<p>I hate everything about these standardized tests. Everytime I take them, I get around a 24! My GPA is a 4.5 weighted and a 3.9 unweighted (so far) and I'm taking all AP's this year so it's going to shoot up. My extracurriculars are fine-- I have two that I've exceeded in and am really passionate about: dance and journalism, but my standardized test scores are sinking me.</p>
<p>So now, I've applied to 4 amazing schools with that score because I was a finalist for a scholarship that has almost all Ivy's as partner schools. The schools I applied to were: USC, Columbia, Northwestern, University of Chicago, and Brown.</p>
<p>Do I even have a chance or have I wasted my time? Am I just completely screwed?</p>
<p>Someone at my school got into UC Berkeley with a bad SAT score, but a 4.6 GPA. She had a 4.0 unweighted and lots of ECs and leadership positions. Biology Major.</p>
<p>If you’re applying RD, you could take the SAT. Otherwise, you’re stuck with your 24. But it’s not the end of the world. Schools know some students don’t do well on standardized tests - that’s why they’re not the only factor used in admissions. If they see your first semester grades before they make a decision, and those a great, that will help too.</p>
<p>I agree with you … why should a 3-hour sitting have that much influence? Didn’t realize 3-hours (SAT / ACT) was > your four year transcript / recommendations / ECs ;)</p>
<p>Check out colleges that do not require standardized tests. You will find a variety of colleges from very selective to not selective at all on this list:</p>
<p>I would consider a test-optional school, you’re pretty far below the normal standardized test levels for those schools, and while its true that test scores aren’t everything, they are always strongly considered. There are a few top level colleges that don’t require tests so do some research on that! Also, I would definitely sign up for the next SAT, you might do a little better on that than on the ACT.</p>
<p>The OP should definitely check out the list on fairtest.org includes the top level, highly selective schools that do not require testing, including:</p>
<p>I know that part of the reason why I haven’t improved is that I haven’t really been studying for them. Timing on the tests is a big issue for me; I never finish on time. I took the SAT once at the beginning of sophomore year and got a 1680 (I know ) I’ve signed up for the next SAT date and I’m just going to focus all my energy on preparation for the test. It’s literally shattered all my hopes of getting into one of these universities.</p>
) I’ve signed up for the next SAT date and I’m just going to focus all my energy on preparation for the test. It’s literally shattered all my hopes of getting into one of these universities.</p>