<p>Im an indian. Ive a very high GPA and my extra curriculars are good. Also, Ill be applying for undecided major.</p>
<p>Im asking a bit unusual.</p>
<p>Just for example (not my favourite), 25th -75th percentile SAT score of U of Arizona is 480-600(CR), 490-620(M), 480-600(W). So, what should be my composite score that will be worth applying (Im not asking for this university but a general idea for all). I mean I know 25th -75th percentile of all colleges but I want to know the exact SAT composite score for which I should apply for fall 2013 that will be worth applying in a sense that it doesnt become ridiculous (=dont say every score make sense and its sheer luck).</p>
<p>I should explain it with some common calculation-workout (I know that it would be very impractical to manipulate the real statistics with a simple calculation but it still gives an idea of it).
For example:
Adding 25th percentile of each section
(480+490+480) =1450
Adding 75th percentile of each section
(600+620+600) =1820
Getting 50th percentile using average
(1450+1820)/2 =1635
Getting 62.5th (mid of 50th & 75th) percentile using average
(1635+1820)/2 =1727.5
Getting 37.5th (mid of 25th & 50th) percentile using average
(1450+1635)/2 =1542.5</p>
<p>Synopsis (in ascending order)
25th percentile =1450
37.5th percentile =1542.5 (approx.)
50th percentile =1635 (approx.)
62.5th percentile =1727.5 (approx.)
75th percentile =1820</p>
<p>Similarly, University X having ACT 21-25 (25th -75th percentile)
25th percentile =21
37.5th percentile =22 (approx.)
50th percentile =23 (approx.)
62.5th percentile =24 (approx.)
75th percentile =25</p>
<p>Some say if youre having above 75th percentile composite (obtained as per above method), then only one should apply. Others say 62.5th percentile composite (obtained as per above method) is also somewhat good to apply. While a few insist on- (in case of SAT): 80 less than 75th percentile composite (obtained as per above method) and (in case of ACT): 2 less than 75th percentile composite (obtained as per above method ) also gives a good chance. Very few also say, 50th percentile composite (obtained as per above method) also gives a lot space.</p>
<p>I want opinion of more experienced people. Ive visited various sites too, asking my chances. But most of them say that they are pretty(=the word really sucks me) sure that Ill get into those colleges.
IN BRIEF, I want to know the best percentile to look at (25th/ 37.5th/ 50th/ 62.5th / 75th using above method) or any of your own other method, thatll make sense of applying.</p>
<p>Don’t over stress this. Statistically thinking, your numbers are a good estimate but the 25th percentile are usually kept for the athletes that don’t necessarily perform well but are of high caliber in sports. For internationals, I would dictate that you should always be above the 75th percentile because you are after all considered 1-4% of undergrad population. This is not to discourage that if you have low stats you won’t get into A specific school because the process is wholistic. However, on top of aid, I would certainly encourage people to aim high in their own stats…and not per se the college first. Not only will it become a more relaxing time doing so but when you transfer to the specific college, classes may seem much easier had you prepared well through your system.
Falling into the numbers game is basically like gambling without any sense. You don’t know how the calculations behind the website work and even if you do, a certain college receive apps with similar percentile rankings on a daily basis and top school can end up rejecting applicants with similar stats that are under such formulas. Now, how would you ever know what percentage of chance you stood? The college will not say…cause they don’t really like to say that there is a system of calculations that goes on.
On the other hand top colleges like Duke do a ranking system that lists applicants by the strength of their application. It is not that this method has been published but it has been rumored and so I really cannot assume any other method honestly. Your rankings will depend in part of your scores and your essays. I think sometimes things can play in your luck too if such a ranking system does not exist at another college. For example, after a long hour of awful apps, I (as an adcom) find a rather average app that seems to contain average stats and reflects an all rounded applicant. You can tell my reaction, that I would be absolutely thrilled to have this applicant…right? I would meet better applications down the road but I’ve put this app aside for further review.
On the same note, there may be some days where applicants are so good that even the average person might seem too bland for my taste. Now those applicants may not entice me and I may become more selective with my choice. So you see, it depends and so you should try to outshine no matter what condition or day you might be faced by the admissions person. </p>
<p>You cannot really make sense of applying…period. If you fall in the 50% or above, I would assume that you have good reach, albeit let’s think about this…if you don’t apply at all you have 0% of reaching an acceptance. This is not a an eastern system…and so SAT is not the end all be all. It’s common sense that if you don’t even fit under the 25%…you may just hold back a little and try to see what else is in line.</p>
<p>@ Liveulife- So, I should look at the 50th percentile composite (obtained using average) and above for applying</p>
<p>Technically but I would hope that you should aim higher just because you are not a domestic. For easier colleges, it may be better to apply but do note that they have subpar stats for SAT which would mean that if you really tried hard, you could get to be in the higher percentile (above their 75% stats). Ivy leagues and top schools usually have 25% having 2000 composite SAT score and the higher end could well be near 2290.</p>
<p>@ Liveulife- btw I’m not applying for ivies but just u of arizona like or cuny- city college like</p>
<p>Also, I think 75th percentile sat composite score (obtained as per adding separate scores on each section) doesn’t means that it’s actually of the 75th percentiler anyway, as the institute generally reports it for each section. The 75th percentiler may have a good maths score over his writing (or vice versa). Then adding 75th percentile score for his writing (to obtain his sat composite score in the form of 75th percentile) would be very impractical. I may be wrong. Please correct me. thanks</p>
<p>That is true but usually the composite SAT scores from the percentiles can be a good estimate of how the 75th % performed. Let’s say that a person does horrendous in reading but he still has writing and math to complement…which can essentially bring them either above the 75% composite that you have added or greater. He could though perform easily worse and not even cut the 75% mark even though he performed tops on only one section. But I would use my first assumption to match up.
Since I thought we were playing on assumptions that you weren’t applying to UofA, I think now that things are clear, UofA would be a much better catch for you, as well as the CUNYs depending on which ones you’re applying to. I think a state school like Uof A with its acceptance rate would be delighted to have someone who is willing to pay all the way through for their education, given that you are alright in SAT (although 1600 is low).</p>
<p>@Liveulife- then give me any idea that’s going to be a good score for u of a</p>
<p>Pass the 1800 mark and you should be fit to apply to more than just U of A and higher accepting schools. If you have the time, you can do so but if you don’t, apply with your stats. I would suggest that you speak to one of the university counselors on this. </p>
<p>Additionally, what is important is what major will you be completing? Perhaps if you are not good in reading I would suggest you try to read as many books over the year before you enter as that will be a daily task if you do liberal arts and sciences.</p>