Schools that are TO but really care about tests

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A high test score will help at these TO schools:

WashU
Emory
Duke
Northwestern
Rice
Notre Dame
Michigan

Eh, I think a high test score doesn't help that much at these schools. Like the T20, many many applicants have very high scores. They are TO for athletes, donors, kids, and other institutional priorities. Other kids must submit scores to have a reasonable chance to be admitted. A 1540 will put the kid in the 50% or the 75%, but lots of applicants with such scores will be rejected from every one of these schools.

Nope.

Example 1: WashU, where more than 50% is admitted TO, the standardized test scores are deemed "very important": https://washu.edu/app/uploads/2025/06/2024-2025-WashU-CDS.pdf
So high test scores will actually help you here more than at Rice (which is really test-preferred).

Example 2: Northwestern, where test scores are only "considered". I'd imagine high test scores are not a determining factor, then
https://www.enrollment.northwestern.edu/data/2024-2025.pdf
Look at the "scoring rubric" for NU here to see how test scores are "lumped" with GPS and rigor to make up the "Academic Rigor" score (not separated as its own number: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1224166.page

OP - do this analysis for the schools on your list, then come back with specific questions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A high test score will help at these TO schools:

WashU
Emory
Duke
Northwestern
Rice
Notre Dame
Michigan

Eh, I think a high test score doesn't help that much at these schools. Like the T20, many many applicants have very high scores. They are TO for athletes, donors, kids, and other institutional priorities. Other kids must submit scores to have a reasonable chance to be admitted. A 1540 will put the kid in the 50% or the 75%, but lots of applicants with such scores will be rejected from every one of these schools.

Nope.

Example 1: WashU, where more than 50% is admitted TO, the standardized test scores are deemed "very important": https://washu.edu/app/uploads/2025/06/2024-2025-WashU-CDS.pdf
So high test scores will actually help you here more than at Rice (which is really test-preferred).

Example 2: Northwestern, where test scores are only "considered". I'd imagine high test scores are not a determining factor, then
https://www.enrollment.northwestern.edu/data/2024-2025.pdf
Look at the "scoring rubric" for NU here to see how test scores are "lumped" with GPS and rigor to make up the "Academic Rigor" score (not separated as its own number: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1224166.page

OP - do this analysis for the schools on your list, then come back with specific questions.

Academic Rigor
Rating Description How to Achieve
1 Highest Rigor Top 3% of class, 1500+ SAT/33+ ACT, maximizing AP/IB/Honors courses, demonstrated intellectual curiosity through research, high AP exam scores

2 Strong Rigor Competitive class rank, strong SAT/ACT scores, challenging coursework within context of your school
3 Moderate Rigor Solid academic performance, consistent effort in core subjects
4 Below Average Rigor Minimal engagement in challenging coursework
5 Limited Rigor Very limited academic effort

All I see here is that once it's 1500+ the test score doesn't matter.
Where did you see a high score (e.g., 1580+) would help?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A high test score will help at these TO schools:

WashU
Emory
Duke
Northwestern
Rice
Notre Dame
Michigan

Eh, I think a high test score doesn't help that much at these schools. Like the T20, many many applicants have very high scores. They are TO for athletes, donors, kids, and other institutional priorities. Other kids must submit scores to have a reasonable chance to be admitted. A 1540 will put the kid in the 50% or the 75%, but lots of applicants with such scores will be rejected from every one of these schools.

Nope.

Example 1: WashU, where more than 50% is admitted TO, the standardized test scores are deemed "very important": https://washu.edu/app/uploads/2025/06/2024-2025-WashU-CDS.pdf
So high test scores will actually help you here more than at Rice (which is really test-preferred).

Example 2: Northwestern, where test scores are only "considered". I'd imagine high test scores are not a determining factor, then
https://www.enrollment.northwestern.edu/data/2024-2025.pdf
Look at the "scoring rubric" for NU here to see how test scores are "lumped" with GPS and rigor to make up the "Academic Rigor" score (not separated as its own number: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1224166.page

OP - do this analysis for the schools on your list, then come back with specific questions.

