How Much Does the SAT Really Matter?

[Nahmed]

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So, ever since i was in middle school my parents have been pounding me about getting a great SAT score. They didn't go to school in the states so how much should i actually focus on the SAT? Specifically, i want to do a combined degree dental program. Is the SAT the main thing the look at for these types of programs? I've taken it once and i got a 1980 but i'm planning on taking it again just to cross the 2000 mark (hopefully). Any input on this? Thanks!

 

[Aromatic Amine]

SATs probably count for 50% of these combined program cutoffs, if not probably more. However, the other 50% is your class rank, ECs (leadership included).

however, if you only have one of the two, it is a lot harder to get into these programs. that being said, when you take the SAT again, try and get as high of a score as possible. I've heard of some combined BA/MD programs (VCU - 2000+ with a 1300+ on Math and Verbal and top 10% in class). Keep this in mind when you are applying to some programs. Hope this helps.

 

[deleted393595]

So, ever since i was in middle school my parents have been pounding me about getting a great SAT score. They didn't go to school in the states so how much should i actually focus on the SAT? Specifically, i want to do a combined degree dental program. Is the SAT the main thing the look at for these types of programs? I've taken it once and i got a 1980 but i'm planning on taking it again just to cross the 2000 mark (hopefully). Any input on this? Thanks!

Be safe and cross the 2250 mark (SAT) and 225 mark (PSAT) for National Merit.

 

[Seahawk]

Depends on how you look at it.

Getting into a college of your choice: A lot

Getting into dental school: None

 

[deleted357625]

So, ever since i was in middle school my parents have been pounding me about getting a great SAT score. They didn't go to school in the states so how much should i actually focus on the SAT? Specifically, i want to do a combined degree dental program. Is the SAT the main thing the look at for these types of programs? I've taken it once and i got a 1980 but i'm planning on taking it again just to cross the 2000 mark (hopefully). Any input on this? Thanks!

if your trying to get in these programs then yes it matters a lot. But if your just worried about getting a normal college then it doesn't matter too much unless your hopes are too high like the ivy leagues or competitive private schools.

 

[Nahmed]

Be safe and cross the 2250 mark (SAT) and 225 mark (PSAT) for National Merit.

Holy crap that's a lot! Seems I have a lot of work to do. Any suggestions on how to raise my score? And, are you in one of these programs, by any chance? Have you heard that 2250 is the standard? Thanks for the info!

 

[chewy2008]

Tips for getting a higher score: buy the prep books (I recommend the Princeton Review for strategy, and Kaplan for practice tests) and do ALL the practice tests in those books and any online ones. Find out why you got those problems wrong and the next time you take another practice test, don't make the same mistake. Anticipate the types of questions which will be asked in the Verbal section, and find out the strategies for solving the math problems. Basically, practice, practice, and PRACTICE! Give yourself enough time to study too, maybe a few months?

Since you've already taken it once, you probably don't need to take a prep course; just familiarize the test structure and material well.

 

[NiteOwl]

Okay, I'm usually a lounger but I saw this as I was scrolling through the forums and decided to bite.

It doesn't matter a bit! Certainly doesn't matter for grad or professional schools. And it doesn't matter for colleges after your first year. I've honestly never seen what the big deal is about ACT and SAT. Just take it, if you do bad, take a couple semesters at a college where they have open admissions and take everyone with a score above 18 (or no score at all). After that, transfer if you wish, and the score won't even matter anymore, not many people are going to ask for it.

I didn't even study for the thing. Doesn't matter. Well, it might matter if you are applying to the combined degree thing. But if you don't get the score, don't fret and just do them separate. After you get a 4yr degree, your score on MCAT or whatever will be the thing.

 

[poorracerkid]

Yea as long as you get into "a" college it doesn't matter. I got into medical school with an 1150 SAT score fwiw.

 

[deleted393595]

Holy crap that's a lot! Seems I have a lot of work to do. Any suggestions on how to raise my score? And, are you in one of these programs, by any chance? Have you heard that 2250 is the standard? Thanks for the info!

The prep books help a lot.

Nope, I'm not in a BS/MD program, but many of the people you will be competing against will have near-perfect or perfect SAT scores and perhaps publications.

 

[Nahmed]

seems like a lot of opposing ideas. some saying it's not important, and some saying it is. i'm just going to be on the safe side and study my butt off anyway. thanks everyone!

 

[Cephal0pod]

seems like a lot of opposing ideas. some saying it's not important, and some saying it is. i'm just going to be on the safe side and study my butt off anyway.

👍 Importance is a somewhat subjective matter. It comes down to the following: a). what college/program you are trying to get into, and/or b). how much you want to pay for college. A high score could mean significant scholarships. Best of luck to you!

 

[owlegrad]

At the time it seemed important. Now I can't remember why. 😕

 

[AestheticMed]

Well if you get National Merit it helps alot w/ scholarships.