December 5th was my first time taking the SAT and I didn’t study at ALL and I didn’t even know how long it was going to take and even the content (probably because I’m lazy…) but I scored a 1500 (CR-540, Math-470, Writing-490 / Essay-9) which was pretty bad because my friends who also took it for the first time got 1700+ and 1900+ which was a big blow to my self esteem. I didn’t get enough sleep and I was sick (I was that one girl coughing and sniffing every 2 minutes) and I think I didn’t take the SAT’s seriously but now I’m just regretting flunking it off.However I’m really motivated to study now but I only have exactly a month to study for the SAT and I feel like it’s not enough since my goal is to score 1950++. I have the blue SAT book and the princeton review, khan academy practice questions and I’m planning to study for them today and the whole of winter break for 3-4 hours a day. Anyways I’m just really disappointed with my SAT score because I know that I would have done so much better with preparation but I guess it’s my own fault for not taking it seriously. My GPA is a 3.9 (it might go down due to this semester), and I scored 5’s on my AP tests so far and I’m taking mostly AP classes in school and I have leadership positions in clubs (Junior Cabinet, NAHS) and I’m a varsity cheerleader if that’s any relevant to the college application. My dream (probably impossible) school is Columbia, JHU, Princeton and my reach is NYU and all my hopes and dreams are shattered thanks to my SAT score 
I just want to know if it’s realistic to raise my SAT score to a 1900+/2000+ in a month
It depends on your grade. If you’re a senior, then don’t hang your hat on Princeton or NYU. If you’re a junior, then you can totally raise your score. A 400 point increase is major- don’t underestimate the amount of effort it will take- but it might be doable. And if your January test doesn’t work out, then retake it a third time. Also, remember that many excellent schools are test-optional
Thanks for replying!! I’m a junior right now and I think the January test is the last current SAT so I can’t take it the third time. I’m thinking of studying for like 4 months for the new SAT in April/May.
That’s awesome! Since you seem to be very strong in the classroom, consider the ACT also: personally, I’ve noticed that the SAT sometimes favors the “lazy but smart” kid and the ACT favors the “hardworking straight A’s” kid.
I’m sorry but your list of schools is not realistic due to your 3.9 GPA that you say is expected to drop and your current SAT score. Those schools want extremely high scores and grades along with phenomenal extracurriculars. I recommend you focus on finishing off your junior year as strong as you can, taking a rigorous schedule your senior year, prepping for the ACT since you may test better with it, and spending some time looking at student profiles for schools you are interested in ( ex: accepted student GPA, scores, etc). Also, speak to your parents about what they can afford as well. NYU has a rep for not doling out many merit scholarships and is one of the most expensive colleges. In my state, your current stats would get you into a mid level state school. Don’t let this defeat you though. Be honest with yourself,and do what you need to do. You will find your place even if it isn’t your dream school.
I would plan on taking the ACT in the spring if your January score doesn’t come in where you’d like it. Also, not sure about NYU, but understand that 1950 or 2000 is not nearly enough for the other schools you mentioned. Make sure you have realistic match and safety choices.
@jinnie Bruh you dream too hard, time to snap back to reality
OOP THERE GOES GRAVITY
I understand completely that ivy league schools are way out of reach for me but I really want to go to a good school in New York. I just plan on doing my best this year and study hard for my SAT’s so I can just see my options in my senior year… My match schools are UGA, Georgia State and maybe Georgia Tech (I’m thinking maybe this is more of a realistic reach?) I’m an asian girl and I was born in Korea and I lived in Australia and moved to the States in Middle school and I was wondering if that would make a good impression on schools?
Georgia tech may be somewhat of a “reach”(not really), especially because of your race. However, being a girl will help.
You might have a shot! I’m no expert on taking college entrance exams since my recent score were SAT: 1740 and ACT: 30. You have a good GPA! Anything within a 3.5 or higher would be acceptable to some universities in the Ivy League.
The SAT practice books are quite lengthly and long. I am as well studying for the SAT to take it this upcoming year. As I’ve there is “The New SAT” coming next year and I have no clue what will change on the SAT or how drastic it will change vice-versa to the past SAT’s.
Good luck on both SAT and acceptance to Columbia!
-Mgatsby20
Try the ACTs too