I took the SAT twice, and i didn’t meet the math benchmark for both of these tests. Will that affect my college admissions for Cal States? Could any of them reject me because of this?
Cal States admit by the eligibility index so the combination of CSU GPA and test scores will get you an acceptance or not. Colleges will not use the Bench mark scores for admission purposes. They will be used by High schools.
From CB website:
States can now use the SAT to evaluate the college readiness of their students. The
SAT Benchmark allows secondary school educators, administrators and policymakers to:
• Gauge the level of college readiness among groups of students
Assess the effectiveness of academic preparation over time
Identify achievement gaps across demographic groups based on college readiness ndings
• Inform instructional and curricular enhancements
Use SAT-linked resources such as SAT® Skills InsightTM and other available College Board resources to focus on the academic skills that students need to improve their college performance
• Strengthen academic programs and share best practices
Benefit from the SAT Benchmark as a catalyst for identifying and replicating effective instructional approaches and curriculum plans
The SAT Benchmark should not discourage any students
from going to college.
The College Board remains committed to helping all students graduate from high school ready for any postsecondary path they may choose. SAT Benchmark data should not be used to dissuade students from pursuing higher education or to prevent them from taking rigorous high school courses. It is important to note that college readiness is a continuum and that students scoring below the SAT benchmark may still be successful in college, especially with additional preparation and perseverance.
• The SAT Benchmark should not be used to assess the college readiness of individual students.
College success requires a range of knowledge and skills, including noncognitive factors like discipline and perseverance. As such, the SAT Benchmark should not be used for high-stakes decisions about the readiness of any individual student. For individual high-stakes decisions (such as college admission), SAT full scale and section scores should always be used with high school grades and other evaluative factors.
• The SAT Benchmark should not be used to assess academic readiness for a speci c college or university.
The SAT Benchmark is based on a diverse, nationally representative sample of colleges. As such, it is an indication
of college readiness at a typical college. This is why the SAT Benchmark should not be used to assess readiness for a speci c college. For colleges and universities interested in understanding how SAT scores predict student performance at their institutions, the College Board encourages institutions to use the free ACESTM service to commission a custom validity study. For more information, go to: http://professionals.collegeboard.com/ higher-ed/validity/aces
What about since my major, nursing, is impacted? Does that still not matter? @Gumbymom
Depending upon your SAT scores, you may be required to take the ELM/EPT exams for Math and English placement at the Cal States. This will determine your readiness for college courses.
It will come down to your CSU GPA and your SAT Math and Critical Reading scores, not the Bench mark scores. The higher your CSU GPA and tests scores, the higher the chance to get into the Pre-Nursing major.
So what are your test scores?
For CSULA which you were targeting;
Freshmen - Incoming freshmen wishing to major in Nursing will be admitted as an “Undeclared with an Interest in Nursing” if they meet all of the following criteria:
o Minimum Cumulative 3.0 High School GPA
o SAT combined math and critical reading score of ≥ 900 or ACT composite score of >
20
o Campus Impaction Admission Criteria
Do you meet these requirements? You should always have a backup plan since Nursing school is not guaranteed.
My CSU GPA is a 3.94. Im only sending SAT scores because my ACT scores were too low. Therefore, my highest SAT score is a 1010. I calculated my EI and it is 4,162. @Gumbymom
You meet the CSULA criteria for the Pre-Nursing major. Unless the other applicants are far more competitive, you should be OK for at least this school.
You will be required to take the ELM and EPT tests however since your scores do not qualify for an exemption. You need a 550 or higher for the EPT and a 570 for the ELM.
@Gumbymom what about Cal State Fullerton for the major of Health Sciences or Undeclared? Do you think I have a good chance there?
Your EI is above average for CSU Fullerton. Your SAT scores do not qualify you for the Direct admit Nursing program but you could get into the Health Sciences major or Undeclared.
What about CSULB for health sciences or undeclared major? I think all majors are impacted both at Fullerton and Long Beach.
Your EI is above average for the CSULB and CSU Fullerton. Much will depend upon the EI’s of the applicants applying this admission cycle. CSULB’s minimum EI is 3200 for non-local applicants. Also both CSU Fullerton and Long Beach are impacted campuses meaning all majors including Undeclared are impacted.
From CSULB Website::::
Applicants will be admitted based on the calculated Eligibility Index used in establishing minimum CSULB eligibility above. Applicants who are considered ‘local’ based on their high school of graduation or military status will be offered admission if they meet the minimum “Eligibility Index” required of the major. Other applicants will be ranked by the “Eligibility Index” and will be offered admission based on space available in the major or college.
::::
As long as you applied broadly and have 1-2 safety schools, a few match and a few reach schools on your list, you will be accepted somewhere.
@Gumbymom would it be a bad idea to apply as a Nursing/Pre Nursing major to CSULB considering my stats and CSU GPA?
Your SAT Math score may be an issue since Nursing majors EI will be based on a STEM eligibility index at CSULB.
See below:
Applicants to Nursing:
Nursing is the most competitive major at CSULB. Freshmen applicants will be admitted based on a calculated “STEM Eligibility Index.” The “STEM Eligibility Index” places additional weight on quantitative skills required for success in this major. Refer to STEM Eligibility Index for details of how this index is calculated. Applicants must have a minimum “STEM Eligibility Index.” The minimum for Nursing consideration is 3,300. All eligible applicants will be ranked by the “STEM Eligibility Index” and will be offered admission based on space available.
Admission to Nursing will be to a ‘Pre-Nursing’ status. Students must meet specific course and GPA milestones to remain in Pre-Nursing and must apply to the Nursing Department to be considered for admission to the major at the junior level.
Be aware: CSULB strongly recommends that applicants to Nursing complete additional math courses beyond the minimum required for the CSU to improve the likelihood of success in the major and timely graduation.
STEM eligibility index: (CSU GPA* X 600) + SAT Critical Reading + (2 X SAT Math)
What is your STEM eligibility index and what is your highest level of Math by Senior year?
My STEM Eligibility Index is 3804. My highest level of math by Senior year will be H Pre calc. @Gumbymom
It is really up to you in regards to applying for Pre-Nursing at CSULB. You are aware of how competitive the Pre-Nursing major can be at all the CSU’s, so to me it is a gamble worth taking. You have CSULA as a backup which I am sure you can get into their Pre-Nursing major and you stand a good chance for Public Health at Fullerton.
Good luck.