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SAT scores for Ivy League schools...
I'm a Lower 6th student (doing A.S. Levels) in the UK, and I'm taking the SAT to apply to US universities...on my pre-test I got a score of 1920/2400...obviously I want to improve...but I have two questions:
1) Do unis (Ivy League ones) get to look at ALL your SAT scores? Even the pre-tests?
2) Generally, is the score I got in my pre-test promising enough to encourage me to apply to good schools in the US?
Thanks!!!
1) Do unis (Ivy League ones) get to look at ALL your SAT scores? Even the pre-tests?
2) Generally, is the score I got in my pre-test promising enough to encourage me to apply to good schools in the US?
Thanks!!!
I also intend on doing the samething, so any advice would be welcome.
ZsaZsa, what A-levels are you doing and what US institutions are you look at?
ZsaZsa, what A-levels are you doing and what US institutions are you look at?
Are there set dates for the SATs or can you do them any time of the year?
silkweed, I have a question, I hope you do not find it intrusive. How come you did not apply to more US univesities i.e. Harvard, Columbia, NYU, Princeton and the other great places?
silkweed, I have a question, I hope you do not find it intrusive. How come you did not apply to more US univesities i.e. Harvard, Columbia, NYU, Princeton and the other great places?
I PMed this earlier to magna cum laude, and felt that I should post it here so everyone could benefit.
Truth be told, American admissions officers at different universities will assess international students in different ways, so it is hard to make generalizations. Once you narrow down a list of US colleges you are interested in transferring to, you need to check out the website and (really advise this) call and email them asking how they specifically assess applications from British transfer students. Someone else was PMing me, asking me for advice in applying to Yale, and apparently Yale doesn't require the SAT for British students and A Levels are fine. But I know this is not the case at the majority of US universities... you need to make sure you know exactly what tests each school (it's okay to call it this in the US) requires.
If you aren't sure yet entirely where you want to apply, I'd advise looking at the Princeton Review website (google it). You can sign up for free, and it'll give you nice descriptions of the colleges you are interested in, highlighting academics, night life, ect. For the most part, the descriptions are fairly accurate.
Ah, SATs, a royal pain in the ass, I might tell you. You can take either the ACT or the SAT, and it really depends on you in terms of which is "easier." Most students looking for entrance in top US colleges take the SAT which seems to be the more popular of the tests, but if you can score really high on the ACT, colleges will be equally impressed. I would advise you try to take the SAT, unless you know you will score a lot better on the ACT. In terms of scores, generally the rule of thumb for selective US colleges is that anything above 700 in each section is enough to pass the initial threshold to where colleges then look closely at your performance in high school and outside activities. There is not a guaranteed score that will gain you acceptance into elite colleges, unfortunately. Many students have been rejected with 800s (the top score) and just to give you an idea, I scored 690/710/750 (2150) and probably could not have gotten into an ivy or similar school. You should know all the material covered on the exam (A levels is more than enough) which is basic math, English reading analysis, grammar questions, and a timed 25 minute essay. However, keep in mind that the SAT can be difficult to score well on, despite the fact that the questions may be a joke compared to what you are used to in A-level. The math is easy, but was really a struggle for me because of the time limit and the fact that even a few stupid mistakes will dramatically bring down your score. Every question you get wrong on a section will majorly cost you . Most students in the US do some preparation before they take the SAT (well, the serious students anyway) and I’d advise that you don’t go into the test cold without knowing what to expect (the format of the questions, the time limit for each section, how questions are graded (you lose -1/4 of a point for each incorrect answer, 0 points for blank answers). You should definitely take a practice test and I’d advise ordering a prep book so you can learn some of the basic strategies and familiarize yourself with the material. If I were you, I’d order the SAT I prep book by Princeton Review in addition to the official College Board SAT book (both of which can be found on amazon.com). You’ll have to pay international shipping, but it is definitely worth it. If you have trouble finding what I am taking about on amazon, I can give further clarification later. As long as you pull a 2100+ or preferably 2200+, you should be fine. SAT scores are not everything in US admissions, and your A Levels will probably be more important. Also, plan ahead. A lot of students take the SAT more than once in order to get the best sub-scores they can in each section (colleges will combine results from multple tests for your total score). Also, if you totally screw up the first time, you'll have a chance to do more prep and redeem yourself.
