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THE

COMPASS GUIDE TO COLLEGE ADMISSION

TESTING 2015-16

compassprep.com

E D U C A T I O N G R O U P

College Admission and Testing 2 - 13

PSAT 14 - 19

SAT 20 - 39

ACT 40 - 54

Aspire 55

SAT Subject Tests 56 - 61

Test Planning and Dates 62 - 66

Advanced Placement Exams 67

UC Testing and Eligibility Requirements 68 - 69

References and Resources 70 - 73

Working with Compass 74

Compass Directors 75 - 77

In-Home Tutoring with Compass 78 - 79

Online Tutoring with Compass 80

Diagnostic Testing: Best Practices 81

Copyright Statement

Copyright © 2015 by Compass Education Group, LLC. Version 33 updated 08/25/2015

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or retransmitted in any form or by any means, without the express written permission of Compass Education Group, LLC.

OWNERSHIP OF TRADEMARKS

*For all references herein, PSAT, SAT, and AP are trademarks owned by the College Board, and ACT and Aspire are trademarks owned by American College Testing, neither of which were involved in the production of, and do not endorse, these materials.

E D U C A T I O N G R O U PE D U C A T I O N G R O U P

This is a preview of the Guide. This is a preview of the Guide.

We’ve listed some of the most common questions and where you can find the answers. Of course, we welcome the chance to talk

directly to you about these or other college admission testing questions.

Questions Page(s)

College Admission

How important are my test scores? 2-3

Which tests are required? What are my choices? 4

What does “test optional” really mean? Should I skip taking these tests? 5-6

Is the SAT or ACT essay required? What does “recommended” or “considered” mean? 35-39, 52

What score do I need to get in to College XYZ? What is a “good” score? 8-9

How many times should I take the test? Will colleges see only my best scores? 65-66

How do colleges compare ACT, old SAT, and new SAT scores? 54

Test Planning

When should I begin preparation and when should I take the tests? 10-11

How do I register for the test, view my scores, and send my scores to colleges? 62-63

What are the requirements and steps to get testing accommodations? 12-13

What should I expect from test prep? Does it work? What will I learn? 26-27

What should I do the night before and morning of the test? 64

PSAT What score do I need on the PSAT to receive National Merit recognition? 16

Why is 1520 the new perfect score on the PSAT? 17

Is the PSAT easier than the SAT? What do my scores mean? 14-19

SAT What does the new SAT look like? How has it changed? 20-23

What is the structure and scoring of the new SAT? Will guessing help my score? 24-25

How do my scores compare to those of other students? 3, 8-9

How much reading will I have to do? 28, 46

What the heck are “Heart of Algebra” and “Passport to Advanced Math” on the new SAT? 22-23, 29-32

How does the math on the new SAT compare to the math on the current SAT and ACT? 29-32

What grammar should I study for the Writing and Language test? 33

What is the new SAT Essay assignment? How will my essay be scored? 35-39

ACT How is the ACT different from the SAT? What topics are on the ACT? 40-41

Should I attempt every ACT problem? What is the ideal timing strategy? 45

How difficult is the ACT English Test? 42-43

What topics come up on the ACT Math Test and how difficult are the problems? 44-45

How is the ACT Reading Test different from the SAT’s? Is one easier? 46

Does the ACT Science Test require knowledge from science classes? 47

How has the ACT Writing Test changed? 48-51

Subject Tests

What are the SAT Subject Tests and when should I take them? 56-57

Which colleges require Subject Tests? 58-61

Which colleges waive the Subject Tests requirement if I submit the ACT? 58

Frequently Asked QuestionsA Special Note to the Classes of 2017 & 2018

Because we believe in the value of advance planning, we update this resource every summer with both juniors and

sophomores in mind. At the time of publication, the College Board was still putting final touches on the redesigned SAT that will

debut this school year.

This edition of the Guide extensively covers the upcoming changes. We explain why the test is changing, how it’s changing, and

what the changes mean for you. The Guide will also help you successfully navigate the road ahead and develop a smart testing

strategy. However, because important additional information will emerge throughout the year, we encourage you to also read

our blog and subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter to remain fully informed.

Class of 2017

The introduction of the new SAT creates a one-time mix of options and limitations for juniors. Here is what you should know:

• ThenewSATwilldebutonMarch5th,2016;thenewPSAT/NMSQTonOctober14th,2015.

