<p>So I posted a chance thread and people kept saying that my 2190 SAT score was low and dismal. Just how bad is it???? Will it hurt my chances when I apply to top 20 colleges? I know it isn't a very good score but I didn't know it was that bad! :(</p>
<p>The Chances section is a useless pit of ignorance advise to avoid it. Remember it is hs kids answering you, why do you think they know more than you about it? You can compare your scores using the Common Data set of the schools. Look at the scores for each section, not as a whole. Generally the M and CR are the more important scores. There are sites like collegedata.com where you can look up multiple schools CDS data on scores easily. If you fall below the 25 pct then it may be quite difficult to get an admit because those ones are likely athletes and other key admits.</p>
<p>Once you are ‘in range’ the entire application will be in play and how it all fits together. Your scores won’t keep you out or get you in at the overall you mention. I’m assuming you aren’t international. but I may be wrong seeing your user name? I know an Asian female with scores similar maybe slightly lower who has a mix of acceptances, rejections and wait list, from top 20 schools last season.</p>
<p>A 2190 is not a dismal score. The problem with this message board is that so many on here are the tippy top percent in the country. I see alot of 2250-2350 scores on here but we don’t personally know anyone that has hit 2300, but we do know students who have gotten into great schools. I also see lists of ECs that look nearly impossible to maintain while keeping up with a 4.0 UW GPA in all AP/IB classes. I looked back at your previous thread. Your scores and stats are right on target for very good LACs, in the average range I would say. Remember that the top LACs, the Ivys, and the mini-ivys are all a crapshoot. There’s more to an admission than the SAT score. Stop beating yourself up and keep comparing yourself to the common data information for your schools of choice, rather than the other posts on this message board.</p>
<p>A 2190 aggregate SAT score is perfectly satisfactory (actually, it’s very good)! While it is not a “decided plus” for the top 20 (or so) American undergraduate institutions, neither is it fatal deficiency. Moreover, this does not address HUNDREDS of very fine LACs and National Research Universities. I, too, reviewed your previous post and you’re very likely to be admitted to one (or more) excellent undergraduate schools. I understand how trying the entire college selection/application/decision processes are for virtually every serious candidate (and, too frequently, for their families). However, please believe me, you’ll be just fine. </p>
<p>@BrownParent @NEPatsGirl @TopTier </p>
<p>Thank you guys so much for your detailed responses! I guess I’m just going to take those other posts with a grain of salt :)</p>
<p>1500 is average, i scored a 1640 and that will get me into almost every state college. i think a perfect is around a 2400. </p>
<p>It’s pretty good already, but it could be improved if you know what I mean. If you have time you should push for those last 200 points or so just to stand out. Don’t worry about it too much :)</p>
<p>@blu5959 </p>
<p>Thanks but this is probably going to be my final score since I’m already a senior and college applications are due in a week…</p>
<p>A 2190 won’t hurt you. It’s a great score! As many people have already said, a lot of the kids on CC are convinced that you need at least a 2250 to get into top schools, which just isn’t true. I got a 2180 on my SATs and I go to a top 20 school. My friend who goes to the same school got something like an 1850. SATs aren’t everything, and even if they were, a 2190 is far above the average. </p>
<p>Chill, @kiwigirl18, chill. That score is not bad at all - it’s actually pretty terrific. Some of those chances threads are so dumb - I agree with @BrownParent’s assessment on that. Focus on perfecting other areas if you want to get into top schools. Good luck and congrats on a fantastic score!</p>
<p>To be honest test scores grades mean a lot, but it takes much more than that to get into a good school…</p>
<p>I was at a UCLA meeting with 150 kids from my grade at my school and the first thing the rep did was ask us a question. She asked us how many of us had good grades. We all raised our hands. She asked who has been doing extra Currriculars for a long time, everyone raised their hands. And then she asked, who has gotten over 2000 or 30 on the act plan or psat and a majority raised their hands. Yes I know it’s a small sample size, but I’ve talked to many of my friends and they agree that having test scores gpa etc. is not enough because you don’t stand out. I’m not devaluing the test score at all, but many people that apply to selective schools have very solid test scores. </p>
<p>What separates you is not a long list of Ec’s but instead Ec’s that you’ve developed a passion for and Ec’s that have affected your life.</p>
<p>For example, If you really like soccer, maybe you should try to do something with it to help others. Whether it is holding a camp for free for kids, or doing fundraisers or hosting soccer tournaments. It all just depends on what YOU want. From what I’ve heard from counsellors current college students and grads they all said that the standout students stand out because they don’t try to fit in with everyone but instead they follow their passion.</p>
<p>I know several kids who got into top 20 schools with scores that aren’t as high as yours. Don’t listen to the chance threads.</p>
<p>Yeah, unless the chance replies are written by college admissions people to top schools, they probably don’t know what they are talking about. If you have solid and stellar enough record in other areas, I doubt that that SAT score alone would disqualify you. </p>
<p>Go onto the College Board’s website and use the college search. There it will match you up with “fitting” colleges and you can even search for your own. Anyway, on each college’s page there is a SAT comparison chart with the 25/75 percentiles at that school. I thought it was very helpful to compare myself to the people who are already there.</p>
<p>PS, I scored 10 points lower than you did and I’ve already gotten into a good school with a hefty scholarship.</p>
<p>@kiwigirl18 are you seriously complaining about that score?</p>
<p>The Common Data Sets show just how difficult it is to get in. At Northwestern for 2012-13, roughly 32,000 applied. 27,000 didn’t get in. That includes thousands and thousands of students with excellent scores and ECs. Where did they end up going? I imagine many ended up going to schools outside the top 20. Maybe schools that are 21st, 22nd, 23rd, etc. So rather than worrying about a score that is actually quite good, why not expand your list a bit? If you are considering Hopkins and Nortwestern, you could also look at U of Rochester, Case Western Reserve, etc.</p>