How important are standardized tests?

Chance Me / Match Me
1

<p>With quality ECs, stong recs and essays, and high GPA and rank, do mediocore ACT/SAT scores really pull a canidate down dramatically?</p>

2

<p>How low and which colleges.</p>

3

<p>SAT scores are very important! The whole point of making students nationwide take a standardized test is to be able to evaluate a student by comparing him/her with the rest of the students in the nation. I’m not saying that SAT is a precise way of evaluating a student – (sometimes even the brightest students can’t score high on SAT’s) – however it is one of the most objective ways…
high GPA and rank may do you no good if your SATs are mediocre – this tends to conclude grade inflation
I would say the thing that will compensate for a mediocre SAT is if your EC’s are spectacular and shows extreme dedication…</p>

4

<p>Very important…</p>

<p>If by mediocre scores you mean the average score of the school you’re applying to, then you should be alright if you have strong ECs. The essay/recs won’t help quite as much, and GPA/rank is relative to your school.</p>