Important SAT Update: Transition to Digital SAT
Effective December 3, 2023, the traditional paper-and-pencil format of the SAT has been discontinued. Starting in 2024, all students are required to take the Digital SAT, ushering in substantial changes in duration, format, material coverage, and question types. This shift to the Digital SAT represents a departure from traditional testing methods. It is crucial for students, educators, and test-takers to acquaint themselves with the new examination structure. Read more about the Digital SAT here.
Are you concerned that you won’t get a good enough ACT® or SAT® score to get into your dream school? If so, relax. There are a number of effective steps you can take to significantly boost your test scores. Making time to study on a regular basis and focusing on your weak areas will increase your chances of earning the high score you need without taking a test more than once. At the same time, it’s important to bear in mind that your ACT or SAT score isn’t the only thing an admissions department will consider when reviewing your application.
Ideal ACT/SAT Scores for Ivy League School Applications
Generally speaking, you need a minimum ACT score of 31 to get into an Ivy League School. The minimum score is 32 at a few of these schools, including Harvard and Yale.
The minimum SAT score to get into an Ivy League school ranges from 690 to 730 for the reading section and from 700 to 730 for the math section. Getting 700 or 710 (or higher) on both of these sections will give you an advantage at most Ivy League universities.
What About Other Factors?
Your score is perhaps the most important factor the admissions department will take into account when looking over your application. However, it isn’t the only one. In fact, many students with stellar ACT and SAT scores are rejected by Ivy League universities. At the same time, there are some students who have average test scores but who get admitted due to outstanding achievements.
Universities look for applicants who not only have good grades and test scores but who also pursue personal goals and interests. Choose a few fields that you are passionate about, learn all you can about them, and then tell the university what you’ve done and the lessons you’ve learned from your life experiences. Emphasize your non-academic skills such as leadership abilities, communication skills, organizational skills, or persevering nature.
It’s also wise to submit an essay. The SAT and ACT both have essay options; however, you don’t have to limit yourself to one of these. Writing a separate essay about yourself enables you to “sell” yourself even though you can’t appear in front of the admissions department in person. The essay doesn’t have to be long and complex, but it should not contain any spelling or grammar mistakes.
Now is the time to prepare for your future and shoring up your weak areas so you’re ready to face your test questions without undue stress. Although stellar test scores won’t guarantee you a spot in the university of your choice, they definitely improve your chances. High test scores will also expand your scholarship options, so that you’ll have the funds to study at a good university. UWorld, an online study program with more than one million students, offers unique SAT and ACT practice tools that make it easy for you to grasp important subjects even if you have a full schedule. Check us out to see if our resources are right for you.