• TheACTisnotundergoingsignificantchangesthisyear,althoughitsessaywillchange.

• CollegeswillacceptACTscores,oldSATscores,andnewSATscoresfromthisclass.

• IfjuniorschoosetotaketheoldSAT,theymusttakeitnolaterthanJanuary2016.Thisisnotourrecommended

course of action for most students.

• StudentswhotakethenewSATmustunderstandthatthepreparationmaterialreleasedbytheCollegeBoardis

less plentiful and robust than that to which earlier classes have been accustomed.

• ScalingofthenewSATwillnottakeplaceuntilafteritssecondadministration,inMay2016.Studentswhositforthe

March test will wait 10+ weeks for their scores, and this may present planning challenges.

• TheACTrepresentsacompellingtestingpathforthisyear’sjuniorsbecauseofitsrichbaseofreleasedtestsand

test preparation material as well as its full set of available dates and prompt reporting of scores.

• Inspiteofthesechanges,studentperformanceonthenewSATislikelytobesimilartotheoldSAT.ThenewSAT

heightens emphasis on certain existing subjects and introduces new material, but the outcomes must continue to

serve the needs of college admissions offices.

Class of 2018

The changes this year only minimally impact sophomores. Here is what you should know:

• ThenewPSAT/NMSQTwilldebutonWednesday,October14th,2015.Yourhighschoolmayofferyouthe

opportunity to join the juniors in taking this test, but only juniors will be eligible for National Merit recognition.

• Alternatively,theCollegeBoardisofferinghighschoolstheoptionofadministeringaPSAT10duringatwo-week

testing window in the spring. It is separate from the PSAT/NMSQT and only sophomore-normed percentiles will be

reported. However, it will match the PSAT/NMSQT in content and structure.

• MostschoolsplantocombinethetwogradesinOctoberratherthanscheduleseparateevents.

• HighschoolswillhavetheoptiontoadministerthePSAT/NMSQTonaSaturdayinOctober2016.

• SomesophomorestakeatleastoneSATSubjectTestinthespring.SubjectTestsarenotchanging.

• Byyourjunioryear,theoldSATwillbeobsoleteandyouwillbebacktotwochoices:theACTorthenewSAT.

This note is only a general overview of changes that will no doubt cause some confusion. Please read further into the

Guide for additional details and contact us directly for individualized guidance.

This is a preview of the Guide.

32 www.compassprep.com College Admission and Testing


Performance in a rigorous high school curriculum is the best predictor of performance in college and is the most heavily

weighted factor at almost all selective colleges. However, two flaws make GPA imperfect as the sole criterion for admission.

First, course difficulty and grading policies vary from teacher to teacher, school to school, and state to state. Second, grade

inflation has compressed the GPA scale. As more students earn A’s, it becomes harder to distinguish among applicants.

The proper role of standardized tests is to complement the use of GPA and other factors in the admission process. The SAT

and ACT address the two primary problems with grades. They provide a common baseline for all students, and they are

designed to provide a useful and consistent distribution of scores.

The GPA charts below illustrate the trend toward higher grades. The SAT chart shows the distribution of Critical Reading, Math,

and Writing scores in 2014. The distribution of SAT scores has been relatively stable over the 1991-2014 comparison periods.

GPA Reported by College Bound Seniors

Source: College Board

Percent of Students

GPA and Standardized Tests

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

D or F C B A

1991

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

D or F C B A

2014

A+ A A-

SAT (2014)

0

5

10

15

20

200-240

250-290

300-340

350-390

400-440

450-490

500-540

550-590

600-640

650-690

700-740

750-800

Critical Reading Math Writing

There are 2,300 accredited, non-profit four-year colleges and universities in the United States. Their admission protocols have

never been uniform, and in recent years the range of requirements has only increased. The debate is now especially high-

pitched over how significant a role standardized tests should play in admission decisions.

Paradoxically, the trend at selective colleges is toward more flexible testing requirements for students while the competition

to gain admission intensifies. Fewer colleges now require SAT Subject Tests, the essay component of the SAT or ACT, or

standardized tests at all. Grades, especially in college prep courses, continue to be the most important factor in a student’s

application. Yet despite the trend towards flexible requirements, test scores remain a highly significant factor at selective

colleges. Students are well-advised to go beyond the minimum requirements when applying to such schools.

