An incredibly rich resource for relevent information regarding the PSAT, SAT and SAT Subject Tests is the FAQs maintained by Compass Education Group. I highly recommend taking a look even though the questions are not specifically aimed at international students -
Tag: sat subject tests
High School GPA in the Admissions Process
This is a followup to a previous post so I’d suggest you read that first if you missed it. [When talking about the "UC
System", I am referring to the University of California group of colleges].
In California, the UC system has used test scores and HGPA as a preliminary admissions filter for many years. The application also includes areas for extracurricular activities and requires an essay, but the majority of students have always been screened based on a number system. The system is as follows -
HSGPA is multiplied by 1000 and then added to the SAT score and two required SAT Subject Test test scores.
The SAT has a maximum of 2400 possible points. Each SAT Subject Test test has a maximum of 800 possible points. So the three test scores have a maximum of 4000 possible points.
HGPA is typically on a 0–4 scale, which implies a maximum of 4000 possible points. (Depending on the number of honors and AP courses, the HGPA could exceed 4.0.)
So 8000 points is considered the maximum index number under the UC system, (although it is possible to exceed this number).
Notice the 50–50 weighting in this system between HGPA and test scores.
Imagine a student had a HSGPA of 3.8, an SAT score of 1950, and two SAT Subject Test scores of 680 and 700. This student’s UC index number will be 7130, (3800 + 1950 + 680 + 700).
Now imagine another student has the same HGPA of 3.8 but his SAT score is only 1550 and his SAT Subject Test scores are 580 and 600. This student’s UC index number will be 6530, (3800 + 1550 + 580 + 600). His index number is obviously negatively impacted by his test scores.
Obviously, it’s in the best interests of the applicant to find out how HSGPA and SAT are used at each college. The public universities in the state of Washington, for example, weigh HSGPA and test scores at 75% and 25%, respectively, which implies that the SAT’s weight is only 20%, given the use of the SAT Subject Test scores in the mix. Although some schools may prefer not to reveal their weighing systems, it is probably safe to say that HSGPA is usually weighted more heavily than test scores.
Here’s a Yale admissions quote: “A very strong performance in a demanding college preparatory program may compensate for modest standardized test scores, but it is unlikely that high standardized test scores will persuade the admissions committee to disregard an undistinguished secondary-school record.”
The SAT Subject Tests
SAT Subject Tests is the collective name for 20 multiple-choice standardized tests given on individual subjects, usually taken to improve a student’s credentials for admission to colleges in the United States. Students typically choose which tests to take depending upon college entrance requirements for the schools to which they are planning to apply. Until January 2005 they were known as SAT IIs and are still commonly known by this name. Every test is a one-hour timed test.
A student may take up to three SAT Subject Tests on any given date. Most SAT subject tests are offered on the same day as the regular SAT. The language tests with listening are generally available only once a year in November. A calendar of test dates and registration deadlines can be found on The College Board’s official website.
Each test is scored on a scale of 200 to 800. Prior to the first administration of the new SAT (which includes the writing section) in March 2005, some highly selective colleges required applicants to take three SAT Subject tests, including the writing test and two other tests of the applicant’s choosing, in addition to the SAT. However, with writing now a standard component of the SAT I, most selective colleges recommend applicants to submit scores for any two SAT Subject tests. Engineering schools typically require Chemistry or Physics and prefer Math Level 2. A handful of the most competitive schools, such as Georgetown University, still require three Subject tests in addition to the three sections of the SAT. It is important for students to consult the school’s website to find out more information about Subject test requirements.
Schools also vary with regard to their SAT Subject test requirements of students submitting scores for the ACT in place of the SAT: some schools consider the ACT an alternative to both the SAT and some SAT Subject tests, whereas others accept the ACT but require SAT Subject tests as well. Information about a school’s specific test requirements can typically be found on its official website.
