<p>I like to look at it this way: </p>
<p>Princeton admitted about 10% of students with a score of 2200-2290
But for students that had a score of 2300+, the percentage jumped MORE THAN DOUBLE to 26%. I'm pretty sure it's not too different for the other top colleges.</p>
<p>That's why I'm retaking my 2250.</p>
<p>lolcats4,
and that is why collegeboard makes millions every year,</p>
<p>I do not care how much CB makes if it will improve my chances of getting into a good college.</p>
<p>I'm very grateful to CB for providing me a method to stand out from most applicants (my current score is already 99th percentile) and the opportunity to ace the subject tests. If these tests didn't exist, where would I be? (I'm homeschooled so I do not have any formal grades apart from my full time load at community college). </p>
<p>So I'm willing to pay so that I can stand out. </p>
<p>btw, on a slightly related note, can you imagine how terrible college admissions would be without standardized tests? The grade game in HS would be even more cutthroat than it is now. There would be hardly any way to distinguish applicants academically. And how would a hypothetical, super-smart student in a poor public school be able to shine? SATs allow them to do just that....</p>
<p>Anyways, that's my philosophy. Unlike most people, I'm thankful that the CB exists. Sure, the tests could be cheaper (especially AP), but I think it's worth it.</p>
<p>I think they need to make SATs and stuff harder so there is more room for error. Once you get to about 2100+ the difference that one questions can make can be as much as 30 points.
It is kinda insane if you think about it!!
Being great doesn't cut it anymore. You have to be perfect!</p>
<p>lolcats4 though u have to realize that if the college application process is all about SAT scores, they could have just taken the top 2000 scorers and just designate them to certain schools, what is the point of even applying?</p>
<p>a great SAT score gets into the ballpark of the school, but you need other stuff to actually be accepted</p>
<p>@ zfox: I agree that the test should be harder. It needs to show more variation within the top scorers than a question or two.</p>
<p>@ blueducky: The top 2000 scorers in general will get into the top schools (of course there are always exceptions), but I never said it should be the only factor. The fact of the matter is though that the scores count for almost more than grades, according to a book I've read by the former associated director of admissions at Dartmouth (A is for Admissions). </p>
<p>And I think that a 2400 SATI and five 800 SATIIs is very hard to ignore academically. That puts you in the extreme top end of applicants, where you have a VERY good chance of getting in, as long as you have some sort of ECs . You should read that book if you want to get more info.</p>
<p>
[QUOTE]
I think they need to make SATs and stuff harder so there is more room for error. Once you get to about 2100+ the difference that one questions can make can be as much as 30 points.
It is kinda insane if you think about it!!
Being great doesn't cut it anymore. You have to be perfect!
[/QUOTE]
</p>
<p>What exactly do you mean? In that case, we'd end up with subject tests.</p>
<p>I agree, Ashraf. It has a harsher curve for a reason, to separate the great from the exceptional. Otherwise, an 800 wouldn't really mean that much, since 5000 people get it every year. You know? Admission officers know that 700 for SAT is around 95 percentile, that 700 for SAT II is around 70th-80th percentile for most subjects.</p>
<p>blueducky, I would give anything to have that 2260 of yours. Your first try was better than my 2180 (730, 730, 720 second junior year test). I think you are set man. You shouldn't be worrying about any retakes as long as you have a lot of extracurriculars and have a 4.0 GPA.</p>
<p>yes suh sir.</p>
<p>lolcats4, where did you get that 2300+ scorers had a 26% acceptance rate at Princeton? I'm not doubting you, I'm just curious. If what you said is correct, I'd say that is very interesting.</p>
<p>Edit: Nevermind that's correct.
Princeton</a> University | Admission Statistics</p>
<p>lol what if it's wrong? and come on, it's still 26%</p>
<p>Well, if you look at that link you can see the data and decide what to make of it.</p>
<p>26% if more than twice 10% blueducky....</p>
<p>That's more than double odds....sounds good to me</p>
<p>Yea, but that 10% range is huge, from 2100 to 2290
the only reason why 26% of 2300+ get accepted is because princeton takes 11% int'l, who have higher scorews</p>
<p>does this mean if i have a 2260, i needed only 40 more points to double my chances? i think not.</p>
<p>It doesn't matter how many people are in the pool, the statistic/percentage is the same. And therefore your chances are the same...</p>
<p>I don't get what you're saying now. I get the part about the percentages, but now, i honestly do not believe that getting that extra 50-100 points is going to make the difference of admit/reject. It is, after all, a holistic process. A good SAT score is a requirement, a great one will only take you so far.</p>
<p>Lolcats4, I'm not sure you're reading the data right. If it were to be graphed, I'm sure it would be a smooth curve, i.e. a 2100er does not have up to a 10.6% acceptance rate while a 2290er has higher than a 10.6% percent acceptance rate. However, the acceptance rate for 2300-2400ers is pretty striking considering, the acceptance rate for those on the lower end is probably still very close to 26% given that there are few 2350+ers. I'm just saying, if anyone feels uncertain about their SATs, I think a really high score could be the push. While I'm not so sure there's a difference between 2250 and 2300, if you could change a 2250 in 2350 I think that <em>could</em> make a difference.</p>
<p>Obviously it will curve, so a 2250 to 2350 isn't going to be as much of an improvement as a 2100 to 2350 will be. </p>
<p>Either way, I'm going to be retaking my 2250, not only because of better chances, but that it will make me eligible for some merit scholarships. (need to have W over 700)</p>
<p>Okay, this is off-topic, but um in response to an earlier comment about how Collegboard makes "millions" every year because so many people retake SAT's --- isn't collegeboard a not-for-profit organization? It's not a pressing question really, just wondering lol</p>