<p>Is there any rule of thumb for how much higher SAT and ACT scores have to be for an out-of-state candidate at a competitive state school than the middle 50% that is listed online and in books?</p>
<p>There is no rule of thumb as it varies widely from OOS don’t even need better scores (e.g., UIUC) to OOS needs something really higher because you are competing for a limited number of seats after the college has admitted everyone in the state who is in the top 10% of their high school class because it is required to do so (UTexas Austin)</p>
<p>There is no rule of thumb because it varies so much by state/school. At schools with a much lower OOS %age you will probably need higher grades/stats because the averages are influenced more by in-state students with potentially lower grades/stats.</p>
<p>As to that low percentage of OOS, that is not a very accurate guage as often it just reflects that the percentage of OOS who applied is low and thus the total OOS admitted can also be low even if they are admitted on the same basis as in-state. A good example is UIUC. Many OOS often think it is real hard to get into because only about 10% of the total students admitted are OOS and international combined. All that really reflects is that OOS/international make up only 10% of the applicant pool. They are actually admitted on the same basis and at about the same rate as in-state.</p>
<p>Would you consider a few ACT points higher than the top 25% mark safe?</p>
<p>^ It depends. Is the acceptance rate >50% and are your grades also >75%? If so then I would.</p>
<p>No to the former but yes to the latter.</p>
<p>Hmm it’s seeming to me that it really depends almost entirely on the particular school.</p>
<p>Thanks for the help.</p>