Academic Rigor
Rating Description How to Achieve
1 Highest Rigor Top 3% of class, 1500+ SAT/33+ ACT, maximizing AP/IB/Honors courses, demonstrated intellectual curiosity through research, high AP exam scores

2 Strong Rigor Competitive class rank, strong SAT/ACT scores, challenging coursework within context of your school
3 Moderate Rigor Solid academic performance, consistent effort in core subjects
4 Below Average Rigor Minimal engagement in challenging coursework
5 Limited Rigor Very limited academic effort

All I see here is that once it's 1500+ the test score doesn't matter.
Where did you see a high score (e.g., 1580+) would help?

\

Huh? She's saying that score doesn't matter at NU, but would matter at WashU

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A high test score will help at these TO schools:

WashU
Emory
Duke
Northwestern
Rice
Notre Dame
Michigan

Eh, I think a high test score doesn't help that much at these schools. Like the T20, many many applicants have very high scores. They are TO for athletes, donors, kids, and other institutional priorities. Other kids must submit scores to have a reasonable chance to be admitted. A 1540 will put the kid in the 50% or the 75%, but lots of applicants with such scores will be rejected from every one of these schools.

Nope.

Example 1: WashU, where more than 50% is admitted TO, the standardized test scores are deemed "very important": https://washu.edu/app/uploads/2025/06/2024-2025-WashU-CDS.pdf
So high test scores will actually help you here more than at Rice (which is really test-preferred).

Example 2: Northwestern, where test scores are only "considered". I'd imagine high test scores are not a determining factor, then
https://www.enrollment.northwestern.edu/data/2024-2025.pdf
Look at the "scoring rubric" for NU here to see how test scores are "lumped" with GPS and rigor to make up the "Academic Rigor" score (not separated as its own number: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1224166.page

OP - do this analysis for the schools on your list, then come back with specific questions.

Academic Rigor
Rating Description How to Achieve
1 Highest Rigor Top 3% of class, 1500+ SAT/33+ ACT, maximizing AP/IB/Honors courses, demonstrated intellectual curiosity through research, high AP exam scores

2 Strong Rigor Competitive class rank, strong SAT/ACT scores, challenging coursework within context of your school
3 Moderate Rigor Solid academic performance, consistent effort in core subjects
4 Below Average Rigor Minimal engagement in challenging coursework
5 Limited Rigor Very limited academic effort

All I see here is that once it's 1500+ the test score doesn't matter.
Where did you see a high score (e.g., 1580+) would help?

\

Huh? She's saying that score doesn't matter at NU, but would matter at WashU

Ahh. Got it.

[Anonymous]

Despite what they may claim, every school cares to an extent. Some more than others, of course.

Is it "make or break" in most cases? Probably not if the rest of the application is either very strong or very weak.

Be realistic: if your scores are within the 25-75% range (or above), that should comfortably check a box in the process.

However flawed, with all the grade inflation, etc., the SAT/ACT at least provides some baseline to compare various candidates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A high test score will help at these TO schools:

WashU
Emory
Duke
Northwestern
Rice
Notre Dame
Michigan

Eh, I think a high test score doesn't help that much at these schools. Like the T20, many many applicants have very high scores. They are TO for athletes, donors, kids, and other institutional priorities. Other kids must submit scores to have a reasonable chance to be admitted. A 1540 will put the kid in the 50% or the 75%, but lots of applicants with such scores will be rejected from every one of these schools.

Nope.

Example 1: WashU, where more than 50% is admitted TO, the standardized test scores are deemed "very important": https://washu.edu/app/uploads/2025/06/2024-2025-WashU-CDS.pdf
So high test scores will actually help you here more than at Rice (which is really test-preferred).

Example 2: Northwestern, where test scores are only "considered". I'd imagine high test scores are not a determining factor, then
https://www.enrollment.northwestern.edu/data/2024-2025.pdf
Look at the "scoring rubric" for NU here to see how test scores are "lumped" with GPS and rigor to make up the "Academic Rigor" score (not separated as its own number: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1224166.page

OP - do this analysis for the schools on your list, then come back with specific questions.

