Chariot Learning
  • About
    • FAQ
    • Our Curriculum
    • Areas Chariot Learning Serves
  • Services
    • SAT & ACT Prep
    • SAT/ACT TestFlip
    • Academic Coaching
    • Subject Tutoring
    • Strategic Reading Club
    • Proctored Practice Tests
    • GRE Prep
    • College Essay Coaching
    • Roots2Words
  • Calendar
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Contact
August 15, 2016 by Mike Bergin

1590 or 1600?

hand-holding-dartEveryone seems into life hacks these days. When looking at college admissions, test prep has always been one of the best ways to hack the system. But the same innate gamesmanship that allows someone to see the dramatic impact of improving scores also breeds an instinct to further optimize that process. Such a person might question what the rest of the world takes for granted. For example, is a perfect SAT or ACT score really the best score for admissions purposes?

On Quora, someone asked the question, “What is the most ridiculous thing a top student has ever said to you?” Kay Aull, an insightful MIT grad, shared his memory of this truly ridiculous rumor:

In high school, there was a rumor going around that it was better to get a 1590 on the SATs, rather than the full 1600, for college admissions. The theory was, someone with a 1590 probably had to work for it, while the 1600 might be smart but lazy.

I knew someone who (claimed to have) deliberately missed a few questions, got the 1590, then sent this score to colleges and then promptly retook (as 1600 looks better for scholarships). I also knew someone else who tried this, but they underestimated the curve, so they got 1600 anyway.

After decades helping students and families navigate the complexities of the SAT and ACT, I’m rarely surprised by how profoundly some people are willing to over-complicate their test strategies. But I want to join the chorus in disavowing the myth that just short of perfect is better than perfect. Even if it was, those hypothetical testing savants, capable of earning EXACTLY the scores they want on test day, should have far more effective and meaningful ways of setting themselves apart in college admissions, don’t you think? If you want to impress, aim for your very best SAT or ACT score on test day.

ACT myths SAT test scores

Previous articleWill the October SAT Be Cancelled?Next article Paean to the #2 Pencil
Mike Bergin
Tens of thousands of students a year prep for the SAT & ACT through programs Mike Bergin created or organized. After more than 25 years of intensive experience in the education industry, he's done it all as a teacher, tutor, director, curriculum developer, blogger, podcaster, and best-selling author. Mike founded Chariot Learning in 2009 to deliver on the promise of what truly transformative individualized education can and should be.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Helping high schoolers with tests, school, and life is what Chariot Learning is all about. Let us know how we can help you!

Latest Posts

  • Can You Accept Criticism?
  • Happy Pi Day!
  • College Admissions Testing for the HS Classes of 2024 and 2025
  • A Scholarship for Word Nerds
  • Foundational Math on the SAT & ACT

What is TestFlip?

Learn about the ultimate in self-directed supplemental SAT/ACT prep, powered by Chariot Learning:

Subscribe to Mike’s Podcast

Subscribe to Tests and the Rest

PARENT GROUP AND NEWSLETTER

Are you an Upstate New York parent with questions about college admissions, testing, and scholarships? The Upstate NY College Conversations Facebook group is for you. Join today!

And also sign up for College Road, our free email newsletter delivering expert educational advice, test news, admissions action steps, special offers, and more.

Testimonials

Working with Chariot Learning was the best preparation choice we could have made. Robert's test scores increased by nearly 50 percentile points. Plus he learned reading and writing skills that he was able to apply immediately in school. Thanks so much!

Bob & Sarah, Brighton parents

Read more testimonials...

PODCAST

Tests and the Rest is the ultimate college admissions industry podcast. Join Mike Bergin and Amy Seeley every Tuesday and Friday as they discuss the latest issues in testing, admissions, learning, and education with leading experts.
© 2023 Chariot Learning, LLC. All rights reserved.