May Unimprovements

Applying to College
1

<p>Hello CC-ers, this is my first post here, but hey, I have to start somewhere...</p>

<p>Anyways, here's the thing. I woke up today and nervously ran to the computer, and logged on to collegeboard like many of you guys to see my March SAT I score. To my dismay, it was a 2100. Now, don't get me wrong, that's nothing to sneer at, and I would be absolutely content with that score if one problem didn't exist: this is my second test I've taken.<br>
My first time I got a 2180 and was practically jumping all-over my house in joy. But, my score dropped 80 points. Whoops.</p>

<p>So I dragged myself to school drowning in regret: "I should have cancelled it," "I shouldn't have taken it," etc. Finally, here I am, desperate for some assurance. So I've asked myself, "Should I take this evil test a third time in October or not?" Right now I'm afraid of the chance of scoring even WORSE than the two before, and I can't be certain I'd have time to fully prepare during the summer because of other activities.</p>

<p>So lets say I decided NOT to retake it for the third time. I'm worried about my shrinking chances of getting into UCLA/UCBerkeley. How horribly will this look on my application? Was this a gigantic mistep? </p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>2100 is an excellent score! It will not hold you back from first-rate colleges. You are proving the point that high scorers lose points each time they take the test.</p>

3

<p>Err, UCLA and Berkeley are not a problem for you, unless you're not in-state... THEN I'd be worried. Those UC's aren't exactly reaches with 2100. More like matches, since I've seen tons of people with <2100 get in.</p>

4

<p>Thanks for these speedy replies, but the problem isn't necessarily the present score, but rather the drop and how badly that decrease looks for college admissions. Luckily, I live in Southern California, so you've successfully relieved my worries there.</p>

5

<p>The College Board tells you, many students drop when they retake it. And UCs want you to report your highest score, so the 2100 didn't happen. =)</p>

6

<p>Wow, that's fantastic news to me kyeldavid80, thanks!</p>

7

<p>Yeah. The UC's will count your 2180. Which is plenty high.</p>

<p>I concur with the "jumping." I actually ran outside and did a dance in the street (my friend dared my to do it if I got above a 2250).</p>