I'm unsure of my capabilities

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hello!</p>

<p>First of all, I would like to admit that I am somewhat intimidated by this forum since so many people on here are amazing, and yet, doubt their chances of getting accepting into their dream school! Anyways, here is my predicament:</p>

<p>I don't know where I should apply to for college. </p>

<p>This is mainly because I have no idea as to what I want to major in, or what I am even capable of. Although I think I have many attributes colleges look for in a prospective student, I feel that my test scores do not match my other achievements. For example, I am ranked number 1 out of nearly 600 students at my high school; but my SAT score is below 2000 (although that was because I took it fresh without any practice or review whatsoever). Now that I think about it, I'm pretty much set except for my scores. I know I can improve if I just take the time to practice; but I don't think I will be able to ever get anything amazing like a 2200+. </p>

<p>I know it's important to pick schools that have majors you might be interested in, but discerning what school to pick when you really have no idea what you want to do is difficult. For example, I was looking at Duke earlier, but then I realized that Duke did not offer a Business program...and what if I wanted to do business in the end? Then I thought to myself, "Should I just cross Duke off my list?"</p>

<p>I always feel the pressure that I am suppose to go somewhere amazing, like an Ivy League. The Valedictorian of 10' is going to Berkeley, 09' is at Harvard, and 08' is at Rice...but I feel like I'm going to end up at a school relatively "easy" to get into. </p>

<p>Does anyone have any advice as to how I can figure out where to apply, or how I should approach my situation? Should I even TRY applying to those famous places? </p>

<p>Any advice will be much appreciated, and thank you in advance!</p>

2

<p>You can definitely improve your SAT score to at least 2100 and that opens up many, many possibilities. </p>

<p>Also, you can major undecided if you really have no idea what major to go into. Picking a school isn’t all about career. You can choose based on size, location, campus, type of students who go there, or a LAC. Then you can start to have an idea to what kind of colleges are for you.</p>

3

<p>if scores the issue, and you’ve only taken the SAT unprepared, give that another go with some preparation and try the ACT with some preparation. Some students (myself included) do significantly better on the ACT. In the meantime, look at a range of schools that offer a range of programs, and keep in mind, with degrees like business, you can always go to graduate school for it.</p>

4

<p>Apply to somewhere you want to go. Don’t go to a prestigious college because of peer pressure. Having said that, prestigious colleges usually offer good academics and opportunities (assuming you’re academically inclined…)</p>

<p>Improving SAT score is very possible. I improved from a 202 PSAT sophomore year (no prep) to a 2330 junior year (studied a decent amount, but didn’t take any classes).</p>

<p>Push yourself and see what you’re capable of. Have fun at the same time :)</p>

5

<p>I agre with Luminouzz, in your case try to find a school with a campus and environment you enjoy that offers enough majors that you won’t be restricted (i.e. no engineering focused schools like Olin College or anything)</p>

<p>If you go to a school where the valedictorians can get into Berkeley, Harvard, and Rice, you have immense potential. I went from an 1850 sophomore year to a 2320 junior year, so believe me when I say improving your score is always possible. You have to put in the time to study, but if you study well you will do well, no question.</p>