IQx.com – Colleges Information Online

Tag: SAT

  • College Myths (First)

    There are many college myths that come up when a student is choosing which college he/she wants to go to. This is first of the IQx college myth list.

    IQx Myth #1 – Standardized tests, such as ACT, PSAT and SAT, are a lot more important than high school grades.
    Grades demonstrate a student’s drive to learn. Universities are aware that a student’s performance in high school is a much better predictor of college success than any standardized tests. However, this does not mean that universities will throw away a student’s test scores. If a student’s scores and grades differ immensely, then the admissions officers will examine the application into more depth.

    IQx Myth #2 – A student should go to the most prestigious college that he/she is admitted to.
    A student should not go to a college simply for “the name” or because it ranks number two in the nation. A student should go to the school that he/she personally likes the most. This includes liking the college campus, food, environment, etc. If the student goes to the most elite university but hates everything about it, he/she will not fit in and feel miserable the whole time.

    IQx Myth #3 – It is better to get good grades than take challenging courses.
    Undertaking challenging classes projects to colleges that the student can handle challenging courses very similar to that of a college class. Getting a 4.0 in the minimum required classes in the high school does not display any bit of hard work or ambition.

    IQx Myth #4 – Colleges need a certain amount of students, so it is easier to get accepted.
    Selective private colleges and most state universities get way more qualified applicants than they can possibly accept. While some colleges may have difficulty finding students, many would rather admit fewer students than admit unqualified students. Each year, there are only about 20-30 universities in the United States that accept every applicant.

    IQx Myth #5 – If a student did poorly in 9th & 10th grade he/she has a low chance of being admitted to a selective college.
    One attribute universities look for in applicants is improvement. When they see a jump of work ethic, they may consider letting the 9th and 10th grade grades slide a bit. The improvement must be over time though, and one semester of change will not affect anything.

  • Importance of SAT Scores

    SAT test scores are listed after your transcripts. While that may mean that they’re less important than a student’s grades these scores are still extremely essential. Sometimes, they can make or break an application.


    In general, it’s fair to say that admission officials prefer students who demonstrate their ability to perform well in school. This information will be reflected on the transcript. Test scores are important because they help admission officers get a more focused picture of the type of student they’re looking at.

    A student may barely squeeze in for a spot if his/her test scores are terrific but his/her transcript is loaded with C’s. On the other hand, the student’s favorite college may never admit the student based solely on poor test scores. For that reason, it’s a good idea to take tests seriously, even if the student has amazing grades and does not consider the tests important. Especially at the most selective colleges, the smallest differences between applications can mean the difference between an acceptance and a rejection.

    Keep in mind that there are more activities to take into account than a student’s transcript and test scores

  • SAT (1)

    SAT Exam

    Because almost every college and university in the United States accepts the SAT exam as part of the admissions and placement process, more than two million students take the test every year. The SAT exam is divided into the SAT Reasoning Test and the SAT Subject Tests.

    The SAT Reasoning Test assesses a student’s critical thinking, analyzing, and problem-solving skills, all of which are necessary to succeed in higher education. This test is divided into three categories: Writing, Critical Reading, and Mathematics. The Critical Reading section is further broken down into three sections, two of which are 25 minutes and one of which is 20 minutes. The Mathematics section is broken down in a similar fashion as the Critical Reading Section, with two 25 minutes sections and on 20 minute section. Time allotted for the Writing section is 60 minutes: 35 minutes for multiple choice questions and 25 minutes for students to write an essay. All of the sections are scored from 200 to 800 points. The SAT exam is administered seven times a year in the United States, U.S. Territories, and Puerto Rico. It is also administered six times a year in other countries.

    The SAT Subject Tests assess a student’s knowledge, as well as his or her ability to apply that knowledge, in specific subject areas. There are currently twenty subject tests, all of which fall under the general subjects of English, history, math, science, and languages. The tests assess how well a student has mastered a subject, but the content of the exams is not based on any specific curriculum or textbook. Colleges and universities use these exams in the admissions process, as well as to advise students and for placement purposes. Some schools require specific exams while others will allow the student to choose the subject tests he or she wishes to take. All of the SAT Subject Tests are 60 minutes and are comprised of multiple choice questions. It is recommended that students take the exams at the end of their junior year or the beginning of their senior year, or as soon as the student has completed the high school class related to the subject test (for example, Physics or World History).

    Students may register for the SAT exam online or via mail. Tests are administered on Saturdays; if a student cannot take the exam on a Saturday because of religious observance, he or she can take the exam on a Sunday. Students who are registering to take the exam on a Sunday for the first time, are younger than thirteen, are requesting to test closer to home (because the nearest testing site is at least 75 miles away), or plan to test in Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, or Togo, must register with a paper application via mail. There is a fee of $41.50 to take the SAT Reasoning Test, which includes up to four score reports sent to colleges and universities. For the Subject Tests, there is a basic fee of $18.00, a fee of $8.00 for each additional exam, and an additional $19.00 for Language Tests with Listening.

  • What Colleges Look for in an Applicant

    What Colleges Look for in an Applicant

    When deciding which applicants to admit to their college, admissions officers consider many different factors.

    – A Challenging Schedule
    One of the main factors that college admissions officers look for is a rigorous class schedule. Universities want students who are willing to challenge themselves. Depending on the college, a challenging schedule is even better than having the best grades. If an admissions officer is deciding between two applicants, where one student has a 4.0 with standard courses and the other applicant has a 3.5 average but takes advanced courses, the admissions officer will usually pick the 3.5 average student.

    – Grades
    Although a challenging schedule may hold a little more precedence, grades are still vital to colleges. Many colleges have a minimum GPA (Grade Point Average) requirement in order to apply. Therefore, it is essential that a student keeps his/her grades up throughout his/her entire high school career. Also, students should not slack off in their senior year of high school. It has happened time and time again that a university revokes the student’s admission due to “senioritis”.

    – Standardized Test Scores (SAT, SAT 2)
    Colleges definitely take admissions test scores into consideration. Starting in the 21st century, in order to get a scholarship off test scores, the student’s test scores must be in the 99th percentile minimum. If test scores are near the median range, then class schedules and grades will be the main deciding factors for admission. If test scores are low, an admissions counselor may discard the student immediately unless their grades and schedule are simply outstanding.

    – Extracurricular Activities
    Being involved in extracurricular activities shows admissions officers that the student is a well-rounded student and that the student is good with time management skills. Colleges want students who are going to be involved with activities on their campus. Keep in mind, however, that a student should not join a bunch of activities just to fill up his/her high school resume. Admissions officers are looking for quality over quantity. A few activities that really interest the student looks a lot better on a high school resume.

    Application Essay
    The college application essay allows a student to show his/her uniqueness to admissions officers. Counselors look for application essays that are honest and provide supplemental information. Counselors do not want to see a student restating what is in their transcript.

    Letters of Recommendation
    Admissions officers rely on letters of recommendation to let them know how others view the student. Generally, a student wants to ask someone who knows them well and would give a positive report.