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Are you applying for a transfer from one school to another and worried about your SAT score? Do college transfers check SAT scores? Do you actually need an SAT Score to transfer to college? In this blog, let’s uncover whether you should submit SAT scores as a transfer applicant, where it is required, and what impact it has on your application. Need Guidance? We at Rostrum will provide top-class guidance through your transfer application process with very experienced counselors and resources. Make use of our services here and succeed in your career.
If you are a student looking to transfer colleges, it comes with complex procedures, decisions, and other financial and personal considerations. One of the puzzles students face while applying for college transfer relates to submitting the standardized or SAT scores to the new school. Let’s briefly explain how SAT scores became a criterion for college admissions. These were developed to give colleges and universities a standardized measure of students’ academic potential. These sought to check the caliber of the students and whether they fit into the university.
However, over the years, the SAT scores came under scrutiny, as they wouldn’t precisely measure the students’ intellect, and they also do not consider socio-economic disparities, educational inequality, or the diversity of learning styles among students. Hence, many universities have shifted to test-optional and test-blind policies for normal admission only.
Do college transfers check SAT scores? In the same vein, many colleges have extended their test-optional policies to transfer students; however, it differs from one university to another. In the test-optional category, students must decide whether to submit their scores. A test-blind policy means the institution does not consider SAT or ACT scores, regardless of whether they are submitted. This shift to test-optional and test-blind policies emanates from the idea that students need to be examined based on their coursework, GPA, and extracurricular activities rather than standardized test scores.
These policies differ from one school to another, from one program to another; hence, one should be very keen while researching the university or the program to which one is transferring.
Most colleges and universities have adopted the test-optional policies for undergraduate admissions. It has increased with the COVID-19 Pandemic, and many schools temporarily halted the SAT and ACT requirements. For example, In 2020, the University of California system enforced a test-blind policy for all applicants.
The trend toward test-optional or test-blind policies is an essential outcome for students looking to transfer. The emphasis will be placed on college coursework and academic performance in college courses rather than their high school standardized test scores.
Should You Submit Your SAT Scores As A Transfer Applicant?
Do college transfers check SAT scores? As a transfer applicant, the criteria for submitting SAT scores varies from one university to another. Here is a list of the top 10 universities with their requirements for SAT scores for regular admissions and transfer applicants. However, it is greatly recommended that you visit the colleges’ official websites, check the criteria, and then push your application forward.
College Name | SAT Requirement (First-Year Applicants) | SAT Requirement (Transfer Applicants) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Harvard University | Test-optional | Test-optional | Transfer applicants are not required to submit SAT scores, but they may if desired. They have suspended the SAT criteria for 2022-2026 admissions because of COVID-19. However, submitting test scores is still strongly recommended. |
University of Chicago | Test-optional | Test-optional | SAT scores are optional for both first-year and transfer applicants. If you have a good score, submitting it’s always better, as it enhances your credibility. |
Columbia University | Test-optional | Test-optional | SAT scores are not required for either first-year or transfer applicants. |
Stanford University | Test-optional | Test-optional | SAT scores are optional for both first-year and transfer applicants. |
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | SAT or ACT required | SAT or ACT required for transfer applicants | SAT scores are required for both first-year and transfer applicants. |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | SAT or ACT required | SAT or ACT required for transfer applicants | MIT requires SAT scores for both first-year and transfer applicants. |
Princeton University | Test-optional | Test-optional | SAT scores are optional for both first-year and transfer applicants. |
Yale University | Test-optional | Test-optional | SAT scores are optional for both first-year and transfer applicants. |
University of Pennsylvania | Test-optional | Test-optional | SAT scores are optional for both first-year and transfer applicants. |
Duke University | Test-optional | Test-optional | SAT scores are optional for both first-year and transfer applicants. |
The above table briefly provides a glimpse of the different requirements and policies for SAT scores by various universities. If you are looking for other universities, check the school’s website for transfer students. Or refer to the specific pages of the universities’ SAT scores. You can also find this information in the FAQ columns on the university page or even in the admission checklist boxes. Hence, dive into the school and know your requirements.
If you can’t find it, search Google for your school name and transfer your SAT scores. You will be flooded with several web pages; thoroughly go through a few of them and get detailed information. Another option you have is to go through a formal conversation, write an email, or call the school’s admission office and clarify your queries.
If you’re really struggling to find any information on test scores for transfer applicants, we are here for your help, and our team at Rostrum will help you dedicatedly through your transfer application process. Book a session now!
How Important Are SAT Scores for Transfer Students?
Do college transfers check SAT scores? And how important are they? Generally, the SAT is very much required for freshmen as it is evidence of the academic rigor of the student. However, for transfer students, SAT scores are not a primary concern, as their credibility is measured based on their coursework and transcripts. There will be more reliance on your GPA, and a history of challenging coursework in their majors and extracurricular activities will be evaluated. In the universities where it is optional, SAT scores may have little relevance, and more weight would be given to your academic performance.
However, some very selective schools look for SAT scores, and you are also likely to be evaluated based on your SAT scores if you don’t have impressive grades in your coursework. Some universities, like Georgetown University, may look for a 50% range in ACT or SAT scores for transfers. If you have a good score, you will face no issue, but if it is on the lower end, work on other requirements like personal statements, letters of recommendation, and courses to make a good impression.
FAQ on Do You Need SAT Score to Transfer College?
1. Does NYU require SAT scores on transfer students?
Generally, NYU has a test-optional policy for transfer applicants. However, this also might vary from specific programs.
2. Do you need SAT scores if you transfer from a community college
If you’re transferring from a community college, remember that your current school might have a guaranteed admission contract with the state university. Hence, they don’t generally require test scores from transfer applicants (but sometimes do).
3. should I retake sat for a transfer
It depends on a wide range of factors, like the compulsory submission of SAT scores; if you have not performed well earlier, it is better to take one, depending on your academic commitments and financial considerations. Generally, it is possible to take it if you don’t perform well in your coursework.
