When it comes to applying to college, understanding how institutions view test scores can be a crucial part of the admissions process. The Common Data Set (CDS) is a valuable resource for uncovering how colleges use test scores in their decision-making, and section C9 is particularly insightful. This section provides detailed information about the importance of standardized tests, the percentage of enrolled students who submitted scores, and a breakdown of accepted students by score range.
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Here’s how to leverage the CDS C9 to make informed decisions about submitting test scores to your target schools:
The Common Data Set is a standardized form that colleges and universities complete to provide detailed institutional data. Section C9 focuses specifically on test scores, such as the SAT and ACT, and includes:
Understanding this information can help students and families decide whether submitting scores will strengthen an application.
In section C9 of the CDS, colleges report the percentage of enrolled students who submitted test scores. This is critical for understanding how "test-optional" policies may work in practice.
What to Look For:
Listed below is the University of Pennsylvania's Common Data Set for admissions for the 2023-2024 year. While UPenn has a "test optional" policy, 70% of all enrolled students came in with a test score.
Colleges provide a breakdown of admitted students’ scores by percentile ranges in C9. These ranges can help you understand the test scores they truly value.
Example of Score Ranges:
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing:
ACT Composite:
What This Means:
Below is an example on how the Common Data Set can show you more specifically how a school accepts students on by test score. The example below is the University of Florida, which has a "test required" policy. By combining the information on the 25th, 50th and 75th Percentile and percentage of students who got into by score range, you can determine what scores they are wanting to accept.
C7 also indicates the importance of test scores in admissions decisions, categorized as:
This information can clarify how much weight a college places on standardized testing relative to other factors like GPA, extracurriculars, and essays.
What to Look For:
Listed below is the University of Tennessee Common Data Set C7, showing that "Standardized Test Scores" are just as important in their admissions criteria as rigor of high school courses and GPA.
Using the CDS allows you to make data-driven decisions about submitting test scores. If your scores align with or exceed the ranges provided, submitting them can boost your application. However, if your scores fall below the typical range, you might consider withholding them and focusing on other parts of your application.
For test-optional schools, the percentage of enrolled students with submitted scores is a telling indicator of how much weight scores still carry. This insight can guide your application strategy and give you a competitive edge.
Many colleges publish their CDS on their institutional research or admissions websites. Simply search "[College Name] Common Data Set" to locate it. Focus on Section C9 for test score information, and use other sections in C to learn more about admissions criteria.
The Common Data Set C9 is a powerful tool for demystifying how colleges use standardized test scores in admissions. By analyzing the percentage of test-submitting students, test score ranges, and the importance colleges assign to scores, you can develop a clear strategy for whether to include test scores in your application.
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At Method Learning, we understand that every student’s journey is different. That’s why we offer flexible, personalized resources to help you succeed, whether you choose to submit test scores or not.
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