Hope this is helpful.
--------------
Oh, and I forgot. To the original poster: don't worry about your score on the practice test too much right now. It'll go up (usually you get smarter somehow later in your academic career when you sit down to actually take the test) and it is very possible to bring up your score if you prep diligently. That is perfectly decent score given where you are at right now, don't worry.
Truth be told, American admissions officers at different universities will assess international students in different ways, so it is hard to make generalizations. Once you narrow down a list of US colleges you are interested in transferring to, you need to check out the website and (really advise this) call and email them asking how they specifically assess applications from British transfer students. Someone else was PMing me, asking me for advice in applying to Yale, and apparently Yale doesn't require the SAT for British students and A Levels are fine. But I know this is not the case at the majority of US universities... you need to make sure you know exactly what tests each school (it's okay to call it this in the US) requires.
If you aren't sure yet entirely where you want to apply, I'd advise looking at the Princeton Review website (google it). You can sign up for free, and it'll give you nice descriptions of the colleges you are interested in, highlighting academics, night life, ect. For the most part, the descriptions are fairly accurate.
Ah, SATs, a royal pain in the ass, I might tell you. You can take either the ACT or the SAT, and it really depends on you in terms of which is "easier." Most students looking for entrance in top US colleges take the SAT which seems to be the more popular of the tests, but if you can score really high on the ACT, colleges will be equally impressed. I would advise you try to take the SAT, unless you know you will score a lot better on the ACT. In terms of scores, generally the rule of thumb for selective US colleges is that anything above 700 in each section is enough to pass the initial threshold to where colleges then look closely at your performance in high school and outside activities. There is not a guaranteed score that will gain you acceptance into elite colleges, unfortunately. Many students have been rejected with 800s (the top score) and just to give you an idea, I scored 690/710/750 (2150) and probably could not have gotten into an ivy or similar school. You should know all the material covered on the exam (A levels is more than enough) which is basic math, English reading analysis, grammar questions, and a timed 25 minute essay. However, keep in mind that the SAT can be difficult to score well on, despite the fact that the questions may be a joke compared to what you are used to in A-level. The math is easy, but was really a struggle for me because of the time limit and the fact that even a few stupid mistakes will dramatically bring down your score. Every question you get wrong on a section will majorly cost you . Most students in the US do some preparation before they take the SAT (well, the serious students anyway) and I’d advise that you don’t go into the test cold without knowing what to expect (the format of the questions, the time limit for each section, how questions are graded (you lose -1/4 of a point for each incorrect answer, 0 points for blank answers). You should definitely take a practice test and I’d advise ordering a prep book so you can learn some of the basic strategies and familiarize yourself with the material. If I were you, I’d order the SAT I prep book by Princeton Review in addition to the official College Board SAT book (both of which can be found on amazon.com). You’ll have to pay international shipping, but it is definitely worth it. If you have trouble finding what I am taking about on amazon, I can give further clarification later. As long as you pull a 2100+ or preferably 2200+, you should be fine. SAT scores are not everything in US admissions, and your A Levels will probably be more important. Also, plan ahead. A lot of students take the SAT more than once in order to get the best sub-scores they can in each section (colleges will combine results from multple tests for your total score). Also, if you totally screw up the first time, you'll have a chance to do more prep and redeem yourself.
Hope this is helpful.
--------------
Oh, and I forgot. To the original poster: don't worry about your score on the practice test too much right now. It'll go up (usually you get smarter somehow later in your academic career when you sit down to actually take the test) and it is very possible to bring up your score if you prep diligently. That is perfectly decent score given where you are at right now, don't worry.
magna cum laude
I also intend on doing the samething, so any advice would be welcome.
ZsaZsa, what A-levels are you doing and what US institutions are you look at?
ZsaZsa, what A-levels are you doing and what US institutions are you look at?
