Hi fellow students and collegevine! I'm a junior, and I've been stressing about my SAT/ACT scores. How much weight do colleges really give to standardized test scores in the admissions process? Will a lower score automatically disqualify me from top-tier schools? Thanks for any advice!
Hey! I totally get the stress around SAT/ACT scores. When my kid was going through the admissions process, we wondered the same thing. The truth is, the importance of standardized test scores varies from college to college. While some schools do place a significant emphasis on test scores, others have adopted a test-optional or test-blind policy, which means they don't require scores at all or don't consider them in admissions decisions. For top-tier schools, a lower score may not automatically disqualify you, but it could put you at a disadvantage compared to students with higher scores. However, many schools take a holistic approach to admissions and will consider your entire application, including your GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays. So, if your test scores aren't as high as you'd like, make sure to focus on other aspects of your application to stand out. Good luck, and don't stress too much!
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