Are SATs That Important?

Don’t let the SAT test stress you out more than your GPA. A balanced application will get you accepted to the college you want.

Ricky Astudillo '15

Don’t let the SAT test stress you out more than your GPA. A balanced application will get you accepted to the college you want.

How important is the SAT? Is the score more important than your GPA? As opposed to your GPA, where you are being compared to only the students in your school, the SAT compares you to students across the nation. This may give colleges a better indication of where you are academically. Different schools may have different grading standards. Keep in mind that not all schools boost your GPA by .5 when you get a plus, i.e. 3.5 is a B+, but a 3.0 is a B. Your weighted GPA might look completely different when it’s not weighted. Even with a stellar GPA, colleges still want to see how you do on these high stakes tests, because even though it is just one test (that you can take multiple times if needed), it is a pretty good indicator of you stack up to kids across the nation. In response to how the SAT compares to a student’s GPA, Mr. Reid stated, “I think both are factors in the admission decision; students should have the required scores and GPA…if they truly want to be considered as candidates for competitive admissions.” So it seems that SATs are just as important as your GPA. At the end of the day, just do your best; apply to all of the colleges that interest you. Your SAT score and GPA are just numbers, important scores, but numbers nonetheless. Colleges will also look at letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and your college admissions essay. Focus on doing the best you can in all areas, don’t let that SAT score stress you out.