How Important are SAT Scores?

Many prospective college students worry that achieving low scores on their SATs will limit their choices as they prepare their college application processes. But although SAT scores are used by many colleges as an indicator of students’ overall education, they are sometimes not the deciding factor that many students believe them to be.

There are a number of reasons for this. First, admissions offices understand that some students are simply not good test takers and that their SAT scores therefore, rather than being a good indicator of their education, are sometimes somewhat less reliable. Admissions offices also understand the importance of having a diverse campus full of well-rounded individuals. Yes, they want intelligent, well-educated students and students who have scored well on their SATs, but they also value other characteristics in applicants.

So if you’re an applicant whose SAT scores are less than desirable, remember to use your application and essays to play up your other positive attributes, such as leadership skills, campus involvement, or even athletic ability. In the world of college admissions, SAT scores are factored into an applicant’s eligibility in conjunction with these other valued skills.