<p>A score around the low 700s should be fine; I wouldn’t tell you to swap extracurriculars for a slightly higher test score. </p>
<p>Try to get your parents to read some sources about the application process. For this concern, I’d recommend “A is for Admission,” by Hernandez, particularly the chapter on “how your application is read.” A copy may be in your local library; it’s available on Kindle as well.</p>
<p>Past a certain level in testing, (and if you hit 700 on math, you’d be in the zone), I’d say showing “leadership” in activities, and recommendations from people who know you well would be more useful than test prep.</p>
<p>In my opinion, many of the people with high test scores getting into highly selective colleges don’t spend time on test prep. They think quickly and logically, and thus have time to spare to do other things. </p>