Originally Posted by indigo
Originally Posted by Quantum2003
To be fair, qualifications have not been lowered across the board. You need considerably higher scores on the Explore and on the SAT now. For example, the Minimum SAT scores went up some a few years back and then the last change in 2016 went from requiring just one to two out of three (Math, CR, Composite) SAT scores. In fact, it is now easier to qualify for Davidson Academy than for Davidson Young Scholars on the SAT because you only need one qualifying SAT score for the academy versus two for DYS and the minimums are the same.
Thank you for this analysis.

I would tend to agree with having raised the qualifying scores on Explore and SAT, because these tests have changed, there are many study guides and prep courses, and students may take these multiple times, only reporting their highest scores. I'm not sure whether super-scoring may fit in here, but I thought I would mention it.

It is interesting that you compare qualifying scores for Davidson Academy admission with those for DYS, as the Academy requires 3 nominations from specific teachers and the overall application process differs enough that some may consider it a bit of an apples-and-oranges comparison.

I am not suggesting that it is easier to gain acceptance to the Academy than to DYS as that is obviously not the case. In fact, I would posit the opposite. For the Academy, you would also have to travel to Reno and interview, test, and shadow, etc, etc. I am only comparing the minimum acceptable test scores.

Thank you for mentioning prepping, multiple testing and super scoring - for some reason, that actually did not occur to me. I know the prevalence for high school juniors and seniors but did not think younger kids would pursue SAT scores in the same way or to the same extent.