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In past 10 years, SAT scores steadily increase

By Angela Hatcher, For The Miami Student

First-year Kristie Cordeiro didn't know the score she needed on her SAT to get in to Miami.

"I knew I needed to do well," Cordeiro said. "But I didn't know if there was a 'magic number' or something that would be the key to my acceptance."

She scored a 1910.

"It was a lot of work, but it was enough to get me in," Cordeiro said. "That's all that matters to me."

Cordeiro, a biology and economics double major, is not alone when wondering whether there is a "magic number" that is the key for prospective students to gain admission to Miami.

As of September, Miami ranked 31 on Business Insider's list of top "105 smartest Public Colleges in America" based on SAT scores. This ranking considers both ACT and SAT scores, then converted the ACT scores to the same scoring scale as the SAT.

Despite this ranking, the question of a "magic number" remains vague as statistics from Miami's common data set reveal that average SAT scores and general standards of admission have been steadily increasing over the past 10 years, according to Susan Schaurer, the interim director of admission and associate vice president of enrollment management.

"We have seen an increase in students of superior academic caliber enrolling, not necessarily an increase in admission requisites," Schaurer said.

In other words, despite the importance of a standardized test score in terms of gaining admission, Miami's admissions process remains a holistic review.

"We don't just look at the SAT, we also look at GPA and rigor of high school courses, involvement in extracurricular activities, as well as the personal statement," Schaurer said. "Those are all key factors for academic success."

Yet, the statistics cannot be ignored.

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In 2003, with 66 percent of students submitting SAT scores to gain admission, a score of 650 for SAT verbal, and 670 for SAT math were the average. Only about 8 percent of students were scoring in the 700-800 range per sub score.

In 2014, with 28 percent of students submitting their scores, less than half of those submitting in 2003, 650 was the mean for the SAT critical reading portion and 680 was the mean for the SAT math - a relative period of stagnation.

The number of students testing into the 700-800 range per sub score in 2014 was about 12 percent for reading and 20 percent for math - roughly a 7 percent increase from the percentages of 2003.

The first year class for fall 2014 also boasts an average SAT score of 1222, based off the 1600 scale that does not factor in the writing portion of the SAT, rather than 2003's score of 1140.

"This speaks to the growth and quality of the applicant pool as well as the value of a degree from Miami," Schaurer said.

Most prospective Miamians, however, submit their scores with the SAT writing portion, as well. These scores are graded out of a maximum of 2400 points.

Junior Dharini Parthasarathy scored a 2150 on her SAT. Eashwar Nagaraj, a first-year, scored a 2170 on his SAT. First-year Mackenzie Solomon, received an 1840. Junior Alex Stevenson, scored a 1940 on his SAT.

"It doesn't surprise me that the majority of students enrolled here tested so well on their SAT," Cordeiro said. "There are clearly a lot of really intelligent people who go here."

In comparison to other public universities in Ohio, Miami's average SAT sub scores (650 for reading and 680 for math) remain relatively high.

Ohio University's average subscores rank in at 600 and 600 for reading and math (respectively). The University of Cincinnati's average subscores for reading and math weigh in at 630 and 660.

Miami also ranks just below the Ohio State University whose sub scores are at 650 for critical reading and 710 for math.

But, with continually rising standards for admission and average SAT score, the future for prospective students remains a question of how high they can score on this standardized test.

"It's scary to think that five years from now, maybe a 1910 wouldn't be good enough," Cordeiro states. "There's so much more to a student then just a number on their application."

Correction: A previous version of this article stated that Eashwar Nagaraj scored a 1600 on the SAT. His correct score is 2170 on a 2400 scale.

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