Thursday, June 26, 2008

How much do test scores influence the admission decision?

SAT/ACT test scores are just one of the many factors that are taken into consideration when applications are reviewed for admission.


In all, we look at:

  • Grades and level of difficulty of courses
  • SAT/ACT test score(s)
  • Counselor evaluation form
  • Essay
  • List of activities and honors achieved

If you're looking at test scores and wondering how to maximize your strength as an applicant, my advice is to be sure that all of your test scores (if taken multiple times) are sent to UM. UM uses the best/highest composite score among all your tests taken when we review applications for admission.

Another helpful piece of advice is to ask other colleges you're considering whether or not they look at your best composite score. This will help you decide what scores to send to what college when you apply.

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14 comments:

Anonymous said...

what is the average test score that gets you accepted to your university?

Anonymous said...

You have a typo in your email. Second line, "wondering how to want to maximize...". Just letting you know.

If you're looking at your test scores and wondering how to want to maximize your strength as an applicant, my advice is to be sure that all of your test scores (if taken multiple times) are sent to UM. UM uses the best/highest composite score among all your tests taken when we review your application for admission.

Jake Rock

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sending me these updates they me get more in tuch with the application process

Anonymous said...

Does Miami take the single best composite score, or do they combine sub-scores from multiple tests and create a better composite?

April Eubank said...

I'm really kind of bothered that the 1600 scale is used to filter out scholarship funds. My personal scores are much higher in reading and writing (720 apiece) and lower in math (620). I feel that one of the subject areas that I excel in is being ignored. I think that students would feel better about losing possible funding if you took into consideration their entire performance on the test, rather than 2/3 of it.
Oh, and for whatever it's worth, I also feel that standardized test scores are too large a factor in your scholarship designations. While I'm a valedictorian, I could only receive $11, 000 from your scholarship program, making the University of Miami as expensive as any ivy league and financially unattainable. I would guess that a lot of talented students don't even apply as a result, and I could not even imagine trying to apply without some hope of someday paying off the costs of college. It might be something to consider, as I am sure that I am not the only student who will likely not be applying because of their weakest test score.

Caroline Mosley said...

It says in the email you sent me that UM uses the best/highest composite score. Does this apply to the ACT also, or just the SAT?

Thank You

Anonymous said...

In respect to merit scholarships, how much is offered by Miami to accepted new students having a 4.0+ gpa and a 30 ACT score? Are such scholarships based strictly on these components or other factors like application, essay, etc.?

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Hi,

I took the ACT with writing in June and received a composite score. I took the ACT for the state in April and I scored one point higher on Math than I did in June, but I had a lower total ACT composite score (by 1 point). My English and Reading were the same but my Science was lower on the April test.

Do you want me to send both the April and June ACT scores to you?
Or would you prefer just the highest composite score?

Thanks

Anonymous said...

How high would our Sat and Act scores have to be to recieve a full scholarship from UM?

Anonymous said...

If i have a good GPA of, let's say 3.8 but my SAT scores are not there, can i still go to college?

Anonymous said...

How much of a help will SAT subject tests be?

Unknown said...

What is the required ACT score in order to be accepted into your universtiy?

Anonymous said...

u guys rock

Anonymous said...

What is the average ACT test score that gets someone admitted to the University of Miami?