On forum mistakes and questionable life choices: HELP!

Applying to College
1

<p>Note: I posted this in the "What are my chances?" area, and now I think that's a mistake... I don't want to come across as spamming or anything, but I don't know how to delete a post, and I do seriously need advice. Here goes:</p>

<p>My grades are excellent (3.8 average, but since sophomore year I have maintained a 4.0 or higher), and I have some unique outside-of-school activities that I think will (hopefully) help me stand out a bit... My problem is my SAT scores. For the reasoning test, without any studying, I scored an 1890, with a dismal 520 in the math category. Worse, however, are my subject test scores. I achieved a mediocre 660 in Literature, but, here goes... I scored an embarrassing 470 (!) in Chemistry. I was totally shocked. I didn't study for the subject tests either, but I was (foolishly) pretty confident going into the testing center (despite having had a terrible day and a mere three hours of sleep). Still, when I opened the test book, I was really shocked... I had a straight A+ average in Chemistry, and even got a 100 on the final for Spring semester. Yet the questions on the test were unlike anything I had learned in my class. Unlike my class, which was largely mathematics, I suppose, this test was filled with very, very specific questions about each element.</p>

<p>Anyway, I'm dragging, but my question is this: I'll be a senior in a few weeks, and with SAT scores so pitiful, is there any reason for me to apply to a decent/good college? I'm terrified that my application will be laughed at and tossed aside.</p>

<p>Furthermore, I'm confused about which school to even apply to! I love the idea of NYU because I'm not particularly looking forward to "campus life" or anything like that. I really want to go to school because I love learning, and not because I'm keen on meeting tons of new people or living in a dorm (egads!). I am also in a very, very serious relationship, and my partner and I may be forced to pay with the very high cost of a college education because my parent's support of me (and us) is perpetually changing. Should I go to a community college first? Should I even bother? And if my grades are so great, and my school supposedly follows all of my state's standards, why were the SAT tests so challenging? Do my poor scores suggest that I'm not prepared mentally for college? I'm feeling a lot of pressure and confusion right now, and I could really use some objective advice... Be brutally honest. Thank you so very much!</p>

<p>Edit: When I say "good/decent" school, I'm not talking Ivy League like some users here... I'm more talking anything in the UC system, University of Oregon, etc...</p>

2

<p>ok, calm down. You have great grades and since you say that your ECs are good then that's one down. Since you're a 4.0 student, teachers will give you awesome recommendation letters. And now all that's left is....</p>

<p>RETAKE SATs. Yes, your score isn't good enough for NYU but you can retake it. The possible retakes are the SATs only saving grace. This time- study hard by following a good SAT guide book and do plenty of practice tests. To be safe- STUDY and then only take the ACT also. You seem like the kind of person who would do well on the ACT.
And NYU is really expensive and is supposed to be really stingy with FA. I hope you can afford it.
I know 3 people who got into NYU with SATS scores of-
1910, 1980 and 2020. And one of the girl who got accepted is dead dumb- don't know how she got in. Maybe it helps that she's a suck-up.
Also, a friend of mine got into MIT with a SAT score of 2020 and like you, she had great grades....just throwing in this bit too. So, stop feaking out about your SATs. I know so many students who are incredibly smart but didn't do well on the SATs.
And not doing well on the SATs only means that you don't know the SAT tricks. Or so I've read.
Good luck. But stop worrying coz it's clearly not solving ANY problems.</p>

3

<p>Yeah, as of now your SAT is pretty low for your choice schools, but you've still got several test dates left if you want to retake it. I'm going to suggest something different, though: TAKE THE ACT. From my experience, the ACT seems to agree with those who don't like the SAT - my ACT score, for example, blows my SAT out of the water. Also, many schools will accept the ACT in lieu of both the SAT and SAT II's. You have great grades and strong EC's, so you're more than halfway there. Just do a lot of studying for whichever standardized you choose, and I wish you luck in the process! :)</p>

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<p>Thanks so much for the feedback, you guys. I feel a little less stressed and a lot more inclined to take the ACT... I guess I was under the false impression that while the ACT was accepted, SAT scores were preferred by most schools. In any case, I'm looking into the ACT now... Thank you!</p>

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<p>You're welcome, and good luck with the ACT!</p>