<p>I'm planning to apply ED to Duke in November. I have taken the SAT I, and I didn't do well. I received an 1870 (630CR 580M 660W). That's not good, so I'm retaking in October. I'm expecting a 2100+, so hopefully I get that. As for the Subject Tests, I just checked my scores, and they were **** poor. 570 in World History and 560 in Math I. That's horrible. My standardized test scores are the only major flaw in my application. I get straight A's. I'm involved in a hell of a lot of extra curricular activities, and I write really good essays. But my SAT score is my main concern. On the Duke website, it says that November scores might not get there on time. Should I retake my subject tests again? Maybe in Lit instead of World History? Or should I just focus on my SAT and get the highest score possible? I honestly do not know what to do. That's why I'm here. Hopefully you guys will be able to guide me in the right direction for senior year. </p>
<p>I looked at other threads where you had posted additional pieces of your record. I would take issue with your statement that “standardized test scores are the only major flaw in my application”. Your ECs do not demonstrate leadership or commitment - the Cisco certification is good, but it looks like that was earned as part of a class that you took. You have taken a good number of AP classes, but they are all “softer” humanities-oriented classes - you do not mention any AP sciences, foreign language or calculus. Duke freshmen will typically have taken a wider breadth of rigorous classes.</p>
<p>The other threads also have either a 27 or 25 ACT. Both of these are in line with your current SAT scores of 1870 and mid-500 SAT IIs. I certainly don’t want to discourage you from working hard to prepare for improving your scores, but I would encourage you to be realistic. An improvement of 100 points would be pushing the limit of reasonable expectation - your goal of 230 points will likely be overly optimistic.</p>
<p>My recomendation is to continue preparing for your SAT. Don’t worry about your Subject Tests - only the most selective colleges require these. I would further encourage you to expand your college search to make sure it aligns with the strength of your application. Talk to your GC - see where students with records similar to yours have been accepted in recent years, especially if others have applied to Duke.</p>
<p>I agree with the fact that you should be realistic, but when i retook my SATs I think I had over a 200 point increase. It definitely possible to get dramatic increases. But remember, the scores are only a small part of admissions. If you look at the 2013 decisions threads, there were plenty of people with 2250+ that were rejected.</p>
<p>Most of the large increases in SAT scores occur between the first and second sittings, especially when little preparation was done for the first test but extensive prep for the second. OP has apparently taken the SAT twice, the ACT twice and SAT II at least once, with all scores in a consistent range.</p>
<p>Thank you all for replying. First, I should address the Cisco certification. It’s not a reward for taking the class. It’s just like an AP class. You’re prepared for the test the entire year, then you are able to take the exam for the certification during the summer if you want. Second, I’m the treasurer of the Key Club and the VP of Model UN. I’m sure that shows leadership. As for committment, how do you know that I’m not committed?</p>
<p>And to eliminate all confusion about the SAT/ACT, I have only taken each test once, receiving a 25 on the ACT and an 1870 on the SAT. I had zero preparation for the tests; I only looked at problems the day before. With proper preparation, I believe I can raise my score 200+ points.</p>
<p>Holding a title in a club does not necessarily show leadership - it might show that you won a popularity contest, or that you were the faculty advisor’s favorite, or that you were the only one who volunteered. The point is that you should highlight actual accomplishments. This is why the Cisco certification is good - it is a tangible award with clearly delineated effort. And you are correct, we do not know that you are not committed to your other activities. However, we do not know that you are committed and the burden of proof is on you.</p>
<p>I also wanted to point to the irony of your statement, “…and I write really good essays”. An online posting is obviously not a fair evaluation tool of someone’s writing skills but no one has ever posted that they will write poor essays for their applications. As a reminder, profanity does not make a powerful statement; rather it is offensive and demonstrates a lack of vocabulary.</p>
<p>You have my best wishes for your preparations for the October SAT. I don’t understand why you sat for three standardized test sessions with zero preparation, but I hope you have learned your lesson.</p>
<p>How about you don’t apply ED? The ED process is meant only for those who are ready to apply come November. </p>
<p>Another option would be sending your application in November 1 having taken the SAT or SAT Subject Test come October. Then take the other SAT in the November sitting. If your scores get there on time, you’ll be evaluated with great scores in November. If they don’t get there in time then they’ll defer your app to RD.</p>
<p>Also, definitely take the September and October ACT. Don’t send any scores to colleges until you get them back.</p>