Do ACT and SAT scores really matter?

Many colleges and universities use ACT and SAT scores as part of their admissions decision process. Admissions officers may use test scores to assess a student's academic preparedness and potential for success at their institution.

Do SAT and ACT scores still matter?

Standardized Test Scores Still Matter

According to higher education and standardized testing expert Brian Galvin at Varsity Tutors, the first reason to test, no matter what, is the fact you may get a high enough score to get you a leg up in the admissions process.

Do colleges care more about SAT or ACT?

This is a common misconception. Colleges don't have a preference between the SAT or ACT so it's important to know how to choose the test that's right for you. Both tests are widely accepted across U.S. colleges—including those that are test optional.

Are SAT and ACT scores more important than GPA?

A GPA has always been an important part of the university admissions process in the United States. According to a 2020 study, high school GPA is a better predictor of college graduation than ACT scores.

Does SAT even matter anymore?

While rare, some schools are test-blind, meaning they won't consider your SAT scores, regardless of whether or not you submit them. Regarding test-blind schools, the SAT is not an important admissions requirement. However, for all others, the SAT is still very much important.

Does your SAT score matter?

Do colleges really care about SAT scores?

But no matter which college you're applying to, good SAT scores are not the most important factor. Colleges give the most weight to your grades and the rigor of your classes. Some colleges publish the average scores of their students, and others show ranges.

Do colleges not care about SAT anymore?

While the need for submitting SAT/ACT scores has lessened, there are still some universities that require the test scores on applications. SAT and ACT scores have historically been key to the college admissions process, but that's changing quickly.

Can a good ACT make up for a bad GPA?

The simple answer is yes, a high SAT/ACT score can make up for a low GPA. Because your Academic Index is based on grades and test scores, a strong performance on the SAT or ACT can buoy a disappointing GPA.

Do colleges prefer GPA or ACT?

While most colleges continue to ask students for their ACT and SAT scores, the predictive power of GPA and grades can no longer be denied. Recent research suggests that GPA—not standardized testing—better predicts students' success in college.

What if I have a good SAT score but bad GPA?

Colleges approach each student as a unique individual. While a low GPA might initially seem like a drawback, a high SAT score can be a positive indicator of the student's capabilities. When evaluating an application boasting a combination of a low GPA and high SAT score, colleges often analyze trends.

Do elite colleges prefer SAT or ACT?

That's a myth.

Elite colleges and universities DO NOT prefer the SAT over the ACT. Roughly 45% choose the ACT and 55% the SAT of all university applicants. The popularity of the two is split nearly down the middle (give or take a few percentage points).

Does MIT prefer ACT or SAT?

Some students do better on the SAT while others do better on the ACT. MIT accepts scores from either test and does not favor one over the other. The timing of the tests might be important. The SAT includes a total of 154 multiple-choice questions to complete during a testing window of three hours.

Should I submit my SAT scores if they are average?

Many colleges publish SAT/ACT score percentiles for admitted and/or enrolled students. If your scores fall in or above the middle 50% at a prospective school, you'll likely benefit from submitting your scores.

Will not submitting ACT scores hurt?

If scores are not sent, the school simply bases their admission decision off the rest of the application. Test optional schools will not look negatively upon students who choose to not submit test scores. They are “test optional” for a reason, so no need to worry about that.

Is it easier to improve ACT or SAT scores?

Both of these tests are equally difficult, so regardless of your personal strengths, you can do well on both of them with the right resources and strategies.

What ACT do most colleges accept?

Colleges consider a range of ACT scores when making admissions decisions, giving students some flexibility. Commonly, students with scores in the range of 20-23 are still considered competitive at many mid-tier colleges. For more selective schools, a score in the 24-28 range will increase your chances of admission.

What GPA do most colleges prefer?

"It can depend on student level, program and various circumstances, but we generally like to see students with 3.0+ GPAs at a minimum," Wood says. Some colleges offer direct admission into programs but may require a strong high school GPA.

What GPA do most colleges like?

Still, many top universities will list an average admitted student GPA of 3.5–4 (for instance, Ivy League GPA requirements are typically closer to 3.9 or higher). However, a GPA of 2.0–3.0 (a C to B average) could still position you favorably for admission to a less selective college.

Is 15 a bad ACT score?

Scores below a 15 on the ACT are considered low at just about any four-year college. You can overcome low scores with a great GPA or an outstanding college application. But even if you're accepted, the school may ask you to take some remedial courses before enrolling.

Is 37 a good ACT score?

In general, a good ACT score is any score in or above the 75th percentile — at least a 24. Students should aim to hit or exceed the middle 50% of ACT scores at their chosen colleges.

What is considered a bad ACT score?

In other words, to be above average nationally, you need at least a 21 ACT composite score. Any composite 16 or lower is in the bottom 25%. If you score below 16 or lower on the ACT, your score is definitely in the very low range nationwide.

Is the SAT becoming obsolete?

As long as states continue administering the SAT and ACT as a matter of course, the tests aren't going away. And as long as colleges find them useful, they will continue to play a significant role in admissions. That said, their importance still seems on a downward trajectory.

Why are universities getting rid of SAT?

In an October 2022 webinar called “Preparing for a Supreme Court Decision Involving Race-Conscious Admissions,” NACAC officials similarly advised college admissions officers to “eliminate consideration of applicants' ACT and SAT scores because they reflect a variety of biases related to race and ethnicity” as well as “ ...

Do SAT scores matter for 2024?

More than 1,900 U.S. colleges and universities are not requiring SAT or ACT scores for admissions for fall 2024, continuing the proliferation of test-optional and test-free practices.