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Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
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UCLA
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

How important is the SAT in college admissions?

Hey guys, I wanted to know how much weight the SAT holds in the college admissions process. Is it a significant factor, or are other aspects like extracurriculars and GPA more important? Thanks in advance!

11 months ago

Hi there! The importance of the SAT in college admissions can vary depending on the school you're applying to. Generally, standardized test scores, if you submit them, are considered a significant factor in the admissions process for many colleges, as they offer an objective metric for colleges to compare applicants, but they are not the sole factor. Other aspects of your application, such as your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendation letters, also play a crucial role in determining your chances of acceptance.

However, many colleges implemented test-optional policies during the pandemic, and have kept them in the years since. So, test scores are no longer required like they historically have been. It's possible, though, that submitting a test score would still be a wise decision for you personally, especially if you're applying to highly selective schools - if you want to read more about applying test-optional and whether it would be right for you, check out CollegeVine's blog post breaking down these policies: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional/.

Do be aware that a strong SAT score alone won't guarantee admission, so remember to focus on other components of your application as well. Aim to have a good GPA, be involved in extracurricular activities that show your passion and leadership, and write compelling essays to make your application stand out. But, an excellent test score is certainly a nice gold star to have as well.

Good luck!

11 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.