<p>For some reason I thought the more homogeneous states got the highest average SAT scores. States like Iowa and Wyoming would have an advantage if that was right. Otherwise I would through in Massachusetts with NY and California.</p>
<p>WOw i was amazed when i saw MD, its really only acouple of counties that are competitve, is that how it is everywhere, i.e.e my county only had 8 NM semifinalist wheras the one my cousins live in had like 100 at a school…</p>
<p>Maryland, my Maryland (musical notes) </p>
<p>Note that MA, MD, and DC are all very very BLUE states - “intelligent design,” you are put on notice. (Running away from the flames, but as the gangsta said “I did it and I’m glad!”)</p>
<p>MD is up there because the schools in Montgomery County is are powerhouses.</p>
<p>needhelp: I’m in Illinois and although I feel this state is pretty competitive, I don’t think it should be ranked #4. Probably somewhere around #10 or in the lower teens.</p>
<p>is it an advantage or disadvantage to be in a non-competitive state…PA</p>
<p>I think its definitely an advantage to be in noncompetive area.</p>
<p>That said, you don’t get advice about summer programs out of state, or depth of knowledge about admissions, strength of programs in colleges, GCs who have connections or even visited schools out of state.</p>
<p>it would be interesting to see the % of kids who take the SAT vs ACT by state. In general, the highest states for SAT usage is on both coasts, whereas ACT is much more predominant in flyover country. But, I do NOT make a point about blue and red states – California is the biggest SAT customer bcos it the biggest state in population, and the UC’s require that test for admission. The UC’s accept the ACT, but few GCs talk about it.</p>
<p>Momofwildchild: If any Calif school would require the PSAT, then that school would have to pay for it under state law. Needless to say, the PSAT is optional. Instead, us parents get to write another check if we want our kids to play.</p>
<p>md school systems are actually supposedly very good on the average, with probably an exception in balt city? But even then you have city, poly, and prolly the arts schools that bring it up. But montgomery and howard are supposed to be really good.</p>
<p>An interesting note: my best friend, who is from korea, told me that koreans who want to move to the US can buy housing maps, etc that show areas with the best schools systems in the country. This explains why there is such a significant difference in the # of (richer) asian immigrants moving into certain neighborhoods where i live…it corresponds to the schools w/ the highest test scores, etc.</p>
<p>Frederick county schoolin is not good, especially if you go to a school that was on the failing list last year for NCLB, lol, plus a lot of MD a least where i live and west is red neckish…and stupid</p>
<p>my HS gave the PSAT to all kids in grades 9-11. Sophs got their scores, fresh/jrs had to pay the money to get the scores back. The seniors get the day off.</p>
<p>… some of the kids in the other classes take the day off too b/c “it doesn’t matter” =/</p>