Admission Factors

Percentage of Colleges Reporting “Considerable or Moderate Importance”

Holistic Versus Formulaic Admission Decisions

Some admission offices - at large public universities in particular - are all but forced to “admit by the numbers” in a formulaic

process. Large applicant pools may mean less time for individual review of prospective students. State-mandated policies or

standards may also play a role.

At the most highly selective colleges, even perfect grades and test scores cannot guarantee admission. The applicant pool at

these schools is so broad and deep that grades and test scores are only the opening gambit.

At moderately selective schools, as well, scores are only a part of the holistic review. More qualitative measures of an

applicant’s fit take on added importance, and not all well-qualified candidates are admitted. Essays and recommendations are

more likely to be read and considered carefully, the personal interview may carry more weight, and the entire application is

considered from the perspective of whether the college will be a good fit for the student.

In all cases, students will maximize their admission opportunities if they realize their full potential on standardized tests and

submit a portfolio of scores that enhances their competitiveness within each college’s applicant pool.

Standardized Testing and Admission

Student's demonstrated interest

Admission test scores

88.9%

91.9%Grades in college prep courses

Strength of curriculum 88.5%

Grades in all courses

87.8%

Counselor recommendation

60%

Class rank

59.8%

Essay or writing sample

58%Teacher recommendation

54.1%

50.5%

50.2%Extracurricular activities

38.1%AP/IB scores

29%Interview

19.7%Work

16.9%SAT Subject Test scores

15.8%Portfolio

13.5%State graduation exam scores

Source: 2014 NACAC State of College Admissions

This is a preview of the Guide.This is a preview of the Guide.



As recently as 5-10 years ago, a majority of high school students (especially those on the coasts) selected the SAT with

little or no consideration of the ACT as an alternative, despite the fact that colleges have long accepted the SAT and ACT

interchangeably. Widespread acceptance has allowed students greater choice, but has also caused confusion for families

not accustomed to the decisions involved.

The College Board oversees the PSAT, SAT, and SAT Subject Tests. While more than 2,000 schools accept the SAT or ACT

for admission, only 47 require or recommend the addition of Subject Tests. These 47 schools, however, are among the

most popular and selective colleges. There are additionally a significant number of schools which will consider Subject

Tests if submitted, or will accept Subject Tests in lieu of the SAT or ACT.

ACT offers the eponymous ACT. The ACT is accepted on an equal basis to the SAT and is, in fact, now the more popular of

the two tests by a growing margin. A close comparison of these exams is provided later in the Guide.

Students also have the opportunity to apply to some colleges without providing standardized test scores. This option is

offered by a limited number of competitive institutions and represents an alternative pathway for their applicants.

Test Optional SAT or ACT RequiredSAT Subject Tests Required

or Recommended

Approximately 850 Colleges Approximately 1,450 CollegesApproximately 24-26 Required,

22-24 Recommended

Most of these schools have open enrollment or non-competitive admissions. See the following page for a discussion of the subset which operate in a competitive admission environment.

All colleges accept the ACT and SAT interchangeably. Students can take the test that works better for them.

While only a small number of colleges require or recommend Subject Tests, these colleges are among the most popular and selective schools.

At competitive test-optional schools, approximately 30% of students choose not to be evaluated on test scores.

Students should use practice tests to see which test is the better fit. Some students take both tests officially.

Some schools accept the ACT in lieu of both the SAT and Subject Tests. Students should generally consider this option only if the Subject Test scores are significantly below the students’ other standardized test scores.

Examples:Bard CollegeBates CollegeBowdoin CollegeMount Holyoke CollegeSarah Lawrence College

A complete list can be found at

fairtest.org.

Examples:Boston CollegeClaremont McKennaOberlin College UC Santa CruzUniversity of Chicago

A complete list can be found via

College Search at collegeboard.org.

Examples:Amherst College Duke University Harvard University Tufts UniversityWilliams College

A complete list can be found in the

Guide and at subject-tests.com.

