<p>I will be entering my senior year this fall, 2006, and have been feeling the pressure to narrow down my list of colleges. During the summer I plan to visit multiple colleges to get a feel for the atmosphere, however, I have already been to Cornell and I fell in love with it. The location is perfect, since it is not too far away from my home. However, I know that this is an Ivy League school, and that it is very hard to get accepted. I am in the top 5% of my class, have a 4.0 average, have a rigorous course load including AP classes, and am extremely involved in extracurricular activities. What I am worried about, however, are my SAT scores. For some reason, I seem to do horrible at standardized testing. I'm not sure if I freeze up or what, but it was devastating when I received my scores. I have only taken the SAT once, and I plan on re-taking it in the fall, after I have studied a great deal. My scores were abominable: Critical Reading: 570, Math: 480, English: 650. I took the ACT as well, and I didn't do as well as I'd liked: 26 composite. It frustrates me because I know these scores do not accurately predict my knowledge or preparation. But I am afraid that if I do not score much higher, my chances at Cornell (and many other schools) are slim to none. Am I correct in this assumption? Do I have any chance? And also, does anyone have any tips on how to improve my scores?</p>
<p>It'll hurt you for sure</p>
<p>Honestly if you can get a 4.0 you should be able to get a 650 in every section without trying too much, so does it have something to do with nerves? Have you taken a lot pf practice tests?</p>
<p>are you a URM? if yes, you have a good chance.</p>
<p>Actually, not even an URM has a good chance with those scores. Look into improving them, otherwise you face an uphill battle.</p>
<p>Low SAT, High Grades makes your GPA look bad. It brings into question the level of grade inflation in your school, so its bad all around. I suggest you just do as many practice tests as you can - practice makes perfect.</p>
<p>Study for the SAT but it is good that you are going to look around for some other colleges to apply to. Keep in mind that summer visits can be misleading without the students there. Choose a few you liked best from the summer and visit again in late September/October. Go to classes, talk to students, walk around the campus (from the freshman dorms to the classrooms), check out what the student union & library are like.</p>
<p>This is what I expected. (By the way, I am a white female, so not a URM). </p>
<p>There is hardly any grade inflation in my school. My SATs do not reflect my aptitude in the least. I am in National Honor Society, and Who's Who in American High School Students. My other activities include Student Council, Secretary of the Senior Class, editor of the school newspaper, Drama Club, History Club, and the community service club.</p>
<p>This is a problem I have with nerves, but I am not sure why it occurs. Hopefully I can do something to change this.</p>
<p>Who's Who in American High School Students means nothing ... its a scam</p>
<p>Blitz, my only advice: just study your ass off this summer so you can take the SAT I in October and I hope you do well.</p>