<p>(first time: March 2010)
Junior, will not take ACT (I've studied too much for SAT format, don't want to study another)</p>
<p>Composite: 2150
Critical Reading: 660
Math: 770
Writing: 720 / 8 Essay</p>
<p>UC Berkeley range:
source:</a> collegeboard
Critical Reading: 590 - 710
Math: 640 - 760
Writing: 610 - 720</p>
<ul>
<li>I know I fall within those averages, but I kind of need my SAT scores to stand out, as other parts of my application are pretty weak</li>
<li>My SAT essay is extremely weak, in my opinion - I think I went slightly off-topic, and used bad examples; plus, it was extremely short and written in print; good thing it's only 30% of the writing score, but I still expect a 10 or more from myself</li>
<li>I strongly dislike my Critical Reading score, but really like my Math score</li>
<li>Ironic part: I went through SAT tutoring specifically for english portions of exam, and even then, specifically for essay</li>
<li>In practice tests, I had been scoring an average of 700 for all three categories equally--oddly enough, CR was slightly higher than writing</li>
<li>My PSAT scores were slightly lower than this, but I believe I've improved since then independently</li>
<li>Majoring in liberal arts or soft science - torn between Psychology, English, Art, and others</li>
<li>Other colleges I'm interested in: UCLA, Pomona College; UCLA is slightly lower than Berkeley overall, and Pomona is private and has a higher range</li>
</ul>
<p>I've already sent this score to all four of my top colleges, including Berkeley.
Retake / no / try ACT?</p>
<p>Take a free sample ACT test to see how you fare…if you get a 31+, then take the ACT.</p>
<p>Your SATs are fine, but if you are confident, then go for it. I’m sure you’ll get a 2200+ with a little bit of prep. A month should be enough for 50+ points.</p>
<p>Why are you worried about your SAT scores for UC Berkeley? Your scores already fall in the middle 50% of students who applied last year. So, pretty much, you’re safe.</p>
<p>Dude i got the same exact scores as you, except an 11 on my essay but still 720, i want to apply to Upenn and Brown, what score would i need, im thinking a 2250 would give me a chance, so i guess we both need to get that 50 + pts in 1-2 months lol, hopfeully</p>
<p>(from first post, to answer jerrry) “I know I fall within those averages, but I kind of need my SAT scores to stand out, as other parts of my application are pretty weak”</p>
<ul>
<li>Thanks for the take-a-free-sample-ACT tip, didn’t think of that somehow</li>
<li>To JJ: Upenn and Brown are pretty high-tier schools: according to collegeboard, you meet middle 50% for [url=<a href=“College Search - BigFuture | College Board”>College Search - BigFuture | College Board]UPenn[/url</a>], but barely so on CR, and you’re good on [url=<a href=“College Search - BigFuture | College Board”>College Search - BigFuture | College Board]Brown[/url</a>]
You are also likely stronger than I am for applications (I’m not a 4.0 student, and I have zero leadership so far, zero athletics ever, and very scant volunteering).
You can go either way with retaking; it depends on how well you felt you performed, and how strong you think the rest of your application will be.</li>
</ul>
<p>I think most people who score a 2000 or more pretty much have the potential to hit 2400 if they tried really hard (unless they already think they lucked out for the 2000), so I think I might retake. Not sure yet though–again, I think my math score (which indicates that I only missed 1 or 2) was lucky. Thank you all for your replies.</p>
<p>dude collegeboard is always about 2 years outdated on SAT’s, acceptance rate, financial aid, etc.</p>
<p>@futureENTSurgeon…I have to agree with that one…It gets quite annoying…there’s outdated but not usually always off a bunch…at least it gives you a pretty good estimate!</p>
<p>Oh, didn’t know that, but it does make sense. =/
Is there any source on the web that can give a reliable estimate? I searched stats profiles on here for ‘accepted to UC Berkeley’ and most of the scores were higher than mine, or had something amazing to make up for it.</p>
<p>I mean statistics are constantly being updated there and here…If I were you…Anything that’s outdated within 1-2 years is good to me…I mean lets say the prices for dorm rooms aren’t going to jump $500,000 (exaggeration) but who knows…but normally, based on experience, they don’t jump or differentiate that much…like I said before, nothing’s exact but it’s a good estimate thou</p>
<p>nice stats jerrry! You beat me to it.</p>
<p>if you improve by only 50 points more you’ll be better than the 75%. but your scores are good now</p>
<p>Dude, in terms of your standardized test scores, you’re set. You’re way above average for UC Berkeley based on what I can see. My friends got in easily with 1900s.</p>
<p>Yeah, but your friends probably had sports, ECs, volunteering, etc. I’m relying almost solely on academics and awards. Also, I feel as if I could’ve done better, <em>except</em> for my Math score. So I’m confused and curious about whether or not I should pursue Score Choice.</p>
<p>Thanks for all of your answers.</p>