Thoughts after a week on the road
As you can see from the last post, I just spent a week in New England with my friends from JHU and NU. We had a wonderful time meeting students, parents, and counselors during our programs.
A topic that came up time and again was one I thought we addressed and settled already. However, the daily questions about it beg me to revisit the topic of
Score Choice
First of all, most colleges in this country have been looking at your best combination of SAT scores for many years. When Score Choice was introduced, it was advocating a more restricted version of what we already do. At UVa, our practices remain the same. Our system is programed to pull the best verbal, best math, and best writing scores of those on file. Readers don't see anything else. For the ACT, we see the best composite score and the subscores related to that best composite score (we do not recombine ACT subscores to come up with a new composite).
I realize that some students won't believe us and will still use Score Choice to hide their scores. I only hope that they do not feel the need to take the test more times.
I fear that that the seniors who are asking us about Score Choice are fixated on something that they don't need to worry about at this point. Send your scores and move on.
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11 comments:
Score choice has created lots of confusion, with schools having different policies, and students needing to make additional choices in the application process. The stress level caused by this testing change is real, and it is unnecessary. Thanks for reiterating UVa's thinking on the subject.
Dean J...I have strong act composite scores, but my strongest math score came with a composite score that is one point lower than my best. I want you to see the math score as I am applying to the engineering school. How do I get this in my file?
I heard from some of my fellow friends at UVA that you must get an SAT score above 2000 to get accepted to UVA? If that is not true, then how important is my SAT score in the application process. Please answer honestly. Thanks.
Anonymous, we aren't looking at your ACT subscores, just the composite.
Class of 2010, your friends are just making things up. There are no "cut offs" in our review process. Obviously, testing is important. However, it is one component of many in your application (a four hour component at that). Testing does not over ride or over shadow another portion of the application.
1) What is the most important thing for UVA when it looks at my application. GPA, extracurricular, or SAT score.
2) Is it true that the earlier I submit my application the better my chances of getting accepted?
Class of 2010, I think you need to completely ignore your friends' advice. They seem to be totally uninformed. It is not easier to be admitted if you submit your application early.
Academics come first and foremost.
So when does UVA actually start to filter its application?
Class of 2010, we start to read transfer applications in November and first year applications in December.
"Filter" isn't really a word we use.
I am a little confused about when I should apply. I am taking SAT I again in December and the scores for that test wont come out till Dec 22. However, I am sure that I will be done with my essays and application before Dec. So, should I wait until I get the results for my Dec SAT I and see if I improved and then submit my application and essays with it. Or should I submit my application now and resubmit my Dec SAT I scores if I improved.
Dean J,
I got very good ACT score (34) but only decent SAT scores (750 math and 680 reading and 730 writing with 11 for essay). I sent ACT scores already (do I get a confirmation that you received it?) but wondering if I should submit SAT scores which are lower anyway. The only reason I am thinking about is my essay score which is 11 out of 12. Do you even look at it. Thanks for your blog. Very informative.
Class of 2010, please see the entry from September 11 about application filing.
Alwyn, if a 750 is "just decent", what is a good score on a section of the SAT? :)
Send all of your scores. We'll sort things out from there.
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