Academic Rigor
Rating Description How to Achieve
1 Highest Rigor Top 3% of class, 1500+ SAT/33+ ACT, maximizing AP/IB/Honors courses, demonstrated intellectual curiosity through research, high AP exam scores

2 Strong Rigor Competitive class rank, strong SAT/ACT scores, challenging coursework within context of your school
3 Moderate Rigor Solid academic performance, consistent effort in core subjects
4 Below Average Rigor Minimal engagement in challenging coursework
5 Limited Rigor Very limited academic effort

All I see here is that once it's 1500+ the test score doesn't matter.
Where did you see a high score (e.g., 1580+) would help?

\

Huh? She's saying that score doesn't matter at NU, but would matter at WashU

I have a 3.8 private school kid with 1560 I wonder if for NU, the SAT could bump them into a "for sure" 2 rating and maybe a 1.5?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think most schools should be called 'test preferred'. Unless you have strong hook or are FGLI, T10-20 will want to see scores at least as high as your DC's range.

For lower than T20, a 1540 will be more noticeable and may serve as a 'hook' for your kid.

Very good advice. At our HS that is essentially what the counselor's tell the students, TO doesn't mean them, other than recruited athletes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A high test score will help at these TO schools:

WashU
Emory
Duke
Northwestern
Rice
Notre Dame
Michigan

Eh, I think a high test score doesn't help that much at these schools. Like the T20, many many applicants have very high scores. They are TO for athletes, donors, kids, and other institutional priorities. Other kids must submit scores to have a reasonable chance to be admitted. A 1540 will put the kid in the 50% or the 75%, but lots of applicants with such scores will be rejected from every one of these schools.

Nope.

Example 1: WashU, where more than 50% is admitted TO, the standardized test scores are deemed "very important": https://washu.edu/app/uploads/2025/06/2024-2025-WashU-CDS.pdf
So high test scores will actually help you here more than at Rice (which is really test-preferred).

Example 2: Northwestern, where test scores are only "considered". I'd imagine high test scores are not a determining factor, then
https://www.enrollment.northwestern.edu/data/2024-2025.pdf
Look at the "scoring rubric" for NU here to see how test scores are "lumped" with GPS and rigor to make up the "Academic Rigor" score (not separated as its own number: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1224166.page

OP - do this analysis for the schools on your list, then come back with specific questions.

Academic Rigor
Rating Description How to Achieve
1 Highest Rigor Top 3% of class, 1500+ SAT/33+ ACT, maximizing AP/IB/Honors courses, demonstrated intellectual curiosity through research, high AP exam scores

2 Strong Rigor Competitive class rank, strong SAT/ACT scores, challenging coursework within context of your school
3 Moderate Rigor Solid academic performance, consistent effort in core subjects
4 Below Average Rigor Minimal engagement in challenging coursework
5 Limited Rigor Very limited academic effort

All I see here is that once it's 1500+ the test score doesn't matter.
Where did you see a high score (e.g., 1580+) would help?

\

Huh? She's saying that score doesn't matter at NU, but would matter at WashU

I have a 3.8 private school kid with 1560 I wonder if for NU, the SAT could bump them into a "for sure" 2 rating and maybe a 1.5?

It should get you a 2. After all, it would at Harvard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A high test score will help at these TO schools:

WashU
Emory
Duke
Northwestern
Rice
Notre Dame
Michigan

Eh, I think a high test score doesn't help that much at these schools. Like the T20, many many applicants have very high scores. They are TO for athletes, donors, kids, and other institutional priorities. Other kids must submit scores to have a reasonable chance to be admitted. A 1540 will put the kid in the 50% or the 75%, but lots of applicants with such scores will be rejected from every one of these schools.

Nope.

Example 1: WashU, where more than 50% is admitted TO, the standardized test scores are deemed "very important": https://washu.edu/app/uploads/2025/06/2024-2025-WashU-CDS.pdf
So high test scores will actually help you here more than at Rice (which is really test-preferred).

Example 2: Northwestern, where test scores are only "considered". I'd imagine high test scores are not a determining factor, then
https://www.enrollment.northwestern.edu/data/2024-2025.pdf
Look at the "scoring rubric" for NU here to see how test scores are "lumped" with GPS and rigor to make up the "Academic Rigor" score (not separated as its own number: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1224166.page

OP - do this analysis for the schools on your list, then come back with specific questions.

