<p>Hello everyone :)</p>
<p>I'm sure this has been asked before, but I seem to be finding a variety of mixed answers.</p>
<p>As some of you may know, the June SAT scores have come in, and my SAT score was pretty atrocious. :/ I can admit that I didn't study as much as I would have wanted to because of school, and I've always not been the greatest test taker :( I most definitely plan on studying more and retaking it in the fall...
I also took the ACT and am waiting to see if my scores are any better with that.</p>
<p>So my main question is whether or not a decent GPA, essays, teacher recs, will outweigh the SAT score. [in case I don't improve as much as I want] AND whether or not it will significantly hinder my acceptance into any good colleges (i.e. UCLA, USC, Boston U, Boston College, UF, even UPENN etc.)</p>
<p>Thanks for any information you can provide.
It's greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Graduate Date: 2012 (am an incoming senior)
SAT (as of June 2011): 1590
UW GPA: 3.81 out of 4.0
W GPA: 4.19
Rank: Top 10% or Top 15% (not quite sure exactly yet after this semester)
Have taken AP and honors classes</p>
<p>P.S. I just moved to another state before my junior year, it's definitely been a difficult change and my previous school only had AP classes for history and english. Now I have the opportunity to take APs in every subject. And I know, the SAT score is definitely not up to par with those schools :l</p>
<p>Definitely retake that SAT. A 1590 out of 2400 is way too low for top schools.</p>
<p>Yeah, I know that… It’s a complete disappointment.</p>
<p>You probably just had a bad day. If you have the grades that you say I don’t think this was an intellect issue. Next time you take it make sure you create a stress-free environment the night before and get a good night sleep.
Also, practice quite a bit.
Good Luck!</p>
<p>This is my issue too. I have pretty good grades, then my SATs are horrible. I’m not a good test taker, at all. Don’t forget that when you look at college admission numbers, you’re looking at the averages. They DO admit people below the average number. Good luck with everything!</p>
<p>Thank you moonman676
Great advice. :)</p>
<p>@lizpham</p>
<p>It’s nice to know I’m not alone!!! I’m EXACTLY the same way. I’m just not a good test taker. Never have been. And it sucks. How will you prepare?? [If you are taking it again]</p>
<p>You’re right 
I keep forgetting that. Definitely something to keep in mind…</p>
<p>Good luck to you too! :))</p>
<p>I don’t understand the whole “not a good test taker” argument. How do you maintain a high GPA if you aren’t a good test taker? Last I checked tests are usually a pretty big part of a grade, unless 90% of the class is busy work and arts and crafts.</p>
<p>You really need to bring your SATs above 2000 to have a chance. And no chance at UPenn.</p>
<p>I think the “not a good test taker” excuse is quite valid. Its the exact same thing for people who do well on exams, but might have a low GPA. I have a few friends who fall under that category. Yes, one can argue that the being a good test taker requires practice and prep, but even with that, someone may still do poorly. Taking an exam for certain individuals triggers anxiety, intimidation and the fear of running out of time (time management) I’m currently not a great test taker when it comes to exams like the ACT or SAT, but with some practice and review I can boost my scores for sure. My high GPA is a reflection of how well I perform in the class, the low score report reveals that I need more practice.Test taking does require a minimal amount of skill such as time management and educated/logical choice elimination. Some people are naturally good at taking exams like these and others aren’t. My advice to anyone who uses this excuse is that they shouldn’t immediately give up on themselves. A slight score improvement even shows effort. Students who fall under the poor test taking category also have a chance to express this in their essay. All people don’t shine in the same place.</p>