Pathways to College Admission

Not all colleges require SAT or ACT scores. In fact, more than one-third of the nearly 2,300 four-year colleges and

universities in the United States fall into a category defined by FairTest.org as “Schools That Do Not Use SAT or ACT

Scores for Admitting Substantial Numbers of Students Into Bachelor Degree Programs.” This count of “test optional”

schools is inflated, because the majority of the schools on this list fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Areessentially“open-enrollment”intheiradmissionsdecisions

• Providereligiousinstructionortechnicaltraining-e.g.MinnesotaBibleCollegeandtheFashionInstituteofDesign

and Merchandising, Los Angeles

• Areschoolsfortheperformingorcreativeartswithadmissionlargelybasedonanauditionoraportfolio-e.g.the

JuilliardSchoolortheSanFranciscoArtInstitute

• Appealonlytostudentsinasmallgeographicarea-e.g.UniversityofWI,Whitewater

• Arestateschoolswithformulasforadmittingapercentageofin-stateapplicantsbasedonclassrankandGPA-e.g.

the Cal State system or the University of Texas system

When the test optional list is distilled down to schools where admission is academically competitive and average test

scores are high enough to play a significant admissions role, only 5% of the list remains (see sampling below). Note that

even within this group, the majority of successful applicants still choose to submit scores. Test optional schools do provide

a set of choices for students whose test scores might otherwise weaken their applications, but most students will find that

their top college choices still require standardized testing.

Selective, Test

Optional Schools

Admit

Rate

%

%

Submitting

SAT

%

Submitting

ACT

SAT

CR + MACT

Agnes Scott College 67 52 36 1163 26

Allegheny College 65 66 42 1178 26

American University 43 63 36 1254 28

Bard College 38 72 N/A 1263 N/A

Bates College 24 55 32 1343 30

Beloit College 68 40 72 1220 27

Bennington College 65 43 14 1288 29

Bowdoin College 15 53 27 1440 32

Brandeis University 37 75 28 1330 30

Bryn Mawr 40 79 31 1322 29

Clark University 62 62 19 1217 28

College of the Holy

Cross33 48 22 1306 29

Connecticut College 37 29 14 1322 30

Denison University 46 22 38 1262 29

DePaul University 60 20 86 1148 25

Dickinson College 45 55 27 1274 29

Earlham College 64 43 34 1240 28

Franklin & Marshall

College36 57 18 1308 29

Furman University 64 60 51 1228 27

George Washington

University34 75 40 1300 29

Gettysburg College 42 85 6 1288 29

Test Optional Schools

Selective, Test

Optional Schools

Admit

Rate

%

%

Submitting

SAT

%

Submitting

ACT

SAT

CR + MACT

Gustavus Adolphus 63 6 70 1225 27

Hobart and William Smith

Colleges50 39 20 1210 27

Kalamazoo College 67 28 81 1250 28

Lewis & Clark College 63 60 37 1273 29

Mount Holyoke College 47 54 20 1319 29

Muhlenberg College 46 70 22 1231 27

Pitzer College 15 14 N/A 1311 N/A

Sarah Lawrence College 77 47 16 1241 28

Smith College 43 66 21 1333 29

St. Lawrence University 46 59 19 1210 27

Texas A & M - College

Station69 66 34 1180 26

Sewanee - University of

the South60 50 51 1250 28

Union College 37 45 22 1310 29

University of Texas -

Austin40 81 57 1261 28

Wake Forest 35 50 42 1210 27

Washington&Jefferson

College40 60 22 1141 25

Wesleyan University 20 77 34 1397 32

Worcester Polytechnic

Institute52 85 28 1308 29




There are also universities self-described as "test flexible." These schools typically accept the results of AP exams, higher-

level International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, and SAT Subject Tests in lieu of SAT or ACT scores.

For example, Colby College and Middlebury accept three SAT Subject Test scores in three different disciplines (e.g.

Literature, U.S. History, and Chemistry). Similarly, NYU accepts the results of three Subject Tests, three AP exams, three

higher-level IB exams, or the IB diploma. By accepting a variety of test scores, test flexible schools allow applicants to

submit results that place them in the best possible light.

There are caveats, however. First, apples-to-oranges comparisons can make it difficult for students to know what their

best scores are. For example, is a 4 on the AP U.S. History Exam better or worse than a 630 on the U.S. History Subject

Test? There is no official concordance table to refer to in addressing this type of question. This is why some test flexible

schools encourage applicants to submit their full testing records, thereby allowing admission officers to select their best

scores for them. Second, although AP exams, IB exams, and SAT Subject Tests are commonly considered more "content-

based," in that they test specific subject matter, they share with the SAT and ACT some inevitable features of standardized

tests. Students who struggle with pacing and multiple-choice questions may find the Literature Subject Test just as

challenging as the SAT Reading Test, if not more so.

Finally, as at test optional schools, many successful applicants to test flexible schools opt to submit SAT or ACT scores.

