<p>I'll be a senior next year, and I've taken the ACT and the SAT both once. I got a 1720 on the SAT and a 26 on the ACT, which is not as good as I would have liked, but only slightly below the average for most of the schools I'm applying to. However, I have a 4.3 weighted and 4.0 unweighted GPA (above average or far above average for the schools I'm applying to), and I currently rank 1st in my class of 722. I plan on taking both of the tests again regardless, but I'm curious to know if my GPA or class ranking in any way balance out my not so great test scores. </p>
<p>Thanks in advance for any help, I appreciate it!</p>
<p>Most schools will tell you that the GPA and class rank are more important than test scores (on the Common Data Set for each school, the school ranks the importance of each factor in its admission; Bates, for example, lists scores as merely “considered”). If you doubt them, or want to hedge your bets, try applying to test-optional schools like Bowdoin as well.</p>
<p>It varies from college to college. Google the Common Data Set for your school and look at section C7. Sections C9-11 will give you stats of admitted students too.</p>
<p>Your class performance will certainly help balance out a weaker SAT score. As mentioned, you can apply to test optimal schools. In some states, class rank is more important than SAT score for admissions. </p>
<p>How are your AP scores? Do you perform better on tests in which you must master a body of knowledge? Or are they not so hot? </p>