<p>During this summer so far I've been studying for the SATs. However my practice scores are awfully low (too ashamed to say the score ranges). The thing that upsets me the most is that I get pretty good grades, I take challenging courses my school offers (the most I can), I have good ecs with a leadership position in FBLA and some other prospect positions for my senior year. I've also been doing community service and I will be starting this one volunteer program that only a 100 applicants were accepted. </p>
<p>My question is would my possible low SAT score screw up my chances for my dream schools even though I do well in other areas? In case you are wondering here are my schools of choice:</p>
<p>It would depend on your scores. For Mudd I would say you would need extremely high scores in mathematics and on science related subject tests. Something like 2200+ would make you competitive. At UCLA, keeping in mind the score ranges for admitted students, 2000+ is competitive, and at USC 2100+. Remember that statistics aren't the only thing, and that UCLA and Harvey Mudd have a hollistic review process (I'm not sure about USC). If you're strong in other areas it might compensate for below-average test scores. That's if you're strong.</p>
<p>Nothing stellar about ECs, but then again you arent applying to any Ivies. Nothing in your ECs shows interest in mathematics, engineering, or science, so Harvey-Mudd is likely a far reach. Best thing going for you is time. You still have another year.</p>
<p>all the uc's except for LA you should be fine. now, that's if you're 1850+ SAT, which i think is within your capability. your reaches are usc, ucla, and especially mudd. i do feel sorry for kids at our school who aspire to the technical schools (mit, mudd, caltech), because there's ZERO science stuff.</p>
<p>Go to the UC website. They have a chart that lists GPAs and the matching test scores needed for admission - it's a sliding scale, depending on your grades.</p>
<p>UCSD has a different system - they base admission on a point system. Their website explains it, alhough it's a bit hard to figure how many points you personally might have from their information, but you can estimate.</p>
<p>I do think Harvey Mudd will be difficult without strong math scores, advanced math classes, and some passion for the subject.</p>
<p>yeah he's national merit. he was going to ucla but i think something happened and he's going to caltech. maybe he got in off a wait list. i dont know. but more than one person told me.</p>
<p>"Go to the UC website. They have a chart that lists GPAs and the matching test scores needed for admission - it's a sliding scale, depending on your grades."</p>
<p>That sliding scale is the minimum needed to get into any UC. With his GPA he's already above the sliding scale, and I believe is a shoo in at UCR. But the other UCs, I don't know. He might have a chance at UCI and UCSB.</p>
<p>The UCs do accept ACT scores in lieu of the SAT I. Some people who score unusually low on the SATs find the ACTs are better at showing their potential.</p>
<p>Can you give us a rough idea of how you're doing from the practices? </p>
<p>My experience is on each section: </p>
<p>500s would put you as a far reach, and possibly out of the running, on most of those schools you listed</p>
<p>600-699 would put you in an okay position for most of those schools, but those scores certainly won't be impressive, and will probably bring you down</p>
<p>700+ would be impressive to any school on your list except Harvey Mudd, which has very, very, high SAT math standards. </p>
<p>My advice for the SATs is to pinpoint why you're missing questions. Is there something you</p>