Selective, Test Flexible Schools Admit Rate %% Submitting

SAT

% Submitting

ACTSAT CR + M ACT

Colby College 26 67 32 1334 30

Colorado College 22 49 47 1322 29

Hamiliton College 27 58 25 1378 31

Middlebury College 18 71 39 1380 31

New York University 32 78 22 1339 30

Trinity College 32 48 30 1242 27

University of Rochester 36 66 35 1345 30

Why do colleges offer "test optional/flexible" options? What's in it for them?

Colleges that become test-optional or test-flexible typically claim that it is a student-centered policy intended to be more

inclusive of students from diverse backgrounds and skill sets. Research reveals mixed results and indicates this rationale

is dubious. The most consistent outcome from this policy change is increased applications and higher average test scores

and thus an increase in the perceived selectivity of the institution. People in higher education therefore disagree about

who benefits most from test optional/flexible policies.

Test Flexible Schools

Graduating from a highly selective college is not a prerequisite for success. Below is a sampling of the diversity of college

experiences and career paths.

Arts & Entertainment

Annie Leibovitz Photographer San Francisco Academy of Art

Tina Fey Actress, Writer and Producer University of Virginia

Denzel Washington Actor Fordham University

JonStewart TelevisionHost CollegeofWilliam&Mary

Maya Rudolph Actress, Comedian and Writer University of California, Santa Cruz

Robert Rodriguez Director and Writer University of Texas, Austin

Oprah Winfrey Television Host Tennessee State University

Seth McFarlane Creator, Family Guy Rhode Island School of Design

Leonardo DiCaprio Actor University of California, Los Angeles

Gillian Flynn Author University of Kansas

Harrison Ford Actor Ripon College

Alice Munro Author, Nobel Prize Winner University of Western Ontario

Politics

Barack Obama President of the United States Occidental College & Columbia University

Barbara Boxer United States Senator Brooklyn College

Chuck Hagel Secretary of Defense University of Nebraska, Omaha

Condoleezza Rice Secretary of State University of Denver

Gavin Newsom Lieutenant Governor of California Santa Clara University

Hillary Clinton Secretary of State Wellesley College

Ismat Kittani President of UN General Assembly Knox College

JamesHahn MayorofLosAngeles PepperdineUniversity

JoeBiden VicePresidentoftheU.S. UniversityofDelaware,Newark

Kofi Annan Secretary General of the UN Macalester College (MN)

Madeleine Albright Secretary of State Wellesley College

Ronald Reagan President of the United States Eureka College (IL)

Willie Brown Mayor of San Francisco San Francisco State

Business

Marilyn Hewson CEO, Lockheed Martin University of Alabama

Howard Schultz CEO, Starbucks University of Northern Michigan

JimmyWales Founder,Wikipedia AuburnUniversity

Larry Page Co-founder, Google University of Michigan

Padma Lakshmi Enterpreneur Clark University

Tim Cook CEO, Apple Auburn University

JackDorsey CEO,TwitterandSquare NewYorkUniversity

Sandy Lerner Co-founder, Cisco Systems California State University, Chico

Sergey Brin Co-founder, Google University of Maryland

Ginni Rometty CEO, IBM Northwestern University

Warren Buffett Investor and Philanthropist University of Nebraska

Other

Katie Couric Reporter, Author University of Virginia

Temple Grandin Author, Activist Colorado State University

Chris Hadfield Astronaut, NASA Royal Military College

Sanjay Gupta Neurosurgeon, TV personality University of Michigan

Linus Pauling Chemist and Nobel Prize Winner Oregon State University

MartinLutherKing,Jr. CivilRightsActivist MorehouseCollege

Carli Lloyd Athlete Rutgers University

Well-Known College Graduates


College Admission and Testing


98 www.compassprep.com


The following is a sampling of admission statistics at well-known colleges. Data are from the class entering in 2013. The test

scores represent the range in the middle half of the freshman class. The scores should not be viewed as cutoffs or qualifying

scores. Not all colleges report (or use) scores from the SAT Writing section.

The Acceptance Rate and Yield columns remind students and parents that college admissions is a two-way street. Students

want to gain admission to their top choice schools, and colleges want to entice their admitted candidates to attend. Even very

competitive schools such as Northwestern University, Amherst, and Pomona end up enrolling about 40% of their admitted

candidates.

