<p>I got a 2230 in March (710 CR, 740 M, 780 W) and I just took the SATs yesterday. I know I didn't get an 800 Math (two insanely stupid mistakes) and I'm thinking I got a pretty good CR score, at least, one that is higher than last time. I come from an average middle class family, I have straight A's, top 2% of my high school class of around 440, moderately involved in school and community, and expecting above-average recommendations. </p>
<p>Do I have any chance? Should I retake SATs in December to get the scores up in the 2300s? Columbia is my dream school, and not getting at least a 2300 on the SATs makes it seem like I won't get in. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>u think SAT is all they look at’?</p>
<p>I know it’s not ALL they look at, but I know that SATs are a way to get one’s foot in the door per se. And I definitely know that someone who has similar demographic information as me (middle class, good in school, involved in school and community with no “hooks” such as family illness or whatever) would have a really difficult time getting into a college such as Columbia or Penn (top two choices, Columbia is top choice) without a better SAT score than I have. Additionally, kids from my school who have 2300+ are applying to Columbia, as well. So why would Columbia take me with a 2230 versus someone with a 2330? Would the quality of my essays and recommendations make THAT much of a difference with a 100pt lag in SAT scores?</p>
<p>You do realize that a 2230 is a really good score? Why do you think it is low? I would kill for that score. Do not worry.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reassurance. But do I even have a chance at colleges like Columbia and Penn if I work really hard on the other parts of my app? Again, I don’t have any big hooks. I’m Asian, so that might seem to work against me as well, since many Asians are very high-scoring.</p>
<p>not to put you down, but they reject even the people with the perfect scores and gpa’s and what not. i’ve seen people get in on a 1980. and some get in on a 2370. so i wouldn’t say scores put you in the door. for columbia it’s more about your essay and personality and who you are, rather than how well you can do on one test.</p>
<p>your 2230 is perfectly fine. instead of focusing on your scores you should focus on selling yourself in your essay and short answer responses.</p>