Standardized Testing General Q & A
How important are test scores in the NYU admissions decision?
Important, but you should also keep in mind that standardized test results are only one of a number of important factors which are considered when we evaluate our applicants. We include test scores in our requirements primarily for two reasons. First, our own research shows that standardized test scores improve the predictability of freshman year success over just the high school transcript itself. Second, we receive applications from over 8,000 high schools each year. Given that we cannot be certain of the level or the quality of instruction in all cases, we need a standardized measure to assist us as we make our decisions. Having said that, we continue to place our greatest emphasis on your secondary school record - the grades you received and the rigor of the curriculum you have followed. Standardized test scores are evaluated in conjunction with your high school record, both in the classroom and outside it. Remember also that admissions decisions are rarely based solely on a single component of an application, such as a single exam score.
How much weight does NYU place on the writing score?
Some, but not much. Even though we have writing scores for the last few entering classes, we don't have as much information as we would like to have before we start using the writing scores in our evaluations. Once we have some experience with this part of the SAT Reasoning Test, we will have a better idea of how we will use it in our selection process. But for the coming year, we do not plan to place significant emphasis on the writing score.
But will a poor score on the writing section hurt my chances for admission?
Admission to NYU is highly selective, and a poor score will hurt your chances for admission, just as poor grades in your high school courses will hurt your chances for admission. However, as indicated above, we will not be placing a great deal of emphasis on the writing section, and exactly how much a poor writing score would impact the admissions decision in your particular case would depend on all of the other information in your file. Keep in mind that the score on the writing section is simply a single score on a single examination that is considered in a review process that considers many other factors. No student applying for admission in 2010 will be denied admission solely on the basis of the score on the writing section of the SAT.
I plan to take the ACT. The Writing Test is an optional component of the ACT. Why does NYU require that I take it?
As with the writing section of the SAT (which is not optional), the ACT Writing Test will not be a major factor in our admissions decisions again this year. It may be somewhat more important in future years, and we need to begin to collect data on this test so that we can properly evaluate the students who take the ACT and apply to NYU later on.
I took the ACT and didn't realize that NYU requires the Writing Test. Is it possible to take only the Writing Test and not take the entire ACT again?
No. ACT requires that you re-take the entire examination.
I am a transfer student. Do I need to take the newer version of the SAT that includes the Writing Test?
No, unless you will have completed less than one year of college work before you plan to enter NYU or unless you have never taken either the SAT or the ACT. Otherwise, simply provide scores for the standardized tests you took while in high school.
Which Subject Tests should I take?
The Undergraduate Admissions Committee does not require scores from any particular Subject Tests. (Note, however, if you are submitting three Subject Tests instead of SAT or ACT scores, only non-language SAT Subject Tests will fulfill our standardized testing requirement). We also do not require that students who are applying to a particular program of study at NYU provide scores from a Subject Test related to that area (for example, although many do so, prospective biology majors are not required to provide scores from the biology examination). Instead, we encourage students to select tests in subject areas that will highlight for our Committee their academic strengths. It will be helpful for our Committee in our decision making process if a student provides scores from more than one academic subject area. That is, we prefer that you do not provide scores only from, say, two mathematics tests. Subject Tests are designed to measure your knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, and the results are more valuable to us if the scores you present indicate your abilities in different subject areas.
When should I take the SAT Subject Tests?
Our best advice concerning when you should take Subject Tests is that you should take them when you feel most comfortable doing so, based on when you have enough academic preparation to enable you to do well and the subject matter is fresh in your mind. While we do not have an exact timetable for when you should take your Subject Tests, we do need you to complete your Subject Tests and all of your other standardized testing by certain dates, depending on your admissions status. (see below)
When should I take my standardized tests?
If you are a freshman applying as an Early Decision candidate (application deadline November 1st), we recommend that you complete all of your standardized testing by the October test date, and you must complete all of your testing by the November test date. If you are a freshman applying for Regular Decision (application deadline January 1st), we recommend that you complete your testing by the November dates, and you must complete all of your testing by the December test date.