<p>Some LACs take a more wholistic approach to admittance than others, and certainly more than large public universities. For this reason, an individual with a relatively low SAT score can be admitted if the person has other positives (and not just race or athetic ability). Remember, the SAT is a snapshot of an individual taken during a 3 to 4 hour period, on one day. It is hard to believe this is going to say much about a student, other than that the student did well on the test. Large public universities, like the University of California, place a lot of weight on the SAT, because they do not have the resources to fully evaluate each student. LACs may not have the same resource restraints. Indeed, some LACs are SAT-optional because they feel they can better evaluate students in other ways. </p>
<p>Also, the purpose of an LAC is, by definition, a liberal arts education – a wholistic education. A student who can ace the SAT is not necessarily one who will do well in this environment. For example, a good LAC places emphasis on the ability to write and communicate. The SAT is only beginning to test writing ability, and most colleges are ignoring the SAT’s writing section. </p>
<p>Finally, in evaluating LACs, look to their emphasis. A science school, like Harvey Mudd College (which is one of the Claremont Colleges) is going to attract very high SAT scores. Colleges that emphasize humanities may attract students with lower scores. Why? It may be that the SAT is weighted more to test attributes that predict success in the sciences, rather than those that can predict a successful college career in humanties.</p>