<p>Edit: Okay fine, I didn't fail. In my mind, I did. Otherwise, I "didn't achieve the score * wanted."</p>
<p>750 math
750 writing
660 critical reading. <-- how did this happen?
Composite: 2160.
In my practice tests, the one I took like 2 days before I got a 790 on cr, 790 on math, and, to be fair, a 650 on writing.
I DID study writing though, so it's not too surprising it went up by 100 points.
I was really expecting 2200+ because I felt I aced the math and writing, and cr wasn't too bad. Apparently, it was.</p>
<p>Granted, I only studied for this the week prior to the test date. I forgot beforehand //failed. Oh well, I guess I have to study a little more and take the October one. Since I'm actually going to study, do you think it's possible I'll go to 2300+? I really need it, since my stats and extra curricular activities kind of fail too.</p>
<p>If I don't retake it (since I still need SAT IIs), do you think this score will have a huge impact on the admissions at my reach schools, Princeton and Stanford?</p>
<p>My SAT IIs suck too, by the way. I got 700 on Bio-M, which is supposed to be really easy. I aced the class, but somehow SATs always get me. I also failed the Chem one with a failing 690. I also aced that class, but got a 4 in the stupid AP. For both these classes my teachers thought I was brilliant because I always got the top test scores and actually did the majority of the homework. Standardized tests always get me.
Basically, I'll need to take the Math II and Latin SAT IIs. If I don't, I won't be able to apply for early decision. </p>
<p>This sucks. And here I was, thinking I wouldn't have to do anything academic this summer. :'(</p>
<p>Posts like this really annoy me. You DID NOT FAIL. Perhaps you didn’t achieve the score you wanted but you did not fail. Please have a little respect and empathy for kids who are genuinely struggling or just, . . .oh my gosh. . AVERAGE in their academic pursuits, and leave the drama out of it. You just sound like a spoiled kid otherwise.</p>
<p>Okay, I respect that. ^ u ^
Honestly though, as an asian, I kind of did fail. It’s extremely difficult for asians to get into some colleges because they have a set standard of good test scores. I’m awful in this department. It’s just so frustrating when people expect extra-ordinary scores from you that you just can’t reach. Princeton actually deducts 150 points on the SAT from all asians. So basically, I am average in my academic pursuits. It hurts a little that you don’t think I’m genuinely struggling. I wasn’t born with the knowledge to complete tests or achieve passing scores.
Anyways, that’s aside from the point. I understand what you’re saying, I get that sometimes, and I apologize. : D</p>
<p>I don’t really know what you’re looking for here. It really just seems like you’re fishing for condolences and reassurance that you’re doing just fine. </p>
<p>Well of course there’s a possibility of getting a 2300+ on the SAT. You just have to study hard, know your stuff, and cross your fingers. And I know where you’re coming from. I’m Asian, and I have a 2250, but hey, good enough, IDGAF. </p>
<p>And then you have to consider that Princeton isn’t the only route to success. There are so many other good universities that may not necessarily share the prestige that comes with Harvard, Stanford, MIT, etc. but are great schools and will prepare you well nevertheless. If you’re applying to a selective school, they tend to receive thousands upon thousands of applicants with great stats, and so they focus on things other than merely SAT and ACT scores and AP classes. Sure, these things will put you in the competition, but as mentioned by an MIT admissions officer, they tend to focus on whether or not an applicant is really passionate. The applicant should view the school as the “logical next step,” not as “the prize.” And coincidentally, students who identify with that often have great academic records. So really, you just need to work with what you have and let them see you as more than just numbers. If that’s not enough to get you in, don’t forget about Honors Colleges in public universities. Some of them are really undervalued. Every year my high school graduates several students with special distinction who could be Ivy League material. At least half of them always stay in-state in our honors college, with plans to seek out a more eminent grad school later.</p>
<p>Your score is amazing. Don’t think you did bad because you are pretty much at the top.
I didn’t do so well. I got a 1430 and I’m an Asian as well. It was my first time and I didn’t prepare. I plan on taking it two more times.
If you want to improve more, just take it again. You did well, don’t worry :)</p>
<p>JuniorMint; I read an article about this awhile ago. I’m trying to find it in my history, but I cleared it last month. : ( I’ll try to relocate it, but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to. </p>
<p>pjdinkley; Maybe I am, because I’m certainly not getting anything from my parents, and they’re already considered “un-asian” because they don’t yell at my about my grades. They will just be disappointed because they think I don’t try enough. Maybe it’s true; I don’t cram day and night like they did for their exams in China. It’s not life or death for me, as it was for them. It matters, though, because my family in China ARE extremely “asian” and they think if I don’t go to a prestigious school, my life will end there and then.</p>
<p>I know what you mean, I was aiming for a 2200+ and I wouldn’t take it again. But apparently, as I’ve been reading, 2160 is close enough to 2200 that it doesn’t matter as much. The thing is that if I retake it, I’ll have to put my goal at 2300+.</p>
<p>I know Princeton isn’t the only route to success. People assume that the reason I personally want to go there is because of the name. Partially, I admit, it is. Another reason is because I visited. They put a huge emphasis on language and studying abroad, which is my dream. When I went there, I learned that almost every class gives an opportunity to travel to all regions of the world. There just isn’t that same kind of opportunity anywhere else. There are obviously many other schools that, in my mind, are just as superior but frankly, only these VERY wealthy schools can afford to send their students abroad.