I'm currently doing French A2 (I did AS last year and got an A), Latin AS, Greek AS, English AS, and History AS...and I'm planning to take all my AS subjects onto A2.
As for universities, well, without sounding boastful/arrogant/a pain in the backside, I've always been in the top 5 in a year group of about 90-100, and my extra-curriculars have always been pretty solid and varied (for example, at the moment I'm in the lacrosse and shooting teams, doing D of E, Army cadets, Orchestra, Choir, various societies...), so I'm hoping to apply to Ivy League universities. Without sounding over-ambitious, I know in myself that I wouldn't be happy with something mediocre...
ZsaZsa
I'm currently doing French A2 (I did AS last year and got an A), Latin AS, Greek AS, English AS, and History AS...and I'm planning to take all my AS subjects onto A2.
As for universities, well, without sounding boastful/arrogant/a pain in the backside, I've always been in the top 5 in a year group of about 90-100, and my extra-curriculars have always been pretty solid and varied (for example, at the moment I'm in the lacrosse and shooting teams, doing D of E, Army cadets, Orchestra, Choir, various societies...), so I'm hoping to apply to Ivy League universities. Without sounding over-ambitious, I know in myself that I wouldn't be happy with something mediocre...
As for universities, well, without sounding boastful/arrogant/a pain in the backside, I've always been in the top 5 in a year group of about 90-100, and my extra-curriculars have always been pretty solid and varied (for example, at the moment I'm in the lacrosse and shooting teams, doing D of E, Army cadets, Orchestra, Choir, various societies...), so I'm hoping to apply to Ivy League universities. Without sounding over-ambitious, I know in myself that I wouldn't be happy with something mediocre...
I asked you the question, there is nothing boastful about your reply. I can also say the same for myself, I would not be happy with something mediocre (not getting into Oxford was nearly the end of me
). Doing all your subjects at A2 is a good idea, go for top UMS scores as well as A grades are fairly easy.I did the following:
A2 Math, Further Math, Chemistry, Economics,
AEA-level Economics
AS-Level Physics (I could not abide the subject any longer,the syllabus is an insult. I still love physics, just not the AS or A-level)
I had to work at it, but I cannot say it took up all my life; I still had time to do ECAs and go out and relax. I know plenty of people that just did the average 3 A-levels and an AS, and they did not have to work at all to get top grades.
ZsaZsa
I'm a Lower 6th student (doing A.S. Levels) in the UK, and I'm taking the SAT to apply to US universities...on my pre-test I got a score of 1920/2400...obviously I want to improve...but I have two questions:
1) Do unis (Ivy League ones) get to look at ALL your SAT scores? Even the pre-tests?
2) Generally, is the score I got in my pre-test promising enough to encourage me to apply to good schools in the US?
Thanks!!!
1) Do unis (Ivy League ones) get to look at ALL your SAT scores? Even the pre-tests?
2) Generally, is the score I got in my pre-test promising enough to encourage me to apply to good schools in the US?
Thanks!!!
2250 and above on your SAT wont hurt you for ivy league, you don't really need to get a perfect or something but anything below this probably will hurt you and going under 2200 could be detrimental. three people in my school got 2400 on the SAT and a bunch got around 2300 and higher so the competition is harsh
Would a very high scores in:
SATI Math
SAT II Math, Chemistry and Physics
Make up for low scores in the SATI Verbal? (I do not know how difficult the following test is, however, I am certain English is not my strong point)
Does 800/800 mean the student did not get a single question wrong or does it mean they are in the top percentage of the candidates (results manipulated like the A-level, full UMS does not mean 100% in the paper)?
--------------
jimmydoerre3 - I see you have been given offers to some great places there. Will you be going to LSE?
SATI Math
SAT II Math, Chemistry and Physics
Make up for low scores in the SATI Verbal? (I do not know how difficult the following test is, however, I am certain English is not my strong point)
Does 800/800 mean the student did not get a single question wrong or does it mean they are in the top percentage of the candidates (results manipulated like the A-level, full UMS does not mean 100% in the paper)?
