High grades, low test scores

<p>I'm going to start off by saying that I have not received any accommodations in high school for any learning disability that I was suspected of possessing. I was diagnosed with ADD in 7th grade but stopped taking medication my sophomore year. I do not find it hard to concentrate for a long period of time, even if it is a subject that is of no interest to me. I do no exhibit any of the typical ADD symptoms so I really feel that my diagnostic is incorrect.</p>

<p>I do suffer from anxiety, which is not diagnosed, but I feel very anxious when it comes to deadlines, tests, and preparation. This may have interfered with my test taking abilities though I was not able to get an time extension. I don't find it particularly hard to concentrate on school-subject tests but I cry when I face standardized testing.</p>

<p>My high school GPA was above average. I was taking all "regular" classes and had no extra help in achieving good grades. I'd even achieve grades in the top 5% in certain classes. * don't struggle with academics as typical students with low test scores does, so I'm discouraged about this imbalance.</p>

<p>My PSAT and ACT scores were very low. So low that my school counselor told me that college is unrealistic. I want to go to a four year college with the prospect of going to a professional school after graduation. I've had many people tell me that my goals are unrealistic due to my poor test scores.</p>

<p>Is going to college past a two year community college unrealistic for me given my test scores? (ACT 16). I badly want to attend college but everyone around me seems to think it's a bad idea.</p>

<p>How many times have you taken the ACT? Have you tried the SAT? My son had good grades, but low scores, too, but was able to increase his ACT by 3 points, in 4 sittings. I am happy to report that he's doing well in college. I'm a firm believer that grades are a better indicator of college success that standardized tests.</p>

<p>There are a number of colleges that do not ask for standardized test scores. Your guidance counselor should be able to find a list of them.</p>

<p>Also, there are colleges that have good support programs for students with learning disabilities but you need to have a formal diagnosis. Have you spoken to a doctor about the anxiety? It might qualify as a disability. There are books-one is published by the Princeton Review-that describe all the colleges that provide services. These colleges often overlook test scores if the student has a diagnosed disability.</p>

<p>For a list of test optional colleges and universities visit The</a> National Center for Fair & Open Testing | FairTest</p>

<p>My HS class valedictorian became physically ill when faced with standardized tests. She used to take breaks during annual testing and walk the halls until she calmed down. BUT she was really good at getting all of her classwork done (she was the valedictorian after all!), and balanced that with being a varsity cheerleader for four years, and being one of the lead vocalists in the HS chorus and musical productions. She got into Notre Dame. She graduated from there in 4 years. She went to Law school, and is currently a Law professor.</p>

<p>Anyone who has ever worked in college admissions will tell you that the most important predictors for every measure of success in college (GPA, graduation time, etc.) are the HS grades, and the courses that you earned them in. If you are pulling down decent grades in a solid college prep program, and your counselor thinks that college isn't for you because of your ACT scores, well, he or she is just plain wrong.</p>

<p>It's been years since I've taken it, so I don't remember when you need to take it... but if you still have time, why not try to (re)take the SATs?</p>

<p>My suggestion for you is to just continuously practice taking the test in a test environment. You'll become more comfortable with it and your anxiety will subside. Stay after school and take the test in a classroom, under timed conditions. It won't be fun, but you'll adapt to it and won't be so uneasy on test day</p>

<p>I'm going to try and attend a community college for two years before transferring to another school. Some schools don't require transfer students to submit ACT/SAT scores which will help me get in but I'm not sure if this it the case in general for most schools.</p>

<p>Could I retake the SAT/ACT? I've been out of high school for two years.</p>

<p>Of course you can retake the tests. Most people do better on the second try and the third try. You may benefit from a third try because it's been a while since you've taken it. Try to find some test prep books. Bookstores sell them or your public library may have some. Reviewing really helps.</p>