How much can a high GPA overcome an ok SAT score?

[Anonymous]

DC is a rising junior, and their GPA (for now) is 3.95/4.83. Their SAT score is likely to be around 1350, maybe 1400 as a stretch.

How much can the high GPA offset the SAT score when it comes to college admission? They will apply to a variety of schools, a couple top ranked but mostly in the top 50-75.

[Anonymous]

Does she attend a public school? Regardless, colleges are going to assume grade inflation when high gpa kids don’t submit equivalent test scores. Does she have 5s on all her AP exams? That might help.

[Anonymous]

Why worries about sat score for a rising junior? Their score will improve quite a bit after one more year of high school.

[Anonymous]

I have heard that schools are more disturbed by very high SATs and low GPAs. They fear that whatever is blocking that kid from living up to their potential will follow them to college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have heard that schools are more disturbed by very high SATs and low GPAs. They fear that whatever is blocking that kid from living up to their potential will follow them to college.

They don’t like either. Grade inflation is a concern these days.

[Anonymous]

Why not test optional? That gpa and a 1350-1400 could signal grade inflation.

[Anonymous]

1400 is about 93rd percentile, better than “ok”.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does she attend a public school? Regardless, colleges are going to assume grade inflation when high gpa kids don’t submit equivalent test scores. Does she have 5s on all her AP exams? That might help.

Yes, public.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why not test optional? That gpa and a 1350-1400 could signal grade inflation.

Most schools are moving away from test optional, so that might not be an option next year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC is a rising junior, and their GPA (for now) is 3.95/4.83. Their SAT score is likely to be around 1350, maybe 1400 as a stretch.

How much can the high GPA offset the SAT score when it comes to college admission? They will apply to a variety of schools, a couple top ranked but mostly in the top 50-75.

1350 is fine for many T50s. Look at pre-test optional SAT ranges and that is around the mid pointed

[Anonymous]

1400 is FINE for top 50-100. Have they done test prep? It might be worth taking 2-3 private classes. I wouldn’t sweat it after that.

If you’re applying to schools that are top 40, do TO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have heard that schools are more disturbed by very high SATs and low GPAs. They fear that whatever is blocking that kid from living up to their potential will follow them to college.

They don’t like either. Grade inflation is a concern these days.

💯

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why worries about sat score for a rising junior? Their score will improve quite a bit after one more year of high school.

Is this true even for kids who have already done SAT prep and took high-rigor classes 9th and 10th, including honors English and honors pre-calc?

I’d love to think this is true - that DD’s scores will go up between now and spring 2025. But I’m having a hard time seeing why that would happen.

(Different maybe if they haven’t already done the prep or if they’re starting with an 1100 after 10th. But if they’re starting with a 1400?)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why worries about sat score for a rising junior? Their score will improve quite a bit after one more year of high school.

Is this true even for kids who have already done SAT prep and took high-rigor classes 9th and 10th, including honors English and honors pre-calc?

I’d love to think this is true - that DD’s scores will go up between now and spring 2025. But I’m having a hard time seeing why that would happen.

(Different maybe if they haven’t already done the prep or if they’re starting with an 1100 after 10th. But if they’re starting with a 1400?)

So they started with a 1400 and it was unchanged after doing prep?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why worries about sat score for a rising junior? Their score will improve quite a bit after one more year of high school.

Is this true even for kids who have already done SAT prep and took high-rigor classes 9th and 10th, including honors English and honors pre-calc?

I’d love to think this is true - that DD’s scores will go up between now and spring 2025. But I’m having a hard time seeing why that would happen.

(Different maybe if they haven’t already done the prep or if they’re starting with an 1100 after 10th. But if they’re starting with a 1400?)

My DS attended a magnet public school.
Took SAT in March 11th grade and got 1400.
Took SAT again in Aug before 12th grade and went up 100.
He did not take a prep class - just was more comfortable with the test and his abilities.

I would assume that your child took one of the 1st digital SATs. I think that a student understanding the testing elements [needing to balance time for the 2nd 1/2 of math], familiarity with the calculator etc will go up more than 50 points.