What Test Score Do I Need to Get In?

Last updated May 17, 2021

SUBSCRIBE

Every individual school is unique.

That sounds like a truism and not a very helpful one either. Shall we make that thought a little more specific?

Every school has its own unique set of admissions requirements. This is especially true when it comes to standardized testing. Although individual components may be similar—SATs, ACTs, essays, and SAT Subject Tests—the way colleges and universities pick and choose from these elements is far from standard. Rather than making an assumption about what a university wants to see from an applicant, your best bet is to familiarize yourself with testing requirements at each school you are interested in.

To give you a little help, we at A+ Test Prep and Tutoring have just updated our SAT and ACT Score Ranges by College. The list does not replace communication with your chosen college or university, but it is an excellent place to start getting familiar with each school’s requirements.

“This list is timely,” emphasizes Dan Ascher, President of A+. “The big takeaways are that fewer and fewer schools want the SAT/ACT essay or the SAT Subject Tests, so students really need to do their homework and check with each college about its standardized test requirements.”

This useful document compiles information from over 80 schools, including local colleges and the Ivies. Mid-50% scores are separated by subject (English vs. Math, for example) and are presented for both SAT and ACT. Note: The term “Mid-50%” refers to a range of scores from the 25^th to the 75^th percentile. We consider the 25^th percentile score to be the minimum score you should submit for a given college.

Additional categories note which components, such as the essay, are optional for which institutions. And while our list makes the distinction between tests that are required and those that are recommended, in practice you should submit anything labeled recommended.

A few examples of the differences you will find among schools are:

-Columbia University requires two SAT Subject Tests.
-Franklin and Marshall, on the other hand, would rather see two graded writing samples.
-The University of Delaware only looks at SAT Subject Tests for honors. In addition, SAT/ACT scores are optional for in-state students.
-Temple allows a student to dispense with the SAT or ACT altogether if that student’s GPA is 3.5 or higher.
-In some cases, SAT Subject Tests or SAT/ACT essays are valued primarily for placement purposes. See La Salle, Rowan, and The University of Notre Dame.
-Muhlenberg College is willing to do a face-to-face interview in place of evaluating test scores.

One final word of advice from Dan Ascher about the standardized testing landscape:

“It’s constantly evolving. So even though our list is current, families should go to each college’s website for the latest info. Sometimes they need to actually call the admissions offices since websites may be unclear—for example, not mentioning the SAT/ACT essay one way or the other.”

Finding out exactly what assessments you need to prepare for helps you to focus your energy and show your skills!

At A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, our focus is always on you. Our practices are based on the latest developments in educational theory and research. Our outstanding tutors can help you with standardized testing, executive functioning, or achievement in any other school subject. If you would like more information, our Client Service Directors Anne Stanley and Susan Ware are available to answer questions and provide solutions. You may reach either of them by calling A+ Test Prep and Tutoring at 215-886-9188.

0 Comments

What They're Saying

    EXCELLENT  
  48 reviews on
 
 
         
   Angela Jay 
 2024-02-15
 
 
   Best Decision Ever!

A+ Tutoring proved to be a transformative experience for me, surpassing all my expectations. Without hesitation, I wholeheartedly recommend A+ Tutoring to any parent or guardian seeking academic improvement and aiming to unlock their child’s full potential.

Prior to selecting A+, I carefully researched and evaluated other services. My goals were twofold: to prepare my son for the standardized testing required for preparatory school and college applications, and to enhance his time management skills and study habits.

Mr. John’s personalized approach resonated with my son’s personality and specific learning needs. Despite my son’s demanding sports schedule, Mr. John was incredibly flexible and accommodating. The sessions were comprehensive, combining instruction, engaging conversations, and homework assignments to reinforce existing concepts and introduce new ones in advanced math, English, and science.

The tangible outcomes were apparent: not only did my son’s grades improve by at least one grade level, but he also secured early admission to prep school! Moreover, I observed a significant boost in his confidence and overall demeanor.

I am deeply grateful to Mr. John, Ms. Dorothea, and Mr. Dan for their exceptional dedication and support. They truly went above and beyond to ensure that we felt fully supported throughout the process. Their contributions have made a profound impact on my son’s academic journey, maximizing the value of my investment.
  
 
 
       
   Kenneth Greenspan 
 2023-11-28
 
 
   Extremely professional and thorough
  
 
 
       
   Leah Reinhard Peshek 
 2023-11-15
 
 
   I just wanted to thank A+ for helping my son achieve his goals. He worked with 2 instructors Andrew and Barbara for both the SAT and AP exams. Whatever they did it was magic! Not only did he get the results he wanted- he surpassed them. It was hands-off for me, he scheduled and communicated with his instructors on his own, which taught him responsibility and accountability. Yet, their lesson follow-up emails kept me in the loop. I can’t recommend them any more highly. If you decide to use them you won’t be disappointed, you will see a student who is better prepared for their studies as well as any tests they choose to take- they even seem more mature and confident. A+ I’m giving you an A+ Thank you so much, Leah Reinhard.
  
 
 
       
   Rebekka Hartwell 
 2023-10-28
 
 
   We had a great experience with A+ Test Prep and Tutoring. I appreciated that the tutor tailored the sessions around our daughter's needs and worked with her strengths. I can definitely recommend this program to anyone needing some extra support.
  
 
 
       
   Rhiannon Kelly 
 2023-08-31
 
 
   My son needed assistance preparing for an exam. We reached out to A+ test prep and they were wonderful. They were able to schedule him for tutoring without an delays. Their knowledge, assistance and guidance speaks volumes. A+ exceeded all outlets expectations. Thank you
  
 
 
       
   Andrea Emmons 
 2023-07-06
 
 
   The tutors were terrific, very thoughtful and really understood my child's needs in terms of studying. The hours worked well with our schedule and the homework assigned was super helpful!
  
 
 
       
   V Penz 
 2023-06-22
 
 
   A+ Test Prep provided superior tutoring custom-tailored to meet my son’s specific needs and learning style. His SAT score increased by 160 points with 12 hours of tutoring!!! That put him well-within range for all of the schools to which he is applying. A+ truly listened to make sure they exceeded our expectations starting with matching our son with Rob. He is an experienced tutor who set goals and developed a specialized plan. Rob taught clear, structured, organized lessons, helped my son plan his practice and homework, and taught test stress-management and relaxation techniques. These lessons also helped fill-in gaps from the pandemic.  The writing, reading and math lessons and strategies  Rob taught gave Dylan a strong foundation of critical-thinking skills which will serve him well in college, the work-force, and beyond.  A+ staff, including Rob, gave prompt, detailed and insightful feedback after each session. You will get ENORMOUS value for your financial investment with A+.  I investigated 6 other tutoring companies and am confident A+ was the best for tailoring their tutoring to a program that best fit my son’s learning style!!
  
 
 
       
   Megan Gasper 
 2023-05-26
 
 
   This tutoring program literally changed my daughters test scores by 1000 points, and they were so helpful, and communicative with me the entire time. I really recommend them for every student, whether they are trying to make their test scores better, or make their scores above excellent
  
 
 
       
   Zarah Adams 
 2023-05-04
 
 
   We chose A+ for Preparation to help our daughter prepare for college entrance exams. May daughter had Pam for the verbal portion of the exam. Pam was amazing! She asked about extra-curricular activities and demonstrated genuine interest in my daughter's role as a student in and outside of the classroom. Pam also noted how important these activities are to colleges. John was the tutor for math and science. He helped my daughter feel comfortable and confident in her skills. My daughter's ACT composite score went up 5 points! I would highly recommend A+ for Test Preparation!
  
 
 
  
 
  Load more