<p>Hey everyone. I am rising junior and I was wondering whether colleges look more closely at grades or standardized test scores.</p>
<p>I have a 4.8 gpa weighted and a 4.9 unweighted and overall, I am an A and B+ student. However my SAT score is killing me, it's a 1860. I have been trying to bring it up but I realized I am just not a very good test taker. I haven't taken the ACT yet, btw. </p>
<p>I am pretty active extracurricularly. I am NHS, student council, relay for life, hosa, Red Cross, and I did an internship at a biotech company for a summer. I also worked at a hospital as an intern 2 years in a row, last year and this year and have earned 120 hours of community service from the hospital. </p>
<p>Based on my characteristics, will I be able to get into schools like Baylor, Northeastern, Boston univ, and UT?</p>
<p>My high score is incredibly competitive. I think my school has its own weird way of scaling. I know that on a 4.0 scale, I have around a 3.3-3.4. I want to study pre med.</p>
<p>About the discrepancy, I have really bad test taking skills and cannot focus on tests well. This has been difficult for me. I have tried to build endurance and focus but I am still struggling. But based on my info, how would I place for admissions?</p>
<p>The best way to see how you stack up is to Google the Common Data Set for each school. Section C7 shows what is used in admissions, sections C9-11 show the stats for enrolled students.</p>
<p>SATs are heavily weighted. Slightly more than GPA. Keep taking it as much as you can and try to improve your Math more than anything else. You may find out that you’re better at the ACT though. Many do. You’ll be able to get into Baylor. I had scores and a GPA slightly better than those and I was admitted into UT. My sister had lower grades/scores than you and she got into Baylor. You’re doing well, but remember to keep improving</p>
<p>Forgot to say that you should take AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP English, AP Biology/Chemistry and even AP Anatomy especially since the last few pertain to the Pre Med field. And any other APs (like Government)</p>
<p>For UT Austin, what matters is your class rank. Top 7% as a Texas resident, you are in (though sometimes not to your desired major). Otherwise, it is a reach.</p>
Have you been tested for ADD or similar? It sounds like the scores may relate to this type of test taking issue, rather than lack of knowledge. </p>
<p>Also note that an 1860 is not far from the SAT average for most of the schools you listed, nor is unexpectedly low for a 3.3-3.4 GPA (with the grading used at most US HSs). The sum of the mid point between 25% and 75th percentile are below:</p>
<p>Baylor – 1815
UT Austin – 1865
Boston U – 1930
Northeastern – Writing Not Reported</p>
<p>If you have the grades then the SAT becomes more of a focus. If you have the SAT, then the GPA becomes more of a focus. It you have both then ironically neither one becomes very important.</p>
<p>Seriously, everyone needs to calm down. You have plenty of time to raise your SAT score. I know graduating senior who get way lower scores. Your grades are good, your EC are fantastic, and you shouldn’t worry about the MCAT until your third year as an undergrad. However, a near perfect GPA is a must. Who wants a doctor who slacks off? Not me! These people are just trying to bring you down. I think they’re jealous of your ECs! I know I am! But luckily I’m done with that look into some ivys</p>
<p>What? The Op’s scores are nowhere near “ivy” level. The question of what matters more, GPA or standardized test scores, may differ from school to school. As a general rule, your transcript is more important (both the grades and course selection). It makes sense that the accumulated record achieved over four years tells more about you than a single Saturday morning test. When there is huge mismatch of high aptitude on an SAT and relatively poorer performance in school, that would reasonably suggest that you are not working to your ability and that can’t be a good thing.</p>
<p>It depends on the school to weigh more in GPA or test scores. On the other hand, I don’t see a discrepancy between your uwGPA of 3.3-3.4 in 4.0 scale and SAT 1860.</p>
<p>@MrEngineer: AP Anatomy doesn’t actually exist… @OP: take the ACT before you start freaking out. Based on GPA, your test scores shouldn’t be that low. Maybe the ACT will be s better fit</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for the responses. I haven’t taken the ACT ever, so I will definitely try it out and see how it is. I am continuing to practice taking the tests so my scores will improve.</p>
<p>As for higher level classes, I am taking 6 IB and 1 AP course next year, which all together is 7 college level courses, and my school has 7 period a day. So I think my courses are pretty rigorous and challenging. I am determined to my bring both my GPA and SAT scores. </p>
<p>Once again, I appreciate all of the advice you have all kindly given me.</p>
look into some ivys</p>