Is it necessary to receive a high score on the SAT to get into a top 20 college?

Question

I have many, many extra curricular activities with which most of them I have a leadership position in.

Answer 1

Yes, you need a high score on your SAT or on the ACT to get into the top schools. Of course, you need a lot more than that, too.

High, doesn't have to be a 2400 (or even 2200) on the SAT or a 35 or 36 on the ACT but it should be in at least the top ten percent (in which case, you need to have a lot of other serious attributes) and preferably in the top 5%.

The only exception is if you have a really rich family that can "donate" at least a seven-digit figure to the school. Or if you're really good at football or basketball.

Answer 2

Many of the top 20 college wont even look at you as a student for there school if you do not have a high SAT score, regardless of rank and/or extra curricular activites (unless you have are really good jump shot or can throw a football 70 yards with pin point accuracy).

Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

you still wont get in without the high SAT scores. these schools are ranked because the students not only have many extra curricular activities and leadership experience but because they are great test takers. they see people like you all the time and most likely wont jeapordize lowering their testing averages.

Answer 4

Yes -- you have to have a high SAT score to get into a top 20 university. 75% of those getting into top ten schools have SAT scores above 2100 (out of 2400). Granted, that means 25% don't -- but you can bet that almost all of them have pretty high SATs.

If yours aren't high but everything else looks good, you can still get into a decent school. You can also take the SATs again -- perhaps after taking a course to improve your scores.

Answer 5

SAT score helps to place you in "maybe" and "no" pile. but it really depends on the school, but b/c it's a top 20, it's more like what i described in the first sentence.

but seriously, who cares about a high score on the SAT. i got into alot of top schools, but b/c of financial reasons, i had to stay in-state. when i got to college, i realized that the rankings are overrated and they don't do anything to help you get through college.

i know people who have graduated from "top colleges" like stanford and are back living at home with their parents.

it's really about internships and co-ops. making connections and networking and that is what you should do in college, in addition to playing beer pong and flip cup.

good luck

Answer 6

The short answer is : yes, it matters.

The long answer has to consider whether you are a legacy, whether you are an under-represented minority, how extraordinary your life experiences are, your age, your family's income/influence/background, and how low of an "okay" score we are talking about.

Answer 7

Extracurriclar won't cut it for top schools they are all about scores.

Answer 8

SURE IT IS.............YOU JUST GOT TO HAVE SPUNK!!!!!