I was wondering what the cut off score are for ivy league and similar schools.
I have heard from some place it is 740 and others say 770, and some say it is higher form math and science.
I was wondering what are the generally acceptable scores?
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
There is no cutoff scores but lower scores will be a negative on your overall application.
Or what scores are considered good enough?
Given the surfeit of top scores, no single score is good enough. Even perfect scorers get rejected. It’s the whole package – which you should know since you asked earlier if perfect scorers are somehow a disadvantage based on some articles/videos you saw.
@cj5555 many schools publish average subject test scores or 25-75%ile ranges of accepted students; you could look there to get a general idea what score you should aim for.
But as others above me have noted, there are no rigid cutoffs, and applicants with perfect scores do get rejected.
The goal for Ivy applicants should be to have two subject tests in the 770-800 range, but if you can’t get there, then the closer the better. There is no cutoff.
@cj5555 Scores matter, but they don’t matter that much.
There is no golden cut-off for SAT subject test, nor is there one for GPA, SAT score, community service hours, etc. If you are seeking the “cut-offs” for subject tests, then assume the cut-off is 800. It seems like your plan to do only as well as whatever the “cut-off” is for Ivy League. Don’t forget that SAT subject test is factored into admission evaluation only 2% to 5%, and however well an applicant does in high school never guarantees admission into Ivy Leagues. If your plan was to be just above the cut-off score, then you have an improper mindset. College is not just pass or fail; you have to try to do your best in everything. Pursue the best, not just hovering around borderline.
Why are you so focused on elite schools? In June you wrote the following in the home school forum:
Has your family been prepping you to apply to Ivy League colleges since you were three? I hope that’s not true. You’re a high school sophomore with numerous threads asking various questions about factors that help or hinder admission to elite schools. What are you looking for in a college? You mentioned that you’re in a suburban area between DC and Baltimore where people generally go to community college, if they go at all, but there are a lot of options between cc’s and elite colleges. Are you looking for a name brand? Are you looking for schools that give a lot of need based aid?
I think you’re approaching your search the wrong way. You should ask your parents how much they’re willing to pay per year then run several Net Price Calculators (each college website has one) to get an estimate of their net cost. If you haven’t taken a real (not practice) SAT or ACT yet you’ll have to put in different scores to see how that changes the results at schools that offer merit. At schools that don’t offer merit (such as the Ivies) your scores won’t affect aid. Cross any schools off your list that cost more than your parents are willing to pay.
Once you have finances narrowed down you need to start looking at where you’re competitive academically. Instead of focusing on sports recruitment, expressed interest, perfect standardized test scores vs less than perfect, or dual enrollment vs AP, you should be focusing on your academics. It doesn’t matter how many other boxes you can check; if your grades and test scores aren’t up to par, those other things won’t matter. Have you taken a practice SAT or ACT yet? If not, I’d suggest you get a book and start studying. If you want to be competitive for elite schools you need to be a strong writer, so pay particular attention to your grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Get a solid SAT I score before you start worrying about the subject tests.
That’s not necessarily true. You could do research on when it’s best to take a subject test relative to your academic classes. For example, I believe people say it’s best to take Math 2 after you finish pre-calc. Don’t quote me on that because I don’t know the prevailing wisdom only that I think there is some prevailing wisdom.
So instead of worrying what score you need use your time to research when it’s best to take specific tests.
“I believe people say it’s best to take Math 2 after you finish pre-calc.” - That is what we were told too.
As others have correctly noted, there are no cutoffs and every school in the athletic conference has their own distinct criteria. That said, I’ve been told by more than one Ivy representative that as long as the first digit is “7” you’re in the running.