The SAT Score Mistake That Costs Students $33,000

SAT mistake that costs students scholarship money: learn how to avoid sending a score that hurts your college application and your financial aid. Andy and Pearl Lockwood explain the rule.

The decision rule is simple and almost nobody applies it: look up the median SAT or ACT score at every college on your list. At or above the median, submit. Below it, think hard — test optional exists for a reason.

Dylan's score was good, but just below his top choice's median. He withheld it, applied test optional, got in early decision, and won a $33,000 per year scholarship. The same score, submitted, would have been a reason to say no. Plus: which colleges now offer free tuition at incomes up to $200,000.

IN THIS EPISODE

• The median score rule — the single number that decides whether you submit an SAT or ACT score or apply test optional.
• Why a good score can still hurt a strong college application when it sits below a college's median.
• Dylan's case: a below-median ACT withheld, admission at his first choice by early decision, and a $33,000 a year scholarship.
• Free tuition at incomes up to $200,000 — which colleges are offering it and what it's really worth.
• Why applying test optional and getting in test optional are two different things.
• Why test scores remain better predictors than any other measure colleges have.
• What is actually in your control: extracurricular impact and how atypical your student looks.
• Playing defense, and the point of diminishing returns on test prep.

ABOUT LOCKWOOD COLLEGE PREP

Andy Lockwood and Pearl Lockwood run Lockwood College Prep in Glen Head, Long Island, working with families nationwide on college admissions, the college essay, and financial aid. Their P4 system — Plan, Path, Position, Pay Wholesale — helps families pick a college that fits and pay far less than sticker price.

Work with Andy and Pearl: https://LockwoodCollegePrep.com
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## CHAPTERS (if the host supports them)
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0:00 – LCP intro
0:33 – Welcome to College Coffee Talk
2:25 – Two topics today
4:13 – Free tuition worth $60,000 a year — worth sharing your information?
6:03 – The income range that qualifies
7:53 – Harvard and others: free tuition up to $200,000 income
9:51 – How many families at this income actually receive aid
11:34 – Need-based aid at CSS Profile colleges
13:25 – Why some colleges still require a test either way
15:16 – Why scores predict better than any other measure
17:03 – The deficiency colleges are seeing in students
19:03 – What's in your control: extracurriculars and being atypical
20:43 – Playing defense: the withheld score that won early decision
22:38 – Which test is best — colleges are agnostic, so pick one
24:25 – Hit your high score and stop
26:16 – Wrap-up
```