<p>I’ve been getting really discouraged when I look at everyone’s SAT scores. I honestly think I’m a bad test taker, especially when it comes to the SAT, either that or I am dumb. Can anyone speculate on how much weight is placed on SAT scores? I applied to UPenn early decision, and it looks like the only thing that might get me accepted is the fact that I am from Indiana.</p>
<p>I can't really tell you anything, but I can give you sayings that may or may not be true:</p>
<p>"SATs matter less than you think, but more than you want"</p>
<p>"SATS get your foot in the door, everything else pushes the door wide open"</p>
<p>They're not the be-all end-all but they matter. If you have less than a 1400 you will probably have to compensate in your application in some other way (ec's, essays). The problem with good grades and bad SAT scores is that the lower scores cast a sense of doubt on your good grades (i.e. your school's easy). I'm not saying this is true, but that's the danger.</p>
<p>i think it's worse the other way around.
good SAT, bad scores shows you are lazy and don't really try at school
unless you had a legitamate excuse</p>
<p>You're right it is worse the other way around....but neither are good.</p>
<p>really sucks i have the latter and i didn't explain it at all in my application</p>
<p>PerfectFourth, I will cite something from the USNEWS College magazine:</p>
<p>Factors in college admission decision: Of "Considerable Importance":
Grades in college prep courses............................................78%
SAT and SAT2s................................................................61%
Grades in all courses..........................................................54%
Class rank........................................................................33%
Essay..............................................................................23%
Teacher recommendation....................................................18%
Counselor recommendation..................................................17%
Interview..........................................................................9%
Work/extracurricular activities...............................................7%
Student's demonstrated interest............................................7%</p>
<p>Source: 2003 NACAC Admission Trends Survey.</p>
<p>Obviously SAT does matter, but that only tells one thing out of 10 listed here about you. Plus, if you check the college discussion board's archives, then you will find that some students with high SAT scores were rejected, while others with low SAT scores got accepted. Your application is a package...sometimes its not even about the grades and the scores. I think it's more about what message you send across.. </p>
<p>"If you think you have something to offer that college" and can make a strong case for yourself, Hawkins says, "chances are they're looking for it."</p>
<p>In case any of you were wondering, my SAT scores are:
SAT I: 660V 710M
SAT II: 620W, 680IC, 660IIC, 630USH</p>
<p>didya apply ED to penn?</p>
<p>How is the interview more important than ECs?</p>
<p>Yea. I have no idea. At least at Penn, the International Dean of Admissions told me that leadership positions in extracurricular activities is highly valued at Wharton, so I'm sure at Penn the order is different.</p>