<p>Let’s assume that there are two applicants:</p>
<p>Applicant A
800 SAT II Writing
800 SAT II Math IIc
800 SAT II US History</p>
<p>Applicant B
800 SAT II Writing
800 SAT II Math IIc
800 SAT II US History
770 SAT II Chemistry</p>
<p>Based ONLY on SAT II scores, which applicant looks better?</p>
<p>B
Shows he/she is more involved and has broader range. While A is showing that he/she is good at history/writing and math, B has the same scores in these categories while getting another great score in a math-related field.</p>
<p>well obviously B!! has an extra qualification which is rather high (750+… my definition).</p>
<p>I don’t know what the point of this thread is, but it would probably benefit you to explain why you posed this question.</p>
<p>I don’t think it matters. Applicant B has more tests but Applicant A might have been doing better things with his time than taking more tests than he needs, just for the hell of it.</p>
<p>I thought more people would have noticed…</p>
<p>I was wondering how much the “800 effect” (or so I call it) has on admissions officers. If an admissions officer was not comparing the two applicants side by side, the first one MIGHT look better because he has a perfect 800 record. On the other hand, while the second applicant has a very good fourth score, it is not an 800, and detracts from the “perfectness”, if you will. How much of a bearing do you think this would have on an admissions officer?</p>
<p>And if it changes your decision, what if the fourth test was World History (which is not a new subject area, since Applicant 2 already took US History)? Would that change your opinion?</p>
<p>Listen, sat ii scores are only one part of one part of your application (component of test scores). I am absolutely positive that the decision will not be made based on three sat iis versus 4 sat iis. It will be made on transcript, grades, ecs, essays, recs, etc. The fact is that your title is flawed. A decision will NEVER be based “purely on SAT II scores,” and, quite frankly, one more test won’t give you that special “edge” for which you so desperately seem to be looking.</p>
<p>A 770 in chemistry makes the applicant seem more well rounded, while a 770 instead of an 800 in world history may give the impression that the student earned his scores through hard work and not pure talent in history.</p>
<p>“Listen, sat ii scores are only one part of one part of your application (component of test scores). I am absolutely positive that the decision will not be made based on three sat iis versus 4 sat iis.”</p>
<p>Obviously. This is a hypothetical situation. I realize that it wouldn’t give anyone a big edge. But I’m curious that if we were to single out this factor, what combination of scores would be most favorable. If we don’t bother we hypothetical situations altogether, why should we bother with Academic Indices? It’s only one factor. But it’s helpful to know the quantitative aspects of the college application process.</p>
<p>The AI includes SAT I and the SAT IIs as well as class rank. This is useful for a <em>partial</em> snapshot of the applicant. Therefore, it is useful.</p>
<p>Basing a decision, even a hypothetical one, on an extra SAT II is ridiculously inane and there is no point in even considering it. SAT IIs are important in context, not as independent factors.</p>
<p>Since I am sure this will not suffice for you, here is my answer. There will be very little to no distinction made between these two applicants. If there was a distinction (assuming the college isn’t considering top 3 scores, which is what most do), I think that the second applicant would be stronger. But, keep in mind, any advantage garnered will probably be insignificant and not a deciding factor.</p>
<p>Yeah but what if applicant A also took Chem? Applicant A could be capable of 800 Chem, technically, but just didn’t take the test. I’d just take the highest three that are available.</p>