your SAT/ACT is a meaningful part of the admission evaluation.
I always hear that 'GPA is king,' but are there any specific colleges or universities that actually care more about your SAT/ACT score than your high school GPA or class rank?
15 Answers
Generally, no college cares *more* about your SAT than your GPA, but large public state universities (like the 'Public Ivies') use test scores very heavily. Bec…
If I am stuck deciding, is it better to just take both official tests and see what happens?
The problem is grade inflation. A 4.0 at one high school might be incredibly rigorous, while at another, it's just given out for showing up. The SAT/ACT acts as…
What happens if you have a really high SAT score but a surprisingly low GPA? Do colleges see that as a good thing?
Actually, admissions officers call that being a 'splitter,' and they usually see it as a red flag. A high test score with a low GPA suggests that you are natura…
Do elite Ivy League schools care more about test scores since they are so competitive?
Not exactly. The Ivy League expects near-perfect scores *and* near-perfect GPAs just to get in the door. However, once you cross that threshold (like a 1550+), …
I heard some schools have stopped requiring the SAT altogether. Does that mean GPA is the only thing that matters there?
Yes, at test-optional or test-blind schools, your high school transcript is the single most important factor. They will scrutinize the rigor of your classes (li…
Do any colleges require SAT Subject Tests anymore to prove you are smart in specific areas?
No, the College Board completely eliminated SAT Subject Tests a few years ago. Now, colleges rely on your AP scores and your performance in specific high school…
Is there actual proof that a high school GPA is a better predictor of college success than the SAT?
Yes, multiple long-term studies have shown that high school GPA is a much better predictor of college graduation rates and freshman success. GPA measures sustai…
If I have a high GPA but a terrible SAT score, should I still submit my score to a state university?
If the state university is test-optional and your score is well below their average, it is usually better to withhold it so it doesn't drag down the perception …