The % Submitting SAT and ACT columns provide a sense of how popular the use of SAT scores versus ACT scores is at a

particular institution (compare the University of Michigan to the UC system, for example), and how often students choose to

submit scores even at test optional colleges such as Bowdoin.

SchoolAcceptance

RateYield

SAT

Mid-50%

ACT

Mid-50%

% Submitting

SAT ACT

Amherst College 14 40 CR: 670-760 M: 680-770 W: 670-760 30-34 63 41

Arizona University 84 40 CR: 500-620 M: 520-650 22-28 64 51

Boston College 34 29 CR: 620-710 M: 650-740 W: 640-730 30-33 75 44

Boston University 35 21 CR: 570-670 M: 620-720 W: 600-690 27-31 85 32

Bowdoin College 15 49 CR: 680-760 M: 680-750 W: 690-770 30-33 53 27

Brandeis University 35 24 CR: 600-710 M: 630-760 W: 620-720 28-32 75 28

Brown University 9 59 CR: 660-760 M: 670-780 W: 670-770 29-34 79 38

Bryn Mawr College 40 32 CR: 600-710 M: 610-760 W: 620-720 27-32 79 31

Bucknell University 31 39 CR: 580-680 M: 620-720 W: 600-690 27-32 77 40

California Institute of Technology 9 39 CR: 730-800 M: 770-800 W: 730-790 34-35 88 41

California State University System

California State Poly, Pomona 92 28 CR: 450-580 M: 480-630 20-27 92 28

California State Poly, San Luis Obispo 31 34 CR: 550-640 M: 580-680 25-30 82 66

California State Univ, Bakersfield 71 26 n/a n/a n/a n/a

California State Univ, Channel Islands 72 15 n/a n/a n/a n/z

California State Univ, Chico 71 19 CR: 440-550 M: 440-550 19-24 91 39

California State Univ, Dominguez Hills 42 20 CR: 380-470 M: 380-470 15-19 82 18

California State Univ, East Bay 70 15 CR: 400-500 M: 400-510 W: 400-500 16-21 90 32

California State Univ, Fresno 59 31 CR: 390-500 M: 410-520 W: 390-500 16-22 89 39

California State Univ, Fullerton 44 24 CR: 450-550 M: 470-570 19-24 92 33

California State Univ, Long Beach 35 21 CR: 450-560 M: 480-600 20-25 95 34

California State Univ, Los Angeles 61 17 CR: 380-480 M: 390-510 W: 390-480 16-22 94 34

California State Univ Maritime Academy 67 28 CR: 490-590 M: 500-610 22-27 86 45

California State Univ, Monterey Bay 69 13 CR: 430540 M: 440-550 W: 430-540 18-24 95 36

California State Univ, Northridge 53 31 CR: 400-510 M: 400-520 16-22 90 24

California State Univ, Sacramento 73 24 CR: 410-520 M: 420-530 17-22 92 34

California State Univ, San Bernardino 84 25 CR: 390-490 M: 400-500 16-20 95 40

California State Univ, San Marcos 62 27 CR: 430-520 M: 430-520 17-22 90 32

California State Univ, Stanislaus 73 27 CR: 400-510 M: 400-510 W: 400-500 16-22 86 32

