…researchers asked nearly 250 colleges whether they used SAT or ACT scores as a cut-off for admission. Of those that accept the SAT, 1 in 5 said they used particular scores on the test as a “threshold” for admission, at least in some cases; among those using the ACT, 1 in 4 described similar cut-offs.

The good news for most applicants, or at least those whose scores are not stellar, is that more than three-quarters of the colleges report using such scores “holistically.” That usually means the tests are mixed into a stew of many factors being evaluated, including the rigor of applicants’ curriculums; their grades; their activities; their teacher recommendations, and their essays.

Universities like to say that they look at the whole student–and most probably do–but it doesn’t take a master’s degree to figure out that SAT and/or ACT scores carry an inordinate amount of weight in the admissions process–something educators unfortunately need to keep in mind as they prepare students for college life. Should we begin teaching toward the test? Hardly. A strong curriculum will prepare students well for the two tests. However, prudence dictates that some time be devoted to strategies and practice, especially given that a few points can be the difference between going to the school of one’s dreams and second-best.