<p>Hello Everyone,</p>
<p>I'm new to the forum, so I'm unsure if I'm posting this in the correct area. Based on my quick perusal of the site, I think this is the best place to ask my questions, but if it's not, feel free to redirect me! Any and all help is appreciated. </p>
<p>I am a current junior (we've just begun second semester), and I'm looking into making a couple of major decisions in the near future that could have an effect on my college application process. I was hoping to get a couple of opinions from all of you.</p>
<p>First, I took the SAT for the first time in December and scored a 2290 - 760 W, 790 CR and 740 M. I'm pretty pleased with that score, but I am planning on applying to several top-level schools and would have really liked to break 2300. I was wondering if it would be beneficial for me to sit for the test again; I'm worried that, since I have such a slim margin for error, getting a lower score would hurt my application (especially at a school like Georgetown to which you have to send every score). What are your thoughts? If I were to take it again, it would probably be in May. Also, is it a good idea to take the ACT as well as the SAT? Are there actually any colleges that specifically require the ACT or require both?</p>
<p>Second, I feel like I need more impressive extracurricular activities to enhance my application. While I have been heavily involved during high school (participated in school musicals, member of the marching band, Sunday School teacher for 4 years, member of Spanish Honor Society, soon-to-be member of NHS, executive councilperson of my school's community service club and chair of several volunteer events, assistant choreographer of middle school musical, etc.) I feel like I don't have enough stand-out activities to put on my application. I am interested in being pre-med in college, and I have a couple of different summer opportunities available to me. I could shadow a pediatrician in my area, volunteer at our local medical center, or (in a different vein) work with underprivileged Spanish-speaking families in our area to help them learn English and take advantage of their opportunities. Interning at my father's company is also a possibility. Which of these things do you think would be most impressive on an application? I am really interested in all four, so I'm having a hard time making a decision about what to devote my time to this summer. </p>
<p>Thanks in advance for any and all guidance you can provide! This seems like a great community and I'm eager to get some feedback from all the experienced posters here!</p>
<p>I wouldn’t sweat your test score either way. 2290 puts you solidly in the middle 50% of HYP and a few other schools, and above the 75th percentile everywhere else. On the other hand, the second take usually turns out better and it’s worth a shot if you think the first score was a fluke.</p>
<p>As for summer, the basic advice is to do what you’ll enjoy the most, but it seems you’ve already applied that test (good for you). One other factor I’d consider is the quality of recommendation you can expect. This depends both on the person you’ll be working for and whether you are able to get them to know you in a positive way. If your potential supervisor seems overworked or distant or even just a little dull, that’s something worth avoiding, not only because you won’t be able to earn a strong recommendation but also because it’ll negatively impact your experience in general.</p>
<p>Thanks so much, @catisforfite! That’s great advice. Regarding the SAT, I’m just a naturally nervous person so I’m concerned about getting a lower score, even though that’s not typical. On my first practice SAT last April I scored a 2190, and then proceeded to not even crack an SAT book until late October, but I was still able to get the 2290. I just don’t know if I’ll be able to improve that much between now and May, especially when it’s going to be the difference of just a few questions. Do you think that getting a lower score (regardless of how atypical that is) would hurt my chances at HYP and the like? </p>
<p>Just to look at those three: Princeton and Harvard accept score choice, but Yale does not and doesn’t really superscore either. You’ll get a similar mix across top universities, along with a handful that are entirely test-optional.</p>
<p>If you’re not confident that you can improve, I would just let it go. You’re in a good place now and there are obviously better things you could be doing with your time and money. Again, no university in the world is turning away people because they managed a single-sitting 2290.</p>
<p>Thanks again for your help, @catisforfite! Any thoughts on whether or not I should take the ACT? My parents really want me to make a decision soon. </p>
<p>ACT could be worth a shot – some schools that require your “entire history”, like Yale, will let you submit either your entire SAT history or your entire ACT history. What you need to do is go over the testing requirements of each school on your list with a fine comb. There are only a few where bombing the ACT will hurt you, and only a few where getting a 34/35 would be a tangible improvement over a 2290.</p>