Caltech Rolls Out 'Bucket System" for Test Scores

[ucbalumnus]

@Data10

it only suggests to kids that they need a 780+ SAT or 35+ ACT and can stop re-testing once they cross that almost, but not quite perfect threshold. It may give the impression that a 770 SAT / 34 ACT on EBRW/English/Reading won’t cut it. I’m skeptical that this system will have any notable benefit over a traditional non-bucket implementation.

Would it be likely that potential applicants and those advising them will interpret it as:

• If your scores are in Bucket A, then don’t bother retesting for Caltech. But such scores are nowhere near sufficient for admission.
• If your lower section score is in Bucket B, then your chances are diminished compared to Bucket A, particularly if you are an advantaged applicant in a resource environment. Even for disadvantaged applicants who may get leeway on scores would need to show other indicators of sufficient academic strength as needed to handle Caltech rigor that is significantly higher than other colleges and universities.
• If your lower section score is in Bucket C, then your chances are essentially zero.

?