On the other hand, schools are ranked by their graduate programs. Many lower-tier schools actually have much better undergrad programs or sole focus on undergrad.
That’s a comfort too. : )</p>
<p>timeb0mb; Thanks. : ) By the way, I recommend that you do as many practice tests as possible. I practiced time management when I <em>kind of</em> studied for the PSAT. Since I had that down, I focused only on the problems for the SAT. I know that for a lot of people, time management is a huge problem and they lost lots of points because of that. </p>
<p>I would suggest that you work on parts of your application other than just your test scores. If the attitude that you convey in these posts is reflective of your personality, your essays are likely to be similarly self-indulgent. Instead of studying for another 100-200 points on the SAT, consider helping people who are less fortunate than you - you will find that they can teach you grace, humility and perspective.</p>
<p>rmldad; I said I would shut-up, but I wanted to respond really badly. The reason I’m trying to increase my test scores is because my school college counselor said it’s too late to plump up the other regions like extra curricular activities. I’m already trying my best in those regions.
Actually, if you knew me, you would know I’m really not self-indulgent. In fact, I’m probably the opposite of self-indulgent. I realize the tone that is coming off in these posts, and it’s certainly not what I intended. People at my school are extremely over-achieving. Honestly, among my friends and acquaintances, my score really is the lowest. This is why I come off as without “grace, humility, or perspective.” In order to judge me, you would have to understand my perspective. By “less-fortunate”, do you mean in score situation? People believe that getting test scores represent the IQ of a person. I don’t believe anyone, except maybe Einstein, is smarter than anyone else. I tell people this every single day. People assume that I get better scores on some tests because I’m just smarter. No, that’s not true. I study when people are hanging out with their friends. I do all of my homework when others stick pieces of paper in the middle because the teacher doesn’t check it carefully. </p>
<p>Although I beg to differ, I appreciate your comment wholeheartedly. : )</p>
<p>Now I think your reach for vocational schools, and a high reach for community college. Your a match for working at taco bell for the rest of your life. Seriously stop complaining like a crybaby.</p>
<p>rowrowrow82; Hey! Community college is a fine choice! I’m taking classes there over the summer, and the people there are VERY bright and talented! D: <</p>
<p>I know it is, I just wanted to get this Harvard wannabe to shut up. As is vocational schools. Taco bell is a little different as a lifetime career, but I didn’t mean any insult to those schools.</p>
<p>Alright guys, cool it. She realizes that she was being insensitive, but you guys need to realize some people have higher goals than others. Comparing her score to lower ones isn’t going to make her feel better.</p>
<p>If you want to compete to get into the highly selective schools, you do need to raise your score. It’s also not too late to add to your extracurriculars since it’s summer. I’m a rising senior and I was trying to find a volunteer position when I stumbled upon a great job that doesn’t include spatulas.</p>
<p>rowrowrow82; I’m not even applying for Harvard! Way to judge. As I said, they’re my REACH schools. I’m expecting a rejection, but hoping for acceptance. There’s nothing wrong in reaching for a school with high standards. For this, I won’t apologize.</p>
<p>jiggoha; Ah, I see. I’m currently working at UC Berkeley and taking classes at community college. I’m also starting a club next year. It sounds like a weird club, but I’m passionate about it. I was going to volunteer on weekends at the animal shelter, but since I have to study for the SAT, I’m not going to be able to. My schedule is so packed. : (</p>
<p>Ohhh nice. : D I was so happy when I was offered the UC Berkeley job. : ) The pay is awful, but it’s a great experience. : )</p>
<p>When I refer to less fortunate people, I am NOT talking about people who score only 1900 on their SATs. I have not judged you and would be foolish to do so based on a handful of posts on an anonymous board. However, you complain about Princeton’s “policy” being racist (if it even exists), then describe your family as being “un-asian” or “asian”. This confuses me since you seem to decry stereotypes then turn around and perpetuate them.</p>
<p>I realize that you will not be able to develop a depth of ECs at this point. However, by interacting with people outside of your typical interactions, you will discover that many people in this world work hard and yet have less to show for their efforts than a “low” test score. You should not value the opinion of anyone who judges you based on a test score, or an IQ. I applaud you for working hard at your studies and understanding academic subjects. My advice is to consider working hard to understand subjects outside of the classroom (and outside of your usual circle of friends and family).</p>
<p>rmldad; I have to go to class soon so I can’t reply fully. I’ll just say that I do understand your point, but you’re not getting the full picture. Just like I didn’t feel my posts were condescending, I don’t think you feel that you are judging me. You assume I don’t consider those who have more to worry about than a test score. These are assumptions.</p>
<p>Okay I have to go! Thank you all for your comments and this discussion has been a lot of fun, truly. : D</p>