<p>I have many questions about how the UCs calculate, use and report SAT scores. For example:
- I know UCs require that all SAT scores be reported, however, do they “super score” internally, do they use the single highest sitting, or some combination/average?
- When they publish SAT scores for the freshman class, do they super score, or do they use single best sitting, or some other algorithm such as an average?
- Is writing as important as CR/Math?
- Does each UC use the same process for admissions/reporting of SAT scores, or does it vary by school?</p>
<p>I have not seen this information on any of the UC sites – does anyone have definitive information on this?</p>
<p>Q: I know UCs require that all SAT scores be reported, however, do they “super score” internally, do they use the single highest sitting, or some combination/average?</p>
<p>A: “We require all scores and will use the highest scores from a single administration.” Source: [University</a> of California - The examination requirement](<a href=“http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/examination-requirement/index.html]University”>http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/examination-requirement/index.html).</p>
<p>Q: When they publish SAT scores for the freshman class, do they super score, or do they use single best sitting, or some other algorithm such as an average?</p>
<p>A: “We require all scores and will use the highest scores from a single administration.” Source: [University</a> of California - The examination requirement](<a href=“http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/examination-requirement/index.html]University”>http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/requirements/examination-requirement/index.html).</p>
<p>Q: Is writing as important as CR/Math?</p>
<p>A: UCs don’t look at individual sections. Although a reader from UCLA told me that they will occasionally look at the writing section to compare it with the personal statement (possibly as a way to detect fraud?). Source: personal conversation with admission staff at various UCs and a UCLA reader.</p>
<p>Q: Does each UC use the same process for admissions/reporting of SAT scores, or does it vary by school?</p>
<p>A: The answers I get from the various campuses are fairly consistent, so I believe the process is the same, if not very similar. Source: personal conversation with admission staff at various UCs.</p>
<p>Thanks MsSun…very helpful information/pointers! The reason I was asking is that I was trying to interpret what their reported 25-75 ranges mean. </p>
<p>One thing that puzzles me is why some schools, such as the UCs, would report SAT scores based on a single sitting (even though they have the information needed to report super scores), while other use SAT super scores to report higher average scores (and thereby increase their USNWR ranking). </p>
<p>One reason I could think of is that perhaps the UCs are more concerned with encouraging a broad range of students, including those without stratospheric test scores, to apply (which would actually be very admirable in my opinion).</p>
<p>As an aside, it would disappointing, but unfortunately not surprising, if in fact USNWR allows schools to use different standards to report their average SAT scores.</p>
<p>The 25-75 range gives you the “bulk” of the applicants (taking out the outliers).</p>
<p>I never asked why the UCs only use highest test score from a single test date. I know the CSUs use superscore, so I can only assume it’s a policy decision.</p>
<p>USNWR does not verify the data reported by the colleges, that’s why you hear the occasional scandal of false data (I think the latest scandal involved Emory University).</p>