When applying to college, is the sat or act scores the number one thing colleges look at?
367927
Neither, actually.  Your test scores are only one of a number of things that the college/university will consider in relations to your admissions.  For more information, check out my article on The SAT and Admissions (go to http://collegeuniversity.suite101.com/article.cfm/TheSATandAdmissions) in the college/university section of suite101.com.\n\nBest of luck1
712717
I do not know about your act score but your GPA is high for you to easily enter college. You should also be able to get scholarships to pay your way through college. I got into college without any problems and my GPA was a 3.80 on a scale with 4.0 being the highest GPA I could get.
509291
i don't think any colleges/universities base your admission entirely on s.a.t. scores.  they also look at the quality of your admissions essay/s, and your transcripts.  so hopefully if you didn't do as well on the sat's, you can make up for it by writing a fantastic essay (throw in things like how you've learned to manage your time/what the honor system means to you/things you have overcome, etc.)  \n\nalso a big thing is what extra curricular activities you have.  (band, clubs, after school jobs, volunteer work, etc.) they like to know how you manage your time and they look for someone who has good grades and still can handle other activities. because college is a busy place and time management is really important. \n\ndon't limit yourself just to schools that fit your sat score though.  if you can pull off the other things mentioned, you have a shot at any school. it's worth a try!! good luck to you!
1100989
A 4.0 GPA is better because it shows that you are willing to put in the work and be responsible on a consistent basis. That is what colleges want to see. A high SAT score is meaningless without anything to back it up.
838478
being best in your class will difinatly help you in your college application, those are pretty good scores... If your high school isnt in english, you might have to take the TOFEL test to apply to english speaking colleges
2420
I would say that SAT is a poor measure of "how smart you are", it really isn't a intelligence test.\n\nThe SAT does have a rather good record of predicting college success, but it doesn't tell the whole story.  It also use to have some major cultural biases which causes white men to score better, although it is claimed that has largly been fixed.  Also much of college success is about time managment.  If you work hard, you should do just fine.
1075708
Well, what you need to check with the schools you want to go to.  Most schools are lienient with their ACT score acceptance, but since you scored a 23, then most state schools will be giving you scholarships to go there....if it is a private school then most likely the standard may be higher, but always check with those schools to see what thier acceptance scores are....But a 23 is really good considering the national average is like 18 or 20 or so to my knowledge.....Great job!  If you can, take it again in ur senior year and you should score higher - I did got a 23 the first time, then a 25 second time...
1053740
It doesn't matter what we say, it matters for the university(ies) you apply for. Go ask them what your score means for you.
539983
The SAT is only one factor in determining acceptance.  If your essay is awesome, you have a good GPA, and lots of community service, you MIGHT have a chance.  Also, make sure your essay has correct spelling and grammar, and is interesting to read.\n\n**The best thing to do is study for and retake the SAT. \nFrom Collegeboard, you can also see the average scores that people attending colleges had.
762288
Ok, the rest are not true, because I asked my college counselor.\nFor the SAT (not ACT or anything else) they take the highest section scores from DIFFERENT sittings.  You are able to mix and match scores from different times to get your HIGHEST POSSIBLE score.  In your case they will consider Math: 750 Reading: 730 and Writing: 700 for a total of 2180! they will recieve your other scores as well.  CONGRATULATIONS btw. Awesome job!
744672
They usually do count. When you apply for colleges, they look at your transcripts which has every single class and grade listed. Good Luck!!
1087258
Happens all the time.  Just about everyone has an ACT or SAT score used to determine there college eligibility.  Many schools will use those as the true indicator of your chances of success at their institution.  YOu could ask for an exception if you feel strongly about it.
