Universities no longer emphasize SAT scores does not mean no need to take the SAT exam.
4/22/2023 Education News By Sarah
4/22/2023 Education News By Sarah
Is it still necessary to take the SAT exam? The SAT exam, which is one of the standardized tests required for undergraduate college applications for American high school students, has been noticed by many that several universities have relaxed their emphasis on SAT scores in recent years. Some universities have even stated that they no longer emphasize SAT scores, leading many to become less concerned about their SAT scores. Does this mean that taking the SAT exam is now meaningless?
First, let's take a look at what the SAT exam is.
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a requirement for admission to most American universities and consists of three sections: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
In recent years, influenced by factors such as the pandemic, many American universities have shifted their focus away from SAT scores. In other words, SAT scores are no longer the primary consideration for many universities, and some institutions have even made SAT scores optional for admissions. Examples of such universities include New York University, Brandeis University, The University of Chicago, and The George Washington University. Among these universities, only The University of Chicago does not require SAT scores, while the others have adopted an optional SAT policy, allowing students to choose whether or not to submit their scores.
However, it is important to note that while many universities have relaxed their emphasis on SAT scores, top-tier schools such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and Yale University still place significant importance on SAT scores.
So, is it necessary to be concerned about SAT scores? The answer is yes. While some universities have become more flexible, prestigious institutions still consider SAT scores as an important factor in the admissions process.
If you are aiming to apply to college, what SAT score is considered high? The following score distribution chart, compiled by College Board, provides an overview of SAT scores.
The data shows that scores between 1500 and 1600 exceed those of 98% of test-takers, while scores above 1300 can be considered in the top 10%. If your score is below 1000, it would be beneficial to work on improving your score:
What is certain is that aiming for a score of 1500 is not a requirement for everyone, but rather a goal that should be set based on individual circumstances. However, taking the SAT and achieving a good score can indeed increase your chances of successful college admission and provide you with more opportunities in the future. Regardless of whether your SAT score meets the requirements of the universities you are applying to, you still have the opportunity to retake the test. Even if universities no longer prioritize SAT scores, it is still worth trying because it allows you to gain a better understanding of your own academic abilities and continuously improve them.