Low SAT scores...what next?

Test Preparation
1

<p>I am currently a junior. I got a 185 when I took the PSAT this past fall, then got a 1650 on the SAT in March (620 W, 570 CR, 460 M). Needless to say it was a major blow to my confidence and I am seriously panicking because I don't know what my next move should be. I have tried studying but I am having a hard time managing that on top of school because I'm dealing with a chronic illness that pretty much just wipes me out completely. Said issue also causes some cognitive issues (slowed comprehension especially). I am seeing a math tutor, but that's all we can currently afford as far as 'formal' test prep goes.</p>

<p>My choices are:
1. Retake the SAT in June even if I can't get in as much studying in as I want and risk not improving my score by that much (and stressing out about it...I know stress is common amongst CCers, but it will literally be what makes me sick). The SAT and I do not get along, so I don't know how this will be beneficial until I can get some major studying done.
2. Study for and try taking the ACT in June (I've heard this test is much more straight forward...possibly better for the comprehension issues).
3. Take both in June and risk burning out mentally (currently already kind of on the verge of doing that...)</p>

<p>I think my best bet will be to take the ACT in June, see where I'm at, and then study over the summer and retake both tests in the fall if need be. That way I can focus on one test now and still manage school and finals. </p>

<p>Any other suggestions? Does this sound like a good plan, or are there some loopholes I'm missing? I really need some opinions...I don't want to mess my junior year up anymore than I already have.</p>

2

<p>Take both.</p>

3

<p>Hate to say it but I would do both. Here’s why: the second time on the SAT people tend to improve, and you’re seeing the math tutor. Worth the shot. However the ACT is less about tricking you and more about being quick. Give it a try if you think you can work quickly. If you’re not hurt with either result you have all summer, so pick one and give it a lot of effort- which means practice tests, scoring them, and figuring out what to focus on from that. Then, sign up for October!</p>

4

<p>If you were my kid, I would recommend the following:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Try the ACT in June.</p></li>
<li><p>If the ACT scores don’t please you, try either ACT or SAT again in the fall. You’re still a junior now; you can test again in the fall. Perhaps by then either your health will have improved or the pressures from other sources (final exams, etc.) will be less.</p></li>
<li><p>Try to do a lot of the work on your college applications over the summer. Look at this year’s Common App online. Next year’s probably won’t be very different. Start working on the essays during the summer so you can spread the work out. This will minimize those pressures from other sources that I mentioned in #2.</p></li>
<li><p>Take a look at the list of test-optional colleges and universities here: [SAT/ACT</a> Optional 4-Year Universities | FairTest](<a href=“http://fairtest.org/university/optional]SAT/ACT”>ACT/SAT Optional List - Fairtest). It’s a long list. Some of them are trade schools, and some of them are pretty undistinguished institutions, but there are also some very well respected colleges and universities on the list, too (e.g., American U., Colby, Franklin & Marshall, Smith).</p></li>
<li><p>Schedule a meeting with your guidance counselor to talk about your SAT/ACT issue. Ask whether the gc can address it in his or her letter to colleges, and explain that your health impairment interferes with your performance on standardized tests.</p></li>
<li><p>Be as honest with yourself as you can be: is your current condition chronic but expected to improve in 12-24 months, or is the way you are now the way you’re going to be for the foreseeable future? If this is a long-but-temporary issue, then it makes sense to target the same colleges and universities you would have targeted before your illness; you might also consider a gap year to give you time to get back to your old self. If, on the other hand, this condition is expected to persist longer than a year or two, you might have to accept that it’s going to have an impact of you options for college, and perhaps even a career.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>I guess that’s a pretty broad answer to a fairly narrow question about SAT scores. Sorry 'bout that.</p>

<p>Best of luck.</p>

5

<p>EmHann…I wanted to brighten your spirits. According to the Princeton Review, your scores are above average: [What's</a> a Good SAT Score or ACT Score?](<a href=“http://www.princetonreview.com/college/good-sat-score-act-score.aspx]What’s”>What Is a Good SAT Score? | The Princeton Review) Here’s what they have to say:</p>

<p>So, you just received your SAT or ACT scores and you’re not sure whether you should crack open that '72 sparkling cider or immediately register for the next test date.</p>

<p>Well, it all depends on the colleges you are considering. A 23 on the ACT or a 1800 on the SAT may be above average at one university but below average at another. The higher your score, the more options are open to you.</p>

<p>The Higher, the Better</p>

<p>The national average for the new SAT is 1500. For the ACT, it’s between 20 and 21. If you are close to these averages you will likely be accepted into a considerable number of colleges and universities (as long as you have decent grades), but may not be considered at more selective schools. Above average SAT/ACT scores will improve your chances of getting into a more selective school.</p>

<p>Scores below an 1100 on the SAT or a 15 on ACT are considered low at just about any four-year college. You can overcome low scores with good grades or an outstanding application. But even if you’re accepted by a four-year college, the school may advise or require you to take some remedial courses as a freshman.</p>

<p>Not sure where you stand? Most colleges publish admission data regarding the previous year’s freshman class. Check out the range of scores.</p>

<p>Room for Improvement</p>

<p>Unless you pulled in a perfect 2400 or 36, you can always improve your score. Some students are confident that their numbers are high enough to get them into the college of their choice. But unless you’re an honorary member of the admissions committee, you never know.</p>

<p>A good SAT score or ACT score can also help you snag additional scholarship money. Even if you have already been accepted to a college, you may want to consider taking the test again (say, in December or January of senior year) for that reason.</p>

6

<p>I forgot to say that I also loved Sikorsy’s advice.</p>

7

<p>Yeah it really depends on where you want to go - a 1650 really isn’t THAT bad, it’s just that there are a lot of people who are used to the 2000+ number on this website and scoff at that. Now obviously its not good if you want to go to a school with like a 33% admittance rate or lower, but couple that with good grades from schools and you’ll have doors open for you.</p>

8

<p>@Sikorsky- Thanks, that’s really the type of insight I needed. I think I’m going to go with this plan as I am expecting an improvement over the next few months and probably would not benefit from retaking the SAT in just a month. I like your advice about being realistic with myself…I don’t think I’ve fully realized what my limitations are, and it’ll help with not getting in over my head if I do realize them sooner rather than later. Thanks for pointing that out! </p>

<p>@jdog, @Etuck- I realize that I’m above the national average and that a 1650 isn’t absolutely horrible, but I was pretty confident after taking the PSAT and getting a 185 that I could get around the same score for my SAT…then my health began slipping and my scores went with it. I had my heart set on some higher ranked schools, but now those are out of my range. You’re right though- there’s still room for improvement!</p>

9

<p>EmHann, you’re welcome. Best wishes. </p>

<p>Sent from my DROIDX using CC</p>