<p>What are colleges hoping to learn from the SAT/ACT tests? Are the tests an indicator of possible future success in college based on the various subject areas? The reason I ask is that senior D wants to study engineering. She really likes mathematics and has always gotten top scores in her classes. She took the SAT and ACT for the first time in the fall of her junior year. She did well, however, her SAT math was her lowest score at 690 and her ACT math was 32. It is my understanding that the SAT and ACT cover math through Algebra II. When she was done with her SAT she said the only thing she wasn’t sure about were some of the answers to the questions relating to plain geometry. She had last taken the class three years earlier in 8th grade. She was taking 3 AP courses her junior year one of which was Calculus B/C which she scored a 5 on. She took the SAT a second time hoping to improve her Math score and ended up sick the day of the test. In the end her score dropped to 670 and her overall score dropped a 100 points. She told me at that time that she was not going to take a three hour test again on subject matter that she had taken 3-5 years earlier when she was going to be taking 5 AP courses her senior year. She is obviously able to master the math. So just how important is a 690 vs. a 750 when the student has moved on to subject matter that will probably aid her more in her engineering courses than a higher score on the tests? I have had at least one school indicate that if she had scored 1 point higher on the math section of her ACT or 50 points on the SAT she would be eligible for a $3000 scholarship through their engineering dept. They did congratulate her on her 5 in AP Calculus. I guess they have to make the cut somewhere but if their goal is to bring in students that will be successful I think I’d rather have a student that has proven themselves able to be successful at more advanced math than one who perhaps just finished Algebra II and did a little better on the test. This subject has just been on my mind so I thought I’d see if I could get some insight from CCers out there.</p>
<p>Test scores give schools a level playing field to compare applicants. Unlike GPA or class rank which is dependent on other factors, everyone takes the same standardized test. They want as much evidence they can get that their choice can succeed in an post secondary enviroment. </p>
<p>The obvious place they use they is the one you have pointed out…merit scholarships. Like or hate it, giving out money based on scores is just plain easy for them to administer. </p>
<p>Generally speaking schools are going to place more weight on the rigor in the transcript, which your D seems to be solid in. What schools is she trying to get in ? These numbers should be fine for most admissions.</p>
<p>Reaches, Northwestern, WashU. Matches, Case Western, and Purdue. Safeties, University of Kentucky (not necessarily a financial safety), University of Toledo and Ohio University (both in state financial safeties). She has been accepted to U of Toledo, Ohio U and Purdue so far.</p>