Hi, I am currently deciding whether it is worthy to report my SAT scores to top schools. I took it once last year and got a 1420, then took it again this year as a senior and got a 1440. Sad! I was not able to prep as much as I wanted to due to summer internships and now rigorous course load. Together, I have a 1450 superscore. This is still below average for many top schools.
However, I have a high GPA (top 5% of class) and (I would think) decent essays from the feedbacks I got from others.
I am thinking of applying to a few ivies (low chance, but worth the shot!) and other top 20 schools. I do have a low-income status, which could possibly lower my chances from being accepted just because most of them are on the 100% need-based financial aid policy.
Sorry if my question is dumb- I genuinely do not know if I should send them even after reading through threads.
I would only send the score if it is within the middle 50% range of the school’s test average. If not, I wouldn’t send. I don’t think not sending your scores will put you at a disadvantage in admissions this year. It’s a great score, though, so be proud!
thank you, I’ll look more into each school’s statistics! @riverandsasha3
In general, that score isn’t going to help your app much at T20 colleges. But, we know nothing about you. If you are from certain regions of the country, maybe in a rural area, first gen to college, low SES, URM, or have some other interesting quality, your score might be acceptable for some of those colleges.
I agree that it’s fine to send it as long as it’s above the 50th percentile.
@Lindagaf Ohh okay. Thanks for clarifying
First off, congrats on that score. A 1450 is 97th percentile which means you scored better than all but 3% of test takers. That score is likely to be helpful at many schools in validating your strength as a candidate. If you are a low income student it is even more impressive as high scores are correlated with higher income groups and lower income students on average have lower test scores. So depending on the particular school, you may want to send that score.
Top 20 will be looking at the component scores, not the total.
“…lower my chances from being accepted just because most of them are on the 100% need-based financial aid policy.”
Two separate issues. Colleges that are Need Blind do not consider your need when reviewing your app. Those that offer 100% of your “need” make their aid offers after you’re admitted. (But 100% means per their assessment, not yours.)