My feedUPenn prospective students
4
@Lebron
76 answers, 101 votes
 • a year ago •
UPenn prospective students

Should I submit my sat score

So I am a rising senior and have taken the SAT once and scored a 1500. My dream school is UPenn and I plan on applying ED. However, I feel that score is a little low for people of my background (asian, male). I know that UPenn and most other schools are going test optional this year. But I was wondering if I should just submit my 1500, retake the SAT and try to get a better score (though I'm not super confident I can increase my score by much), or not even submit an SAT score at all? Also, could a 1500 hurt my application if its below average of other applicants for test optional schools? Thanks.

SAT
4
23
@PerryG9 months ago

I feel like I have an even better question lol. The first time I took the exam I got a 1480. I too felt like this wasn't enough so I retook it thinking I could break 1500, but I didn't prepare as much and had to wake up at 4am to drive across state to my test site because my local sites all closed due to COVID. I got a 1390. I know UPenn recommends to submit all SAT scores, but I feel like this drastic decrease in points looks unfavorable. Should I break this and only send my best score?

@ShaquilleOatmeal
expert
8 months ago

The key word here is "recommends" instead of requirement. Since it's just a recommendation you don't need to submit all your scores. If you did better on each individual section with the 1480 than I would not submit the 1390. Here's their website for more info: https://admissions.upenn.edu/admissions-and-financial-aid/what-penn-looks-for/testing

Earn karma by helping others:

1 karma for each ⬆️ upvote on your answer, and 20 karma if your answer is marked accepted.

3 answers

4
@DebaterMAX
919 answers, 614 votes
 • a year ago

So you are right in the middle with out adjusting for demographics.

The middle 50% is 1460-1550. I’m of the opinion that a good sat, and a 1500 is a good sat is better than no sat. School want to admit students that can succeed and the sat and act are used to show that.

Also UPenn super scores so there is no harm in taking the sat again.

Hope this helps and please comment if you need clarification.

4
@ShaquilleOatmeal
expert
8 months ago

I agree with @DebaterMAX here. A 1500 is a good score regardless and it makes sense to submit it especially with test optional submissions this year. While I get this might be too late, if you can, I'd also recommend retaking the SAT just to see what happens. Most people take the test multiple times anyways so there's no shame in taking it again if you think you can improve.

@DebaterMAX8 months ago

@Shaq why did you respond to this as this is about 3-4 months late?

@DebaterMAX8 months ago

I’m curious.

@ShaquilleOatmeal
expert
8 months ago

You'll see me doing that from time to time. We use some internal metrics to track questions, the progress of the forum, and SEO. Plus, it never hurts to add some comments/answers for anyone who stumbles upon the questions down the line.

1
@USstudentabroad
24 answers, 16 votes
 • a year ago

I think you should submit it. The average score of previous years was the result of people having the luxury of taking SAT several times, superscoring, selecting between submitting SAT or ACT, etc. This year things are different. If in your first attempt you score 1500, you signal your potential and academic ability. My view is that this box is well checked and you should focus on other things. Good luck !

1
@chxm33a year ago

the score itself would still be a point of weakness so even though it was a “first-try” score it shouldn’t be submitted unless it wold be a strong supplement to the application

@DebaterMAXa year ago

@crsgo It’s a mid 50% score?

-3
@chxm33
274 answers, 275 votes
 • a year ago[edited]

[deleted]

-3
@arielUC25a year ago

Honestly, college admissions are kind of wack, and students with 1600s get rejected while those with 1480s get accepted. Pretty sure the SAT just indicates future college success and 1500 definitely shows that. 1500 is fine.

@chxm33a year ago [edited]

ok, i understand

@cp839a year ago [edited]

Clearly that's not true based on the middle 50%. Also the increase in chances diminishes as your score gets higher.

@chxm33a year ago [edited]

that makes sense

Community Guidelines

To keep this community safe and supportive:

  1. Be kind and respectful!
  2. Keep posts relevant to college admissions and high school.
  3. Don’t ask “chance-me” questions. Use CollegeVine’s chancing instead!

How karma works