<p>I can only speak about how things work at JHU, so please do not assume my comments here represent all selective universities.</p>
<p>That being said, standardized test results are just one of MANY factors we look at when making decisions. We review each and every application thoroughly and base our decisions on all elements of the application. Test scores matter, but in no way are they an ultimate determining factor.</p>
<p>We do not have cut off scores, and when reviewing applications we look at test scores in the context of the individual applicant’s history – not against some required standard. </p>
<p>The comments of your peers above are assumptions that are made about how test scores factor in the review process for selective schools. I have in the past and will in the future deny applicants with perfect standardized test scores. As well, I have in the past and will in the future admit applicants with what would be considered by many as low test scores. </p>
<p>To learn more about how we review applications read this old Hopkins Insider post:
<a href=“http://hopkins.typepad.com/hopkins_insider/2006/01/three_months_of.html[/url]”>http://hopkins.typepad.com/hopkins_insider/2006/01/three_months_of.html</a></p>