<p>Hey guys, I am really in a crisis mode, I just got my sat score back and I am basically unsure about everything. I have been going to tutors and everything and my average practice score has been about 2000 but my score this time was just a 1870. I don't do well with standardized tests but I hope that colleges can overlook this fact. The question I have is with my chances of getting admission into the University of Texas at Austin. I am a incoming senior (class of 09), and I live in an extremely rural town in Arizona. My sat score was a 1860, but I know I will do better the next time, I will have taken a total of 5 AP classes by graduation (all the classes my HS offers), and I am tied for #1 in my class. My overall GPA is 4.2 and last year it was 4.6. I also have a lot of extracurricular activities such as NHS, Key Club, OSHA, FBLA, and cultural center volunteering. Is this enough to get me admission or not. Also, does the fact that I am a first generation college student help? Finally, is it true that coming from a small town also helps your chances? I am also looking to apply to UCSD, UCLA, USC, and Vanderbilt. It sounds like alot but everyone tells me that public colleges don't care about half the stuff I listed. I appreciate any help I can get and I thank everyone in advance.</p>
<p>A couple of things:</p>
<p>1) look at SAT optional schools on <a href="http://www.fairtest.org;%5B/url%5D">www.fairtest.org;</a> with your GPA and class rank, you should do very well at one of these</p>
<p>2) some of the state schools (Like UMich) prioritize GPA way over SAT's...look for others that do as well.....</p>
<p>3) USC/ Vanderbilt are going to be reaches.....You could try Vandy ED, but again it would be a reach....</p>
<p>4) Try the ACT; you sound like the kind of kid who could possibly perform much better on that test...take a few practice exams first so you can understand format and timing......and because you now are in a time crunch....</p>
<p>Good Luck....!</p>
<p>Thanks Rodney. A lot of people have told me to take the ACT so I might give that a try. I really think that I choked on my test because I was really shocked the score was that low, my writing killed ~550. Does anyone think that taking a test at another school besides your own can affect your chances? </p>
<p>Also, can any of you guys suggest any other good match schools, I am looking to do Biomedical Engineering?</p>
<p>Another question that just occurred to me is, Does anyone know how Arizona State and the University of Arizona fare when it comes to Biomedical Engineering rankings?</p>
<p>I'm not familiar with those schools, but the big College Board handbook of colleges tells me that for ASU and U of Arizona the average 50% SAT for admitted students is like 500-600 for each section, so I dunno about your other schools but for those you shouldn't worry about the SAT. Focus on keeping up your GPA and doing well in other things, I'm sure you'll be fine.</p>
<p>EDIT: Sorry, I didn't take in the first post completely at this late hour. I looked up the mean 50% SAT scores for the other schools you mentioned.</p>
<p>USC: 500-600 on each.
Vanderbilt: about 650-750 for each.
UCLA: about 600-700 on each.
UCSD: 550-650, 650-700</p>
<p>USC and UCSD are probably okay, for the rest you could get a bit higher. I know how frustrating getting a lower score than you expect can be. Perhaps consider getting the CollegeBoard book of 10 real SATs from their website (and no, I don't work for them. :P )</p>
<p>Definitely do the ACT...I think it's a much more user friendly test (and I have taken them both). Plus it sounds like science is your thing, and great science score on the ACT can round off a weak math, reading, etc.
As far as chances...Vanderbilt sounds a little reach-y, but I'd say they other all look like you have an excellent shot. I think when you come from small schools, like we do, colleges have to consider the limited opportunities we're given. And doesn't recruiting students from small towns add diversity as much as anything? Really, I think we bring a different set of perspectives and experiences then our big-city counterparts. At least your school offers some AP's...
Well, whatever your outcome is with testing, good luck!</p>
<p>Hi, now that I've had breakfast I can help you out.</p>
<p>So, as other people have said taking the ACT could be beneficial, as maybe retaking the SAT in october senior year (for some mysterious reason everyone seems to do well that date)... if you've only taken it once before..</p>
<p>You sound like a smart person. Your GPA will definetly help you.
If you decide to retake the SAT's I also recommend the big books with 10 practice tests.
Anything is possible... Practice Practice Practice</p>
<p>I can't really comment on any of your schools specifically since I am a Northeast girl, but good luck....</p>
<p>And, being from AZ might help you diversity wise...</p>
<p>Thanks for all your help guys. I just registered for the October SAT and I'll try to register for the Dec. ACT later today. So coming from a small town and being a first generation college student must help right?</p>
<p>I think you look decent for UT Austin, but the fact that you're asian is going to hurt. You should really try to either get your SAT up or get a high ACT. Good luck!</p>
<p>Why not try for the Sept. ACT? It might be beneficial to find out sooner and amend your college list. Or will you have to go really far away to take it? I don't know how it is in AZ, but here in the "great state" of IL where every Jr. must take the ACT, SAT test centers are few and far between; I had to go over an hour to take it.</p>
<p>Hey guys, this is my first post in a long time. I ended up taking the october ACT and I scored a 32! I have already been accepted to all the local colleges and I am waiting for UT-Austin to respond. Thanks for all your guys' help.</p>