Perfect SAT score students (1600 or 2400) - Where do they study now?

TheAscendancy
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:42:01 +0000

I think this was mentioned, but I don’t think HYPSM looks at the perfect scores and accept applicants based on that. I think the perfect scores are more of a reflection of the applicant’s determination and ability to work hard, which would mean that people who have 2400s or 36s also have the rigorous academics, amazing EC’s, and great essays along with their score. I think it’s the combination of those other factors – not their score – that get them into the top schools.

Also, I think the adcoms know that 2400 really doesn’t really show some innate brilliance unique to certain “one in ten thousand” individuals (though, in rare cases, it may). People who are in the 2300 - 2400 range are usually of equal intelligence and are equally well-practiced at taking the SAT, but a little bit of luck tends to differentiate the lower 2300s from the upper 2300s and 2400s.

I know of a friend who does not do nearly as well in school as I do. He had to take the SAT three times before getting a 2400, while I only got a 2340 (only took it once). Point is: the people who receive 2400s are not consistent and, specifically, my friend’s 2400 doesn’t really mean more than my 2340 given the fact that his academics are weaker and that adcoms probably know that luck usually contributes to the perfect score recipients (who would most likely not receive a 2400 if they took the SAT again).