Better Means of Comparison
To help my clients better understand the concept of realistic
comparison, I’ve started talking about ACT and SAT scores in
terms of class rank. If we can take that same understanding and
apply it to the ACT or SAT, students and parents would have a
more realistic understanding of test scores.
Rank
SAT ACT
Top 10% 680R/680M 28
Top 25% 620R/610M 24
Top 50% 540R/530M 20
Top 75% 470R/470M 16
Bottom 10% 400R/400M 13
A student who has done all he can and ranks in the second
quarter of his class should be satisfied. No, he’s not going to be
valedictorian, but he has solid grades and has done his best. If he
takes the ACT and scores a 24 after weeks of studying, should he
be disappointed? If he has put honest effort into preparation and
the 24 is a personal best, I’d remind him that his score puts him
in the top quarter of test takers—not a bad place to be.
Megan Dorsey is a college
admissions expert and savvy SAT
prep instructor who has helped
thousands of students prepare for
college admission. For more info
visit CollegePrepResults.com
Realistic Goals
Remember the SAT and ACT are hard tests. They are designed
to make sure a majority of students score in the middle. (How
would Harvard know who to let in if all students had top scores?)
These are not simple tests of content. They are timed exams with
challenging material requiring critical thinking and college-based
analysis.
Check out Top College Picks on p. 33 to
see how your scores match up.
MISSIONS MAY CHANGE, BUT OUR COMMITMENT NEVER WILL.
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Fall 2017 |
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10/13/16 1:44 PM