Humboldt State University 77 15 CR: 440-560 M: 430-540 18-24 93 38

San Diego State University 34 26 CR: 490-600 M: 510-620 22-27 87 48

San Francisco State University 66 18 CR: 430-550 M: 440-560 18-24 90 26

SanJoseStateUniversity 60 20 CR: 450-560 M: 470-600 19-25 90 28

Sonoma State University 80 16 CR: 440-550 M: 440-550 18-23 92 42

Carleton College 23 36 CR: 660-750 M: 660-760 W: 650-750 30-33 64 55

Carnegie Mellon University 25 30 CR: 640-740 M: 700-800 W: 660-760 30-34 87 35

Chapman University 47 24 CR: 550-640 M: 560-650 W: 560-660 25-29 76 51

Claremont McKenna College 11 50 CR: 660-750 M: 690-770 W: 680-760 30-33 54 46

Colby College 28 33 CR: 610-710 M: 620-720 W: 630-710 28-32 74 35

Colorado College 18 40 CR: 610-710 M: 610-720 W: 620-700 27-32 49 47

Columbia University 7 62 CR: 690-780 M: 700-790 W: 700-780 31-34 81 34

Connecticut College 38 25 CR: 620-710 M: 620-700 W: 640-710 29-31 29 14

Cornell University 14 53 CR: 650-740 M: 680-770 30-34 82 41

Dartmouth College 12 52 CR: 680-780 M: 680-770 W: 690-790 30-34 65 35

Duke University 11 48 CR: 670-760 M: 700-790 W: 690-780 31-34 72 50

Emory University 27 29 CR: 630-710 M: 650-750 W: 650-730 29-32 70 44

George Washington University 44 29 CR: 590-690 M: 610-700 W: 610-700 27-31 75 40

Georgetown University 17 47 CR: 660-760 M: 660-760 30-33 84 40

The Competitive Landscape SchoolAcceptance

RateYield

SAT

Mid-50%

ACT

Mid-50%

% Submitting

SAT ACT

Grinnell College 28 26 CR: 630-740 M: 660-760 30-33 46 54

Harvard University 6 81 CR: 700-800 M: 710-800 W: 720-800 32-35 83 35

Harvey Mudd College 14 37 CR: 680-760 M: 720-800 W: 670-760 32-35 78 52

Haverford College 25 39 CR: 670-750 M: 660-740 W: 660-750 31-34 71 39

Howard University 48 22 CR: 500-610 M: 490-610 W: 490-600 21-27 71 48

Indiana University, Bloomington 76 28 CR: 520-630 M: 540-660 W: 510-620 24-30 72 62

JohnsHopkinsUniversity 16 37 CR: 670-740 M: 690-770 W: 670-760 31-34 75 41

Kenyon College 25 27 CR: 620-730 M: 610-690 W: 620-720 28-32 62 53

Lewis & Clark College 67 14 CR: 600-700 M: 580-670 W: 580-690 26-31 60 37

Loyola Marymount University 53 21 CR: 540-640 M: 560-660 W: 550-650 25-30 73 47

Massachusetts Institute of Technology 8 72 CR: 680-770 M: 740-800 W: 690-780 33-35 84 42

Michigan State University 66 37 CR: 430-580 M: 540-690 W: 460-570 23-28 15 81

Middlebury College 17 41 CR: 630-730 M: 630-740 W: 650-750 30-33 68 44

Mills College 76 13 CR: 530-640 M: 490-610 W: 520-610 23-29 66 35

New York University 35 33 CR: 610-710 M: 630-740 W: 620-720 28-32 77 22

Northwestern University 13 46 CR: 690-770 M: 700-790 W: 690-770 31-34 65 55

Occidental College 42 21 CR: 600-690 M: 610-700 W: 610-700 27-31 73 49

Penn State, University Park 50 32 CR: 530-620 M: 560-670 W: 540-640 25-29 75 17

Pepperdine University 35 21 CR: 550-650 M: 570-680 W: 560-660 25-30 70 53

Pitzer College 13 46 CR: 600-700 M: 610-700 W: N/A N/A 14 N/A

Pomona College 12 48 CR: 690-770 M: 690-770 W: 690-780 31-34 73 52

Princeton University 7 66 CR: 690-800 M: 710-800 W: 700-800 31-35 84 36

Reed College 39 23 CR: 660-750 M: 630-730 W: 650-720 29-33 73 37

Rice University 15 35 CR: 680-760 M: 710-790 W: 670-770 31-34 77 51

St. Mary’s College of California 76 16 CR: 490-600 M: 500-610 W: 510-610 22-27 75 43

Santa Clara University 49 18 CR: 590-680 M: 620-710 W: N/A 27-32 69 55

Scripps College 28 29 CR: 640-750 M: 620-710 W: 640-720 28-33 64 50

Smith College 42 33 CR: 610-720 M: 610-730 W: 630-730 28-31 66 21

Stanford University 5 78 CR: 680-780 M: 700-790 W: 690-790 31-34 86 39

Swarthmore College 17 43 CR: 680-770 M: 680-770 W: 680-770 39-34 77 44

Syracuse University 53 24 CR: 520-620 M: 550-660 W: 530-630 24-29 77 35

Trinity College (CT) 33 25 CR: 570-660 M: 580-670 W: 590-670 25-29 48 30

Tufts University 17 41 CR: 680-760 M: 680-760 W: 690-760 30-33 58 42

United States Naval Academy 8 85 CR: 570-680 M: 610-710 W: N/A 25-33 79 73

University of Arizona 75 32 CR: 480-600 M: 490-620 W: 470-590 21-27 63 52

University of California, Berkeley 16 46 CR: 600-730 M: 640-770 W: 620-750 29-34 87 46

