top 10 test optional colleges:
- Bowdoin College
- Wake Forest University
- Bates College
- Wesleyan University
- Smith College
- Bryn Mawr College
- College of the Holy Cross
- Pitzer College
- Franklin & Marshall College
- Mount Holyoke College
So what else matters?
Overall, your standardized testing scores matter, but they aren’t everything. Admissions officers look at every part of your application — your personal statement, activities list, supplemental essays, and letters of recommendations —to see if you are a good fit for their college.
Study hard for standardized testing, especially if you want to apply to top ranked schools. But your scores do not define you. Colleges turn down thousands of students with perfect test scores every year because they are looking for more than just a number. They are looking at who you are as a person, what you care about, and how you can help their college community flourish.