Academic Rigor
Rating Description How to Achieve
1 Highest Rigor Top 3% of class, 1500+ SAT/33+ ACT, maximizing AP/IB/Honors courses, demonstrated intellectual curiosity through research, high AP exam scores

2 Strong Rigor Competitive class rank, strong SAT/ACT scores, challenging coursework within context of your school
3 Moderate Rigor Solid academic performance, consistent effort in core subjects
4 Below Average Rigor Minimal engagement in challenging coursework
5 Limited Rigor Very limited academic effort

All I see here is that once it's 1500+ the test score doesn't matter.
Where did you see a high score (e.g., 1580+) would help?

\

Huh? She's saying that score doesn't matter at NU, but would matter at WashU

I have a 3.8 private school kid with 1560 I wonder if for NU, the SAT could bump them into a "for sure" 2 rating and maybe a 1.5?

It should get you a 2. After all, it would at Harvard.

would be happy with a 2! they have national awards so just need to "pass" other areas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A high test score will help at these TO schools:

WashU
Emory
Duke
Northwestern
Rice
Notre Dame
Michigan

Eh, I think a high test score doesn't help that much at these schools. Like the T20, many many applicants have very high scores. They are TO for athletes, donors, kids, and other institutional priorities. Other kids must submit scores to have a reasonable chance to be admitted. A 1540 will put the kid in the 50% or the 75%, but lots of applicants with such scores will be rejected from every one of these schools.

Nope.

Example 1: WashU, where more than 50% is admitted TO, the standardized test scores are deemed "very important": https://washu.edu/app/uploads/2025/06/2024-2025-WashU-CDS.pdf
So high test scores will actually help you here more than at Rice (which is really test-preferred).

Example 2: Northwestern, where test scores are only "considered". I'd imagine high test scores are not a determining factor, then
https://www.enrollment.northwestern.edu/data/2024-2025.pdf
Look at the "scoring rubric" for NU here to see how test scores are "lumped" with GPS and rigor to make up the "Academic Rigor" score (not separated as its own number: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1224166.page

OP - do this analysis for the schools on your list, then come back with specific questions.

Academic Rigor
Rating Description How to Achieve
1 Highest Rigor Top 3% of class, 1500+ SAT/33+ ACT, maximizing AP/IB/Honors courses, demonstrated intellectual curiosity through research, high AP exam scores

2 Strong Rigor Competitive class rank, strong SAT/ACT scores, challenging coursework within context of your school
3 Moderate Rigor Solid academic performance, consistent effort in core subjects
4 Below Average Rigor Minimal engagement in challenging coursework
5 Limited Rigor Very limited academic effort

All I see here is that once it's 1500+ the test score doesn't matter.
Where did you see a high score (e.g., 1580+) would help?

\

Huh? She's saying that score doesn't matter at NU, but would matter at WashU

I have a 3.8 private school kid with 1560 I wonder if for NU, the SAT could bump them into a "for sure" 2 rating and maybe a 1.5?

I don't think it bumps the rating any further after 1500+.
Rating of 1 is very rare. Most admits get a 2.
Depending on the rigor, your DC gets a 2 but not because of any bump from the 1560 relative to 1500.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A high test score will help at these TO schools:

WashU
Emory
Duke
Northwestern
Rice
Notre Dame
Michigan

No way

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A high test score will help at these TO schools:

WashU
Emory
Duke
Northwestern
Rice
Notre Dame
Michigan

No way

…

[Anonymous]

People shouldn't worry about this.

Spend your time figuring out if your kid actually has a shot, given the scoring rubrics.

ECs matter a lot at some schools and not much at others.

[Anonymous]

TO just means that about half the class is reserved for hooked kids (URM, athlete, donor, celebrity). The other half is for highly academic students with high test scores.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:TO just means that about half the class is reserved for hooked kids (URM, athlete, donor, celebrity). The other half is for highly academic students with high test scores.

My kid has TO friends who have no obvious hooks. Depends on the school.