Standardized testing is clearly the topic du jour on the “Ask the Dean” blog—surprisingly, four of the first five posts wonder about some aspect of testing—so let’s tackle this one right now:
“The Big Cat 98” (meow) asks the first question: “I took the ACT with writing, but I also took 2 SAT Subject Tests. One of my scores was high, but the other was in the low 600s. However, the low score is in a subject that I would want to major in (Biology). Will the low score significantly affect my application?”
The Dean’s Response: At Tufts, we require either the ACT with Writing or the SAT with two Subject Tests. We don’t require both the SAT/SAT2 combo and the ACT or a combination of the two options (which is what Big Cat has now). So, Big Cat, if you’re pleased with your ACT result, submit that as your standardized test and you will not need to submit your SAT2 subject tests to make your application complete. But there’s a second question embedded in your post: you’re planning to major in biology and you’re wondering if a “low” score on the biology subject test will significantly affect your application. When you apply to Tufts you are applying to the first-year class, not to a specific major. For those applicants who are submitting Subject Tests, it’s your choice as to which tests you send us…unless you’re an Engineering applicant. Those applicants are advised to take math and either chemistry or physics.
Sara raises the question of AP exams versus SAT2 subject tests: “Hi, I am currently a senior in an AP offering school. I scored very well on my AP exams, but when I took the SAT Subject Test for World History, I did poorly. How do you evaluate AP scores versus SAT Subject Test scores?”
The Dean’s Response: Although both are content based, the AP exams and the SAT2 subject tests are not interchangeable. If you did “very well” on your AP exam, I assume your grade in that course syncs with that testing outcome. As you think about teacher recommendations, that would be a fine candidate. But the AP result and your SAT2 subject score are not data points that we compare.
Meaghan wonders: “What happens if we aren't good at taking standardized but Tufts is our dream school? I've taken the ACT two times and I have improved my score but it's not the average score of those who are admitted into Tufts. Would applying early admissions be the best option?”
The Dean’s Response: Meaghan sneaks a couple of questions into this question. First: Pay attention to the mid-50 percent range of our testing profile rather than the mean (average). If your score (for either the SAT or ACT) falls within the 25th to 75th percentile of our enrolled class, your score is competitive. If your score sits below the 25th percentile, it tells you that you are on the lower end of Tufts’ testing range. Translation: A score below the 25th percentile tells you that some students were accepted with scores like yours but the vast majority of the class had higher results. If that describes your testing profile, the strength of your high school transcript will be an important counterpoint. And remember, scores are one piece of the academic statistics we evaluate; they are not the primary element or the only element we evaluate. If your curriculum and grades are “stronger” than your ACT/SAT result, perhaps you didn’t test well. If that’s the case you hope to make, ask a teacher to comment on the disparity between your classroom performance and standardized testing. In other words, your teacher recommendation can help put your scores in the proper context.
Meaghan’s second question is about Early Decision. My advice to students who ask about an ED application is always straightforward: If Tufts has emerged as your clear first choice—Meaghan calls Tufts her “dream school,” so she meets that goal—an ED application makes sense. But strip away the strategy and focus on your gut: are you in love with Tufts? Are you ready to forgo all other applications and make a binding commitment to the Jumbos? If so, jump into the ED pool and make your best case. But if you can’t make that unequivocal declaration with 100% certainty, wait until Regular Decision (RD). Whether it’s ED or RD, we review files with the exact same academic lens.
Finally, Curstynn seeks guidance on the redesigned SAT that debuts in March: “Hi! I'm currently a junior who will take the new version of the SAT this spring. What is Tufts’ requirements for the new SAT and is there a projected score range that you'd ‘prefer’?”
The Dean’s response: There are many details that still need to be worked out as we transition to the new version of the SAT but here's what we know at this moment. During the 2016-17 admissions cycle (I'm talking to you, 11th graders), Tufts will accept the current (old) SAT as well as the new SAT. We have no preference about which one you choose to use. And, as always, the ACT remains a testing option for all students. In addition, we will not require applicants to submit the essay portion of the new SAT and, for 2016-17, we will not super-score the sections of the current SAT with the new SAT. But since the new test has not been offered yet, we don’t have a sense of the “projected scores" that would reflect the admissions profile of that class. (I'm guessing the score ranges will look like our current testing profile.) College Board will offer concordance tables between the old and new tests once that data is available. For now, don’t worry. When you have scores and we have data, we’ll let you know what’s what.
Is anyone wondering about something that has nothing to do with testing?! Talk to me.