kbxheartsxyou and welsey asked about acceptable test scores and averages:
What is the average test score that gets you accepted to your university?
Great question. My advice: Our average SAT among admitted freshmen is a 1320 (Critical Reading and Math sections only). Our average ACT among admitted freshmen is 30. This is our most updated information for this most recent admitted student class.
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TYPOS...oops
Jake Rock pointed out a typo in my original message. Oops. Thanks, Jake, and I hope that you still keep posted on my blogs and e-mails even with my typos!
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ABOUT COMPOSITE SCORES...
Mike S. and caroline mosley said...
Does Miami take the single best composite score, or do they combine sub-scores from multiple tests and create a better composite?
My advice: UM will combine sub-scores from multiple tests and create your best composite for your application review. In other words, it's best to send us all of your test scores!
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CONCERNS ABOUT TEST SCORES and SCHOLARHIPS...
cryptic 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.
My advice and response:I respect where you're coming from, cryptic. The reason we only use critical reading and math is because we do not know enough about the essay portion and our students' performance levels on that section to use it for the admission decision itself. We have a long history with the critical reading and math portions, and when the SAT added the essay portion, we decided that at this time, we would not use the essay portion.
Your essay portion still matters, though. We would expect that if you performed well on this section, that this performance is reflected in your competitive English courses and grades.
Regarding your concerns about the role of test scores in our scholarship awards -- if you're a class valedictorian, I would still encourage you to apply. Keep in mind that the scholarship guidelines we publish are merely guidelines, and the decisions we make are based on the whole of the information you present in your application. You're not locked in to any particular level -- but we are often asked about where a student should be academically if he/she would like to be competitive for a scholarship.
Try not to rule us out just yet, cryptic. I hope you still considering applying and allow our committee to look at all of your accomplishments for your application review. Best of luck.
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SHOULD I REALLY SEND EVERYTHING...
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
My advice: Send us everything and let us sort out for your best score. We may come out with something different and you won't know that unless you send us everything!
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WHAT ABOUT FULL SCHOLARHIPS...
Anonymous said...
How high would our Sat and Act scores have to be to recieve a full scholarship from UM?
My advice: We're looking for students with a 1500 SAT or a 34 ACT in order to be considered for a full tuition scholarship.
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WHAT IF MY TEST SCORES AREN'T "THERE"...
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?
My advice: Of course you should still consider college even if you're not that confident about your scores. You should consider a wide range of options based on your academic achievements.
If you're concerned about the strength of your test scores, you should discuss your concerns with your guidance counselor. He/she will have some great advice about your options, especially if you have strong grades.
Don't be discouraged! I'm sure you will have some great options, and if you're very interested in UM, you should still apply and allow the committee to review your entire application.
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SAT SUBJECT TESTS...
Anonymous said...
How much of a help will SAT subject tests be?
My advice: We don't use SAT subject test scores for general admission, so you can hold on to your subject test scores for your UM application. However, if you're applying for the Dual Degree program in Medicine (www.miami.edu/dualdegree) then you will need to submit SAT subject test scores for that supplemental application process.
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And my favorite comment from anonymous was "u guys rock". So simple but so encouraging. Keep your questions coming!
7 comments:
Hi Elena,
I'm glad this is helping you as you consider your colleges. Here's some of my advice for your situation and questions:
1. For the academic scholarships, the grade average is weighted.
2. The strength of your schedule, grades and test scores will be a part of the scholarship consideration but I couldn't (with any fairness) predict to what extent this information is going to shape any scholarship decision. I advise that you apply, apply early, and just let us take a look at your application. We have very difficult decisions ahead of us and the best advice I can truly offer is to apply.
3. Our scholarship program does not include much more than those scholarships. However, for Florida students, there are two more scholarship programs that you may be eligible for:
--The Ronald A. Hammond Scholarship - www.miami.edu/hammond
--The Jenkins Scholarship - www.miami.edu/admission/jenkins
4. You asked about aid towards housing -- and while I would typically answer this question, I would feel more comfortable referring you to contact our Office of Financial Assistance for the best and more accurate answer. You can e-mail them at ofas@miami.edu.
Elena, there's more information online about how Florida residents can benefit from aid even if we're a private university. Go to:
http://www6.miami.edu/UMH/CDA/UMH_Main/0,1770,29532-1;44908-2;52894-2;58316-2,00.html
for more info.
Best of luck to you!
Sincerely,
Ed Gillis
Hi Mr. Gillis,
Sorry for all the questions lately, but I had a question about the application. I am using the common application and one of the things it asks me in the UM supplement is my intended major. However, I want to double major and possibly minor, so how should I make sure the University knows about this if I only can choose one intended major in the form?
Also, it states on the Common Application website that I should submit my supplement and payment for UM before I can submit the actual application. So would it be okay if I submitted these two things now in July, even if I don't have my application ready until much later, say around Sepetember?
Thanks so much again and have a great day,
Anonymous
Hi,
I'm happy to answer your questions because I'm sure other students wonder the same.
On the common application, choose just a major for now because any second major or minors won't be worked with until your second year.
For your application submission, I would actually just go ahead and submit everything together, even if it means waiting til September. You seem organized enough not to forget steps, so why not make sure everything is lined up before you submit your materials?
-Ed Gillis
Hi Mr. Gillis,
I just wanted to point out a minor typo in UM's supplement to the Common Application before it becomes too public: down where the applicant should put their typed signature, the word "honestly" is spelled as "hoestly". It's not that major of a typo, but I figured anything misspelled on the supplement to the common application could turn into a big deal for some.
While I'm at it, I was wondering if I am allowed to submit my application before the early action date, say in September or October, if I have it finished by then.
Thanks,
Anonymous
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