<p>Treetopleaf - For the “median” SAT score, I used the average of the middle 50% range (R+M) published either by the school, or the College Board.</p>
<p>speedo - I doubt this method applies for the “elite” colleges that have large amounts of need-based aid. My understanding of the “tippy top” schools is that once you’re in, they meet your demonstrated need, regadless of academic merit. Most, if not all, of their aid is focused on need (which I think is a good thing for these top schools).</p>
<p>We do not qualify for need-based aid, so all the scholarships are merit, which are really tuition “discounts” for kids who fall in the upper half of the class profile. My chart method applies to the “lower ranked” LAC’s that offered merit scholarships in order to attract kids away from the top schools. At the “high” end of the chart, either my son was denied, or accepted with no merit $. The discounts kick in as the SAT scores and/or rank decline. </p>
<p>My point is that the so-called “yield managers” at these institutions have extremely well calibrated tables to help them figure out what to offer families.</p>