Hello everyone I am currently up at 7:30 AM and upset about my SAT scores. I plan on retaking it in the fall but that is my last and final chance because it’s my senior year. A miracle has to happen by then.
My dream school is NYU and I’m passionate about it. I’m going next week to do the precollege program and I’m hoping that I do tremendously well in order to stand out.
My SAT score from January was a 1550 (horrible)
And from June a 1640 (90 points but still horrible for NYU)
I currently hold a 4.0 GPA and I plan on majoring in Journalism. I’ve taken HS journalism for 4 years and have raised from being a reporter to a reporter and human interest editor to social media manager and reporter. I do volunteering and have a job. For my junior and in the future for senior year I’ve taken two dual enrollment courses. I am going to take 4 credits this summer at NYU precollege. Although this discussion dialogue may be messy, I am strong with writing, especially essays.
Please remember that I plan to prepare for October’s SAT. But if worst case scenario, I get a 1750, are my chances completely doomed?
P.S my resume is much better this is just a short synopsis
OH AND WITH MY SAT SCORES MATH WAS MY WORST ONE BEING 460 FOR BOTH OF MY SATs WHYYYYYY
First things first. Make sure you can afford NYU. If you can, apply ED and study for that SAT. I had a friend who got in ED with a 27 ACT, so things aren’t that bad for you. Btw that friend had no hooks.
St. Bonaventure is the equal to NYU in Journalism. That school should be on your list.
Have you taken the SAT? Have you taken any subject tests or APs? NYU is “test-flexible,” which means you can select which reports to send them. Read their policy. You should have as wide a choice as possible. You should also explore other options. Temple and DePaul have excellent Journalism programs in great cities. Both are more affordable than NYU.
Have you considered the ACT. Some people score much better on it than the SAT. NYU does accept the ACT.
Have you considered the ACT? Some people do much better on one test vs. the other. You may be one of them. Also, consider the test optional schools - there are many excellent ones. Not everyone is a good test taker.
As for chancing yourself at any school, you need to go to the Common Data Set, Section C and check your stats against those of the admitted class. If you are below the mean in any area, you will need some compensating strength - so, low test scores may be offset by an exceptionally high GPA. Even then, it’s a reach, but not out of the question unless you are looking at the hyper-selective schools.
You are already defeated if you let a set of numbers dictate everything about your future. Do the best you can and make the most of your opportunities. If that means going to a school you consider to be below your target, then let your determination be increased because of it.
Build your college list from your safeties up based on your current stats. Try some practice ACT tests to see if that’s a better test for you, then study and just do the best you can.
Chances are never completely doomed. I’d rather rate them on a scale of pretty good to pretty slim. Do the best you can and try the ACT too. You can always apply (nothing is stopping you) but I wouldn’t get my hopes up or bank on it. Apply to some schools that are more in your range and find some safeties to fall in love with.
Also consider exploring the many test optional schools out there: fairtest.org
I agree 1) try the ACT 2) by all means apply to NYU and 3) look at some test optional schools.
I do think it is a huge mistake to set your heart on one reach school when there are so many great options out there.