<p>I visited UVA last spring, and absolutely fell in love with it. It's my top choice, so I'd like to maximize my chances of getting in. Unfortunately for me, they strongly recommend two SAT IIs... I took the Bio-M and Math 2, but my Math 2 score was- at best- extremely disappointing. I got a 640 (I know, eek.) on the Math, and a 720 on the Bio-M (I wasn't thrilled about that either, but at least it's decent.)</p>
<p>I'm planning on applying EA, Nov. 1st, so theoretically I could take more SAT IIs on October 5th and get the scores back in time to send them, however I am a dedicated horse back rider and my big finals competition is that same day. I would hate missing finals, but am willing to do so if it means a stronger application. If I don't take the SAT IIs in October, I'll be taking them in November. I'm thinking Physics and English Lit... I'm also considering retaking the ACT in September as I only took it once and didn't prepare for it at all. </p>
<p>My scores...
SAT (best): 2120
ACT: 32
Bio-M: 720
Math 2: 640
GPA: 3.88</p>
<p>If it's of importance, my 2nd choice is UNC Chapel Hill, and third is Duke, but I of course have a couple of safety schools as well. I'm also really leaning towards medical school, and my major will obviously be something in the sciences. </p>
<p>So, any advice? Do you think it would be okay to just take the SAT IIs in November, and only send the Bio-M score to UVA? And would taking the ACT again be beneficial? </p>
<p>Are you instate or OOS? If you are instate I feel like saying you’re good to go. If you’re OOS you might want to consider another SAT II. Your SAT II’s should preferably be 700+. </p>
<p>Your ACT and SAT are fine for UVA OOS, but might not meet UNC’s standards for OOS. Why you might ask, how can they be fine for UVA but not ok for UNC a less competitive school? Well, it’s 33% OOS at UVA and 18% at UNC. UNC is a notorious tough admit for OOS. Then again, this could all be hogwash as i got into UNC OOS with a 31 ACT so. Rumor has it that UNC gives a huge leg up in admissions to valedictorians and salutatorians as they do actively track that stat for incoming classes.</p>
<p>A large percentage of early applicants at UVa are deferred to the spring for a decision. That provides time to achieve higher subject scores (particularly for subjects that you are studying your senior year). </p>
<p>In general, early applicants should watch out. Some may slack off in school after they submit their early applications, but that could kill their chances if they are deferred for a later decision.</p>
<p>Just some background information on myself. I was accepted to UNC CH out of state as well as the Echols Scholar program at UVA (regular decision). If you’re looking into getting UNC, you need at least 700s on your subject tests (I received 710 on Lit and 770 on US History). I think a low 700 would be fine for the Math II because it is one of the harder ones. You should not take more than three subject tests; even upper tier colleges require 2. If you took APUSH, US History would be very easy to score high on. Have in mind that UVA compares subject test scores to AP scores so if you got a 5 on AP Bio, your low 700 wouldn’t look bad. If you’re looking into Echols Scholars you will probably need a 33 on the ACT (my score), but for regular in-state admissions a 32 is actually higher than what a lot of my friends who go to UVA got. It’s very easy to bring up an ACT score. I went from a 31 to a 33 after using some workbooks. However, essays are very important and I recommend that you start writing them now if you’re applying Early Action.</p>
<p>An invitation into a scholars program at UVa is not dependent on test scores. I’ve written about our review for Echols, Rodman, and CSS before on my blog. Clearly, you need excellent academic credentials, but a lot of what prompts us to pull someone into one of those programs is found in recommendations and essays.</p>