University of California, Davis 40 22 CR: 510-640 M: 560-700 W: 540-660 25-31 90 49

University of California, Irvine 37 22 CR: 480-600 M: 550-690 W: 510-620 23-29 94 45

University of California, Los Angeles 19 36 CR: 580-710 M: 610-750 W: 600-730 27-33 88 48

University of California, Merced 67 14 CR: 450-550 M: 460-580 W: 450-550 20-25 93 52

University of California, Riverside 58 20 CR: 490-600 M: 520-650 W: 500-610 22-27 94 46

University of California, San Diego 33 20 CR: 560-670 M: 630-760 W: 590-700 27-32 90 43

University of California, Santa Barbara 36 20 CR: 530-660 M: 570-710 W: 560-670 26-31 89 52

University of California, Santa Cruz 56 18 CR: 480-620 M: 510-650 W: 490-620 23-29 88 45

University of Chicago 9 60 CR: 720-800 M: 720-790 W: 710-780 32-35 66 53

University of Colorado, Boulder 84 24 CR: 520-630 M: 540-660 W: N/A 24-30 42 74

University of Florida 46 50 CR: 580-670 M: 590-690 W: 580-670 26-31 60 40

University of Miami (FL) 38 17 CR: 600-690 M: 620-730 W: 590-690 28-32 45 41

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 32 41 CR: 620-720 M: 660-760 W: 620-720 29-33 32 81

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 28 45 CR: 600-700 M: 620-720 W: 590-700 28-32 60 43

University of Notre Dame 21 53 CR: 660-750 M: 680-770 W: 650-750 32-34 42 58

University of the Pacific 55 11 CR: 500-640 M: 530-680 W: 500-640 22-29 82 38

University of Pennsylvania 10 65 CR: 670-770 M: 690-780 W: 690-780 31-34 66 34

University of Puget Sound 79 15 CR: 560-680 M: 550-650 W: 550-670 25-30 71 50

University of Redlands 73 23 CR: 500-600 M: 500-600 W: N/A 22-27 77 51

University of Rochester 36 23 CR: 600-700 M: 650-750 W: 620-700 29-32 66 35

University of San Diego 46 17 CR: 560-650 M: 570-670 W: 560-660 26-30 68 54

University of San Francisco 60 14 CR: 510-620 M: 530-630 W: 510-620 23-28 75 41

University of Southern California 18 33 CR: 620-720 M: 660-760 W: 640-740 29-33 74 45

University of Texas, Austin 40 47 CR: 570-690 M: 600-720 W: 560-690 26-32 81 57

University of Virginia 29 41 CR: 620-720 M: 630-740 W: 620-720 28-33 86 40

University of Washington 55 36 CR: 530-650 M: 580-700 W: 520-640 25-31 83 34

University of Wisconsin, Madison 57 43 CR: 560-660 M: 620-740 W: 590-680 26-31 18 89

Vanderbilt University 13 42 CR: 710-780 M: 720-800 W: 680-770 32-34 41 62

Vassar College 24 36 CR: 670-750 M: 650-740 W: 660-750 30-33 70 43

Washington University in St. Louis 17 35 CR: 700-770 M: 720-800 W: 700-770 32-34 48 66

Wellesley College 30 42 CR: 650-740 M: 640-740 W: 670-750 30-33 74 42

Wesleyan University (CT) 24 33 CR: 650-740 M: 660-750 W: 660-750 30-33 77 34

Williams College 19 45 CR: 680-790 M: 670-770 W: 690-780 31-34 83 39

Yale University 6 70 CR: 710-800 M: 700-800 W: 710-790 31-35 79 41


This is a preview of the Guide.

About This Guide

For the complete version of this guide and a complementary consultation with a

Compass director, please submit your request to www.compassprep.com/contact or

contact Compass Education Group's Southern or Northern California offices.

Northern California Office 1100 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 280

Larkspur, CA 94939

(800) 620-6250

Practice Test Locations

Larkspur

Lafayette

Walnut Creek

San Francisco

Redwood Shores

Sunnyvale

SouthSanJose

Southern California Office 9100 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 520E

Beverly Hills, CA 90212

(800) 925-1250

Practice Test Locations Beverly Hills

West LA

Palisades

San Fernando Valley

Pasadena

South Bay

Orange County


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