<p>I'm talking about very selective college admissions. If you have a very rigorous schedule, a 4.0 GPA, good ECs, essay, etc., but below the 25-75% test scores range, how much does it affect college admissions?</p>
<p>Although not everything, test scores are very important. Your good grades should be enough to get you into many schools, but those test scores could really hurt you for any reach schools. As well as, if it comes down to a tie-breaker between you and another qualified student with better scores, they will most likely get it. </p>
<p>That being said, many schools are beginning to realize that a standardized test is not a good measurement of every student’s ability. And many top, selective schools have recently gone “test-optional”. Here is a list: <a href=“ACT/SAT Optional List - Fairtest”>http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional</a></p>
<p>If you are looking to get into larger, prestigious schools that are not test optional, I would highly suggest a SAT/ACT corse. As they are expensive and very different styles, I would look into which test suits you best and focus on that one. Studies also show that up until your 3rd time taking the test, your scores will noticeably improve. </p>
<p>Good luck! and remember, schools know that tests arent everything, just do as much as you can in that area and make sure to shine elsewhere</p>
<p>It will put you at quite a disadvantage, especially depending on how low those scores go. I notice you just say ‘good EC’ and not something outstanding that people at very selective colleges might also have. And not mentioning any hooks that could also help. What are your scores?</p>
<p>Fortunately, test scores are easier to “fix” than grades, since you can do test-specific preparation and try again. Consider taking both the SAT and ACT if you have not already done so, since some students do better on one test versus the other.</p>
<p>The test scores will come into play to different extents depending on the schools/programs you are applying to as many people have strong grades as well as excellent test scores. I agree with preparing for the standardized tests and at least looking at both the ACT and SAT to see if one is a better test for you. Also consider some test optional schools. <a href=“ACT/SAT Optional List - Fairtest”>http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional</a></p>
<p>well test scores are factored into the “stats” part of the app. so if you have bad test scores, you can’t really have good stats.</p>
<p>But anyways, bad test scores but a good GPA shows that either you are a really hard worker, or your school is pretty easy.</p>
<p>That rarely happens. High grades but low test scores? Some might say they just have bad test-taking skills but I don’t believe it. If they have bad test-taking skills then how do they have such high grades? They take tests in your regular classes too, right?</p>
<p>@dsi411
I have a 4.33 gpa w but my sat was an 1830. I dont think its as much bad test taking skills as it is the information/material youre being tested on. It is much easier for me to take a test on techniques of integration than it is for me to take a standardized test with obscure (though not very hard) math that I haven’t been freshly taught. The range for material is larger than just your chapter tests that you take in school. </p>