Do colleges take the SATs too seriously sometimes?

Test Preparation
1

<p>I think so, at least. Thankfully I'm applying to art college, so the scores many of them are asking for (600+ in each section) are fairly reasonable, but many of my friends are looking into colleges that want 650+, and at times I think this is way too strict.</p>

<p>I think that the SATs are necessary, but I don't think they're that great of a judge of who should be accepted into what college. Someone earlier ranted about how they felt they were very important as many people were "dumb" but got good grades because they worked hard, that they weren't the people to become great scientists/whatever. However, I disagree, because I feel like colleges should be looking for students who are going to work hard and not simply be as lazy as possible. People like these are our future leaders imo.</p>

<p>I'm not implying people who get 2300+ are brats/lazy people or anything (I have a friend who got a 2300 and she's extremely modest). </p>

<p>I honestly think getting above...say, a 550/600+ in each sections definitely proves that someone is competent. Besides, the SATs only test English/Math when students could be exceptional in other studies such as History/Languages. And I get that there are SAT2s for this, but the SATs are almost considered the be and and end all of your college application.</p>

<p>Could be just me, but whatever. I think it's a bit sad when I see people studying furiously to get a near perfect score when honestly I think a 2000 is an absolutely amazing score.</p>

2

<p>I agree, but I also think parents and students themselves take it too seriously. It's just ONE test! (Or, if you are crazy, it's like 10 from all the retakes). I try to downplay the importance when my parents are congratulating me on good scores, because it really just doesn't matter that much. That is my problem with it all - the parents and insane kids who think SAT = life.</p>

3

<p>I think SAT IIs should be used more for the reasons you mentioned.</p>

4

<p>Actually, the college board reports that the SAT is almost as good of a predictor of college success as academic GPA according to their studies.</p>

<p>Then again, the college board is the one that administers the SAT. Conflict of interests? Hahah.</p>

5

<p>Competent? I'm not too sure - the math is nowhere near college level, and a 600+ indicates the person makes many mistakes. I think that's a pretty reliable indicator of preparation level for college.</p>

<p>That said, I think a 2200 and 2400 aren't much different so the score-obssession is a bit over-the-top.</p>