Nontrad asked for ACT/SAT scores: list or no?

[pushkin]

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Pritzker has a space where you can enter your ACT or SAT scores, as do some other schools I think. I'm just wondering what the purpose of this is, since I'm debating whether to put my scores in.

I took the ACT in the early 1990s. I still have my score printout so I know what it was. At least in those days the ACT measured subject matter mastery, more than aptitude, and I went to a rural high school that did not really prepare us too well in any of the areas tested. The score I got was fine, I think, and probably quite high for my school, but I wonder if they're looking for a correlation with MCAT score. If so, what's a good correlation and what's a bad one? My ACT was lower than my MCAT score. But they were taken 14 years apart.

Oh, and what's a "good" ACT score these days anyway, at least by Pritzker standards?

I will put it in if it's either neutral or positive, but not if I can see any reason why it would hurt. Any thoughts?

 

[aunaturel]

28 or better.. list it. it won't hurt (it won't help either). why ask for sat/act anyway? it doesn't make sense to me

 

[jlee9531]

28 or better.. list it. it won't hurt (it won't help either). why ask for sat/act anyway? it doesn't make sense to me

schools just ask for statistcal purposes...maybe another thing to brag about? not sure.

 

[nina512]

I do remember what my ACT and SAT composite scores were, but not for individual sections. Jefferson asked for SAT scores on individual sections and on the secondary, it wasn't a required question, so I just left it blank.

I agree with previous posters...they just want the score for statistical purposes.

 

[rewindthemovie]

apparently the ACT gets harder over the years, so if your score happens to be a 28 or higher (especially a 30 or higher) just put it on there for bragging rights.

 

[kikkoman]

I'm not sure if it's only for statistical purposes. After all, your interviewer sees your stats, and if you have some wildly inconsistent SAT score it could raise some flags. This happened to someone I know (with a solid application, but a pretty low SAT score). On the flipside, it might help if you have a good score as well.

 

[pushkin]

I got a 27. I had 30+ scores in English and reading, and low to mid 20's in math and science. It's the flip of my MCAT, and also lower overall. Will Pritzker have any clue that in the hick town high school where I went, where geometry was pretty much the highest math, a 27 was probably one of the better scores my year?

Also, I don't think ACT scores get evaluated with the same scrutiny as SATs, but I could be wrong.

The only reason I want to put this on is because I went to a no name post-bacc school recently and my standardized tests will carry a lot of weight, Pritzker has told me. The 27 was pretty good in its context, but if Pritzker won't know that I will leave it off. America has changed in 14 years--back in 1990 we didn't prep for these tests AT ALL and it wasn't really a focus.

Thanks everyone. If 27's too low in the opinion of responders here, I'll probably just leave it off.

 

[nina512]

I went to a good HS. However, they didn't really prep you for ACT/SATs, as opposed to other schools whose curriculum revolved around preparing their students to do well on these tests.

I think I got a 27 on the ACTs (that's with a 30+ verbal score, balenced out by a terrible 24 in math) and an 1100 on the SATs. (which btw were good enough to get me into U of Chicago for undergrad). I really think one's performance on these tests depends on the school you attended rather than intellect alone.

 

[Peterock]

I went to a good HS. However, they didn't really prep you for ACT/SATs, as opposed to other schools whose curriculum revolved around preparing their students to do well on these tests.

I think I got a 27 on the ACTs (that's with a 30+ verbal score, balenced out by a terrible 24 in math) and an 1100 on the SATs. (which btw were good enough to get me into U of Chicago for undergrad). I really think one's performance on these tests depends on the school you attended rather than intellect alone.

Uh-huh.

While that is somewhat true, I am guessing your 1100 wasn't anywhere near the best score in your high school.

Standardized test scores are determined by intelligence, family background, then schools (in that order).... and of course test prep.

 

[rewindthemovie]

WTF!!! You got into U of Chicago with an 1100?!?!?!?


Damn, I really wanted to apply there but i didn't think I'd get in with my 27/1300 🙁

 

[nina512]

WTF!!! You got into U of Chicago with an 1100?!?!?!?


Damn, I really wanted to apply there but i didn't think I'd get in with my 27/1300 🙁

Too bad I didn't end up going there...maybe they liked my essays? I remember having to write some wierd ones for that app.

 

[Amy B]

Be careful listing your ACT if it has been years since you have taken it. They have revamped the scores anumber of times. The score I got had to be recalulated into the present day way of scoring. Now, I did take it 20 years ago, but if they hadn't recalulated it, it would have looked pretty bad. If you are going to use it then call the ACT people and ask if the score is acurate according to today's standard.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about putting it down. I agree with the other... put it down if it is really high.

 

[pushkin]

Well, in the end I did put it down. It was no stellar score but it backs up something I say in my personal statement about tuning out of science back in my youth and focusing on the the arts. Also, it should confuse the hell out of them because it in no way predicts my MCAT score.

Have they rescaled the ACT since 1990? If so I'm in trouble and I'll call Pritzker. I seem to recall the scores went up to 36 back in the day when I took it. Maybe they just recurved it, but even that's serious business. Perhaps I should call my high school to see if they know anything about this. My school was one of those places that had one rotary phone and a mimeograph machine when I went there. I would love to see them try to locate my file, just for fun. It's probably over at the county historical society by now, gathering dust. Oh wait though, it's summer vacation, can't call anyone.

What a drama this is!

 

[aunaturel]

hey 27 is very respectable. good for you and good luck.

 

[Amy B]

I would call the ACT folks and ask them. I took mine in 1983, so that is while before you.

Here is a link to some contact numbers
http://www.act.org/contacts/index.html

 

[MoosePilot]

I would lean towards not putting it down, because it sounds like it worries you. If you're really worried about it call the admissions office and tell them how long ago you took it and ask if they still need it. If they say yes you could consider retaking it. There's no age limit. That might actually be kind of fun 🙂