I recently got a 2210 on the old SAT and my breakdown is CR 640, M 800, and Writing 770. I want to go to a college in California (major in CS or Electrical Engineering)and I feel this is good enough for me to get into some top UCs and privates like USC considering my GPA is 3.93. I lead two clubs on campus(1 academic honor society, and Engineering club), did one year of swim team, and volunteer during the summer and attend advanced summer programs. For those who think this, I know it may seem like I’m trying to show off what I have done but I really am not and I have a serious question.
My parents keep telling me that colleges will only look at my CR and M section and they say my CR is way below competitive for any schools ranked higher than top Cal States like Cal Poly. They constantly remind me that I have no chance in going to a good college with a bad score like this and make me feel like crap.
Does having a 640 really kill my chances at getting into a top UC or private like USC?
BTW, My ethnicity is Asian if it matters.
I am #verysad so please let me know if you have any idea on whether my parents are right.
I don’t think it kills your chances. Obviously, a higher score would be better but I think you still have a good chance at the types of schools you mentioned. (Especially if the rest of your application is strong.)
Check out the websites of the schools you are interested for their freshman profile and see where you stand. For example USC (http://www.usc.edu/admission/undergraduate/docs/USCFreshmanProfile.pdf) shows a middle 50% of 650-750 so while you are below the middle 50% it doesn’t mean you are out. Others below 650 were admitted (remember that number is the middle 50%). And you are definitely on the high end of the middle 50% of a composite score.
If you (or your parents) are really worried about this (and don’t want to take the new SAT), you could try the ACT.
I haven’t seen anything stating that OP is international. Just that the OP is Asian and no, it doesn’t matter. Your CR is slightly low of elite schools, but your parents should not shame you for that. They need to stop living vicariously through you.