I have decent grades:
-3.83 UW/4.2W GPA
-Took two APs junior year, with 3 on my senior year schedule
Also decent ECs/academic achievements
-Volunteer with special needs kids since freshman year (about 45 hours/school year)
-Saturday School tutor at local middle school
-Service trip to Guatemala
-National Honor Society
-RIT Book Award
I am looking at schools with medium/lower selectivity, in the Northeast, and not too big. The only issue is my SAT scores, I have taken twice with a highest score of 1710. I was hoping to be in the high 1800s and get up to 1900-2000 range by October. My SAT scores are starting to worry me now- I am planning to take September ACT and October SAT but what schools could I get in to with my current scores? Is it worth it to look at test-optional schools?
Hi! Remember test-optional schools don’t mean that they’re bad. Many top schools(I think even UChicago) are test optional. However for test required schools, don’t let your 1710 make you give up on a dream school if you have one. I think you could get into many good colleges with your extracurriculars. Also remember that your essays are really important so show your passion in those so they don’t judge you soley by your scores. Good luck!
^ A few good test optional schools out there like Wake Forest and Bowdoin. Also like Erin’s Dad said, you should try out the ACT, a lot of people I knew scored significantly better on that than the SAT.
There is a whole section with SAT and ACT tips and questions. Did you drill yourself between those two SAT sittings? Why did you think you would get higher? was your PSAT higher?
@BrownParent I worked with a private SAT tutor for about 3 months between the two SATs- and scored much higher on my practice tests hence why I expected I would do better. My math score went slightly up which was my goal but reading and writing went down- not sure if I was over confident or this had to do with June SAT scoring issues.
@gdlt234 Thanks! I am definitely planning on taking ACT in September but worried about this being my “last chance” to get my scores to where I want them to be.
I agree with taking a look at the test optional schools now. There are many great options. If you can find some appealing test optional choices it could also even make you less stressed about re-taking the standardized tests.
Come up with a different strategy for SAT-prep for October test. We tried private tutor first - but found that an SAT prep class “worked” much better. My daughter took a class summer after junior year, targeting Oct. SAT and went up 200 points as a result. Two weeks before the test the kids took a complete practice test in test-like conditions and the instructor then went over the results, question by question, with each kid. Not sure where you live, but look into local classes. You’ll want to vet them though as not all are equal. Ask for recommendations, etc. What was your breakdown on your SATs? Most colleges only care about CR + M. You should definitely try ACT, too. See if you can sit for a practice ACT under timed conditions and see how you do. The test is more straight-forward, but timing can be a real issue. Test optional schools are excellent, too. Did you take any subject tests? Do you have any AP scores? These can also help bolster your application. Good luck.
I know many kids who took classes who did not do any better. If you already worked with a tutor on the SAT you may have hit the wall. Your scores may be fine for the lower to medium selective schools you say you are targeting. They are above average scores after all. What are a couple you are thinking of? If you are within the 25 to 75% range you other good attributes should carry the day. Prep for ACT and give a try though.
@4Gulls I will definitely look in to a class-like setting, and plan on taking the ACT in September. My highest math is 540 and CR 570 (from two different tests). I have two AP scores- not fantastic. AP Bio (3) and AP Lang (4). No subject tests.
Whichever test you decided to take, do some preparation before the real test. From my D’s experience, prep classes are not too helpful. Most of the info are also found on any of those prep books. What is more critical is doing a lot of timed practice tests and going through the answer for the questions you’ve missed…