--------------
jimmydoerre3 - I see you have been given offers to some great places there. Will you be going to LSE?
ZsaZsa
I'm a Lower 6th student (doing A.S. Levels) in the UK, and I'm taking the SAT to apply to US universities...on my pre-test I got a score of 1920/2400...obviously I want to improve...but I have two questions:
1) Do unis (Ivy League ones) get to look at ALL your SAT scores? Even the pre-tests?
2) Generally, is the score I got in my pre-test promising enough to encourage me to apply to good schools in the US?
Thanks!!!
1) Do unis (Ivy League ones) get to look at ALL your SAT scores? Even the pre-tests?
2) Generally, is the score I got in my pre-test promising enough to encourage me to apply to good schools in the US?
Thanks!!!
Ouch, to put it bluntly.
To get in the top 20 schools or so, you need 2150 or higher. For Ivies, 2250 or higher. For really competitive schools, you need 2350, like Harvard.
Edit: I took the old SAT version, so I thought the new one was out of 2500, don't ask why...
When speaking of 2400, does this mean SATI (math and verbal) plus a SATII paper?
Thanks, that clears it up.
How many SATIIs should one take (is 3 ok)?
How many SATIIs should one take (is 3 ok)?
Umm...it really depends...I got into Columbia with a 27 ACT...dont know what that is about in SAT...but I know its not average acceptance score lol its lower 
Did you have good Extra-Curricular activites?
ZsaZsa
I'm a Lower 6th student (doing A.S. Levels) in the UK, and I'm taking the SAT to apply to US universities...on my pre-test I got a score of 1920/2400...obviously I want to improve...but I have two questions:
1) Do unis (Ivy League ones) get to look at ALL your SAT scores? Even the pre-tests?
2) Generally, is the score I got in my pre-test promising enough to encourage me to apply to good schools in the US?
Thanks!!!
1) Do unis (Ivy League ones) get to look at ALL your SAT scores? Even the pre-tests?
2) Generally, is the score I got in my pre-test promising enough to encourage me to apply to good schools in the US?
Thanks!!!
1) they are not able to see your pre-tests (eg PSAT or similar). You will have to create an account on www.collegeboard.com in order to register for SAT examinations. All the test results of the SATs u take will be displayed on your online account as well as sent home to you personally. When you apply to US universities, you will have to pay a certain amount to the collegeboard (online payment is easier) and they will send ALL your available test scores to the universities (All SAT 1 and SAT 2 you have taken, but they will not know your pre tests)
2) Surely, being in the maximum range, (2400 is perfect score) i would encourage you to apply to Ivy league universities; bear in mind, however, that SATs are only a small part of the admission process, other things you will have to be outstanding at are:
- Extracurricular activities : these include sport, community service, Model UN, volunteer work, work experiences, internships, extra courses, hobbies and interests
- Predicted Grades: to an extent they play a role in the decision, but lets say that low predictions subtract a lot from your chances to get accepted
-Grade Point Average during your school year. American univ. dont look at your final grade (A-Level or IB results), since they send out the admission letters in march-april and they are always unconditional. They want to see you have a very high average in your report cards throughout the school year, so unless you have almost all As in your courses you will b disadvantaged no matter how well you do on your SATs
i hope this helped, so you dont have to learn all this by yourself as i did
best of luck with your american applications
keenya2006
Umm...it really depends...I got into Columbia with a 27 ACT...dont know what that is about in SAT...but I know its not average acceptance score lol its lower
then y did u write you are from wisconsin when Columbia is in New York?
nicolo
then y did u write you are from wisconsin when Columbia is in New York?
umm...I applied for FALL 2006 ENTRY!!...still in High school here...yeah my E.Cs are pretty good...I'm friends with some Journalists at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and I was able to write in that paper...teen perspective...and a national magazine....I was editor-in-chief www.mygumbo.com and I'm involved with Peace Action Wisconsin and I did this summer program at Oxford this past summer my mom made me go to lol
2250+ is safe for anywhere.. good luck to the OP
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