ACT scores can influence college admissions in one of four ways: a) a lot, b) a little, c) not at all, or d) all of the above. d is the correct answer. These scores are sometimes given a lot of weight by schools, or they are only one factor taken into account. On the other hand, some schools don’t even take SAT or ACT scores into account and don’t require them as part of the application process.
The degree to which ACT scores are considered acceptable for a particular college can also be variable. Some colleges have established cut-offs and will not accept students whose scores fall below a certain threshold. Some of these schools may be hesitant to identify cut-off points, while others may issue recommendations on which grades are favored. When a school recommends a higher score than the student has earned, it makes sense to listen because applying may be time-consuming, pointless, and costly.
There have been studies on the importance of ACT scores in predicting academic performance, and students who perform well on this test may have a higher chance of getting good grades in college. Some argue that the test is used not only to evaluate the student, but also the academic institution where the student studied. Students from low-performing schools may have excellent grade point averages, causing colleges to jump at the chance to accept them. A low ACT, on the other hand, may indicate that the student hasn’t learned all of the material required for college success. As a result, some schools prioritize ACT scores over grade point average because the latter can reveal more about college readiness. This isn’t to say that the grade point average isn’t taken into consideration.
Some schools, on the other hand, believe that GPA is more important than ACT scores because it indicates that the student is capable of rising to the academic level required to succeed. Even if a GPA isn’t a reliable indicator of a school’s quality, successful student habits may indicate that a student can pick up any lost knowledge along the way and continue to be successful. As a result, GPA may be given more weight than a single test taken on a single day.
Some schools refuse to evaluate SAT or ACT scores because of moral reasons. They believe that such results are the result of a fundamentally flawed system that favors the wealthy and those who live in good school districts, which is often based on racial discrimination. Poorer students may be at an even greater disadvantage as a result of the dramatic rise in the test prep industry, which provides classes and workshops for those students who can afford to participate, and usually improves scores. Because this advantage may not be available to less fortunate students, some colleges view the testing system as unfair.
With so many different viewpoints, determining how much ACT scores will matter can be difficult. The best way to find out for sure is to speak with each school about their specific requirements. Most schools will state clearly what they are looking for in a student, which can assist students in determining which colleges are most likely to accept them.