748274
There are 5 basic factors that influence a college or university admissions officer:  1)  High School record: 2) SAT or ACT scores; 3) Recommendations from teachers; 4) Outside activities; 5) Admissions essay.\n\nYou can't do anything about number 1, because you have a GED instead. At this point, it may be too late to do anything about outside activities, although I'll get back to that below.  Meanwhile, concentrate on the test scores, recommendation, and essay.\n\nHaving good ACT or SAT scores is a very important way for someone in your situation to show that you are prepared for college.  A high school graduate can point to the school record to show that he can handle classroom work.  Since you can, the scores can demonstrate that you have picked up the basics even though you did not graduate.  I assume you have taken at least one of these tests.  If you did well, you have a good chance to get into a good college or university.  If not, maybe you should re-take them and try to do better.\n\nRecommendations are another way to demonstrate that you have what it takes to succeed in college.  Get to know one or mor of your professors in the community college, and ask them to write you a recommendation.  If they say yes, be sure to provide them with a little biography (one page) that tells stuff about you.  The more personal details the recommendation contains, the more that the college admissions officer will consider it a genuine recommendation of you as an individual.\n\nThen there is the essay.  The "Common Application" used by many colleges, and the individual applications used by the rest require you to write on some topic.  It may only be a few paragraphs, but it is very important for two reasons.  \n\nFirst, it shows whether you know how to write well.  So, make sure that it does that.  It should have NO spelling or grammar mistakes, and it should be clear and well-organized.  As a rule of thumb, you should figure on writing it, then re-writing it to make it better, and then doing it over a third time.  By then, you can get rid of excess verbiage, phony-sounding words, and anything that is less than clear.\n\nSecond, the essay also is your opportunity to tell "your story."  Choose a topic that shows something special about you.  In your case, one obvious possibility is to write about how you dropped out of high school, but have now changed your thinking about education, which is why you want to go to college.  But there can be lots of other topics as well, and you should pick one that lets the reader say, "Oh, I now know something about this kid as a person."\n\nNow, back to the question of extra-curricular activities.  A lot of high school students join a bunch of clubs and stuff just as they are applying for college, thinking it will pad their resumes and make them look good.  It doesn't.  What *does* impress an admissions officer is seeing that you are really passionate about one or two things--playing the piano, playing basketball, or anything like that.  In your case, since you are not in high school, you probably don't have a lot to say about high school activities and groups.  But maybe there is something you CAN say.  Are you a coach for a kids' team?  Do you volunteer at your church or synagogue?  Do you hold down a job along with your schoolwork?  If you have anything that shows that you are doing interesting, important things, by all means mention them in your application.  \n\nBut if there is nothing, well, don't worry too much.  You will have other things going for you.  And the number one thing you have is your commitment to go to college, even if it means taking the long route that you have.  That's very impressive, and very praise-worthy.  Good luck!!
780533
First, some perspective. According to the College Board, the "average" SAT score for all test takers hovers somewhere around 1000. So, a 1300 is actually an excellent score compared to the majority of test takers across the nation.\n\nAs has already been pointed out, colleges don't rely solely on test scores in making admissions decisions. Of far greater importance are high school grades and the curriculum you've taken in high school - have you taken AP/honors courses (if available), taken four years of math, foreign language, science? What will your teacher recommendations be like? How have you contributed to your school or community outside of the classroom? And so on...Test scores do, of course, play a role, but don't give them more credit than they deserve! In fact, over 700 colleges now have made submitted test scores optional (for a complete list see www.fairtest.org).\n\nAs for whether you are a good candidate for Northwestern (or Northeastern?), no one here can really tell you because we don't have all of the information about you that an admissions committee will. However, I can tell you that you sound like a solid applicant for MANY colleges.\n\nTherefore, if there's a particular school you really love, I would take a shot and apply. You'll never know unless you do so! Of course, by the same token, it is always smart to also apply to a firm foundation of colleges where you are highly likely to be admitted in place before you start looking at more selective schools. But, once that is in place, aim high!\n\nBest of luck, \nCarolyn Lawrence, www.admissionsadvice.com\n\nP.S., if you are not yet a senior, you may want to take a shot at the ACT. Some people do better on the ACT than the SAT.
766305
i personally think it matters because it doesnt matter how smart you are, if u do bad on your acts, even the top ivy league schools will reject you, no matter how hard you try. also ACT does matter because you need a minimum number to qualify for certain colleges, certain programs, and certain scholarships. schools do care
951876
YES, I would most definitely take the SAT subject tests- take at least 3, because the top colleges look at your scores for at least 2 subject tests, I believe.  Well, I live in CA and all the UC's look at 2 of your subject tests.  If you are a junior now, wait until the spring to take these, because you'll know more about the subjects (such as US history, chemistry, and trigonometry).  \n\nAs for the ACT, I would take it anyway, because again, for UC's you can submit either your ACT or SAT score, but it is good to take both so you can compare your scores and pick the best one.  I just took the ACT and I found it much easier, suprisingly, than the SAT, so I think I'll submit that score instead.  So to be on the safe side, take both the SAT and ACT =) \n\nYou should also purchase a SAT review book, if you haven't already gotten one.  These are great for preparing you for the tests- they give you practice problems and explanations and strategies and everything.  My favorite is the Princeton Review, and you can get it at the local book store.  Good luck!!!
887509
Well if the entry exam has a prerequisite for SAT results you need the score.Obviously GPA and personal traits are important.