Ranked #1 in class but SATs are low

Hi,

I am currently a senior in high school. I am currently ranked #1 in my class with a GPA of 4.258 (4.0 according to the scale). I am in the National Honor Society and World Language Honor Society. I do a lot of clubs and I hold treasurer in the World Language Honor Society and Gay Straight Alliance Club. I also tutor for the NHS. My concern is that my SAT scores are too low. I received a 1020/1600 (500 in math and 520 in reading). I am just not good at test taking at all. I signed up to take them again next Saturday, but I think I am not going to show because I am not ready and fear that I would do worse, plus I am not in a math class this year, so if anything, that will hurt me. After freshman year, I was in honors and AP classes, taking 3 AP classes this year and 2 last years. But I did take numerous honors classes my soph and junior year. I held 90s and above in all my classes. Should I just leave my SAT score how it is? I am applying to: Seton Hall University, Rutgers New Brunswick, The College of New Jersey, and Kean University. I want to go into education, perhaps special education. I will also be applying through the EOF program. Is my SAT scores really going to hurt me? If I was to take them again, I won’t be able to send colleges my highest score because would I have to send them both scores since Rutgers application is due December 1? Or do I send them my new SAT scores afterwards, I am confused because it takes 10 days for me to send them and I wont get my new SAT scores until the end of November. Thank you.

You have good chances

Have you considered ACT?
I am not concerned with Kean and Seton Hall. I am not sure about Rutgers and TCNJ.
Keep in mind you are likely required to take placement due to low SAT score.
I think Seton Hall has something like public school rate if you score is high enough. Hence may be worth a try.
I am surprised with the Dec 1 deadline with Rutgers.

first off TCNJ is by far the strongest school listed and its nationally ranked#2 in the nation for Ed degree. Having said that , I would take the ACT and see if you don’t do better, also some tutoring should help.

I agree with the above posts advising you try the ACT. Some kids are just much better at one test than the other. Seems like you could be in the running for scholarships at those schools given your GPA and rank if you have a good ACT result.

Apply to test optional schools

1° Take the test tomorrow. Colleges use your best score (either single sitting or even separately) so you have nothing to lose. Check that you want all scores sent to your 4 colleges - TCNJ, Rutgers, plus two new universities (LaSalle? CSI? Arcadia? Moravian?)

2° Apply to test optional colleges
http://www.fairtest.org/sites/default/files/Optional-Schools-in-U.S.News-Top-Tiers.pdf
National LACs:
4-51= reaches pick as many as you wish, could be 1 could be 5
51-77 = matches pick 3-5 (or more, since you need significant financial aid)
the rest = safeties - pick 2

3° Try the ACT. Register for the December session. If you’re EOF, it means you should have fee waivers for the ACT and the SAT.

@newjerseygirl98 probably has advice for you.