Does it even matter what my SAT/ACT scores are with my GPA?

<p>My GPA is around 3.5 unweighted and I'm currently 25/98 in my class (and I will probably be something like 19/98 at the end of 1st semester). While I know this is god-awful, I have made straight As since junior year, which shows up as quite a transition on my transcript and I have always taken the hardest classes that my (small, not competitive) high school provides. So, my question is, does it matter what I get on the SAT/ACT if I want to apply to a top school (Tufts, Georgetown, Duke, U Chicago)?</p>

<p>My SAT is 2130 (760CR, 680M, 690W) and my subject test scores are 710 Lit and 720 USH. However, I am taking the ACT and, if the practice tests are accurate, I will be doing significantly better, as in a 34-36 score.</p>

<p>So, if I get a 36, do I have a chance at all or should I just give up now?</p>

<p>*By the way, my ECs are decent, but not outstanding, I can get good/great teacher recs, and I write pretty unique essays, in general (better than my SAT score shows).</p>

<p>I have heard from some straight-A students, especially ones with GPA over 4.0, that they were encouraged to retake their tests because their scores were “too low” for their grades.</p>

<p>I know one person in particular who scored about 2000 on his first try. Several adults said that with his straight-A’s, he should score 2200 or even higher.</p>

<p>Personally, I say that you shouldn’t give up. If it’s your dream to go those schools, then please keep that as your goal. If you don’t at least try, you won’t know what can happen.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, it would be very, very hard to get into any of those schools not being in the top 10% of your class, regardless of scores unless you’re an impact athlete.</p>

<p>ELM277, yeah, I’m assuming as much, which really annoys me because some people in the top 10% of my class got around a 1500/2400 SAT score and they’re not looking at remotely competitive schools. I’m really just an anomaly, I guess… but, if there was anything I could do now to improve my transcript, I would. I’m currently taking more classes than anyone at my school (9, with a 7-period day), so that helps a little. Really, my top choice is William and Mary, which I applied ED to, but, if I don’t get in ED and my ACT is really good, I would look at other schools with regards to cost.</p>