Hi Guys.
I scored 1790 on SAT (Math: 660, W: 610 CR:520). I didn’t take any prep courses or tutoring because I couldn’t afford to. I studied on my own again and scored a 28 (English: 31, Math: 30, Reading: 28, Science: 24). I ran out of time on the Science section and that ruined my score mainly.
I want all of you to kindly suggest me if I should retake SAT? I prefer the ACT over SAT; however, ACT February testing is not being administered where I live. I have only 18 days to study till the SAT that is scheduled on 23rd January. I am extremely stressed out about getting into a good college. I am aiming for colleges such as Columbia, Princeton, and Northwestern. I have the perfect GPA, straight A’s in O and A level grades, tons of extracurriculars: debates, social work, summer programs, research internships. I have won several awards at debating championships and started many community projects. My essays are on point too. I’ve always been a stellar student but the SAT/ACT are the biggest and only weakness on my application. With such a short time is it possible for me to improve? I was also considering taking SAT 2 subject tests since instead of SAT 1 since my science score is the lowest and I believe I can score well in SAT subject test.
I can’t afford any preparation courses because my mom literally earns around $400 per month. I am an international student seeking financial aid and looking at top colleges. My background story is also really unique and I’ve really struggled (not academically) throughout my life. Do you think I have a chance of getting in competitive colleges and what is the course I should opt for? Is there any SAT Prep program that makes special considerations for any students for your program who have financial constraints? What are the best resources I can use to reach a score around 2100-2200 in such a short time?
I’d be really glad if anyone could help me out and alleviate my stress. Thank you!
My advice is to go to your local library and see if they have any ACT/SAT prep books there. I think your ACT is stronger so focus on that. Try to get it up to at least 32 because anything below that will make it difficult to get into those top schools. It seems like you have a great profile outside of test scores. Don’t be discouraged and focus on one test. Your GPA and EC’s prove that you have the work ethic to improve your score. Good luck!
^^ OP said that the ACT is not being offered in their area so not an option. Honestly, I would say yes you should retake the SAT l to at least make you more competitive. 2200+ as an international is what you should be aiming for but if you fall short, hopefully the other parts of your app and life story will more than compensate. I don’t know if raising your score by 300-400 pets in 3 weeks is possible, but it’s worth a shot if you’re aiming at such incredible schools. Good luck!
The Science section of the ACTs does not assess aptitude for science. It is the least valid of all the subtests of the ACT. There are some schools that look only at some components of the ACTs. I don’t have a list of which they are but know that some good schools do that. The first two are the most valid whereas the others add noise/error to the composite score. So your idea of taking SAT2s in science would be a good one.
Try again but first and foremost you need to relax.
Everyone has a miracle story about preparation and restests but the official data is sobering. At a 28 the typical improvement is 1 point. However, only 55% of test takers improve. 20% stay the same and 24% go down. By the numbers, the schools you are aiming for are 400 points away. You need to rise from the 90th percentile to the 98th or 99th. That is a tall order my friend.
Take it again because there is no risk. Your best score will be used.
If your transcript is as strong as you say, then test optional schools are a way to go.
A 28 and good grades will get you in a lot of good schools in the USA.
I have to say that even if you study, to bring your scores up needed to go to those schools would be very difficult. my son is taking a class from C2 and he went up 100 point which is huge and that was in 2 more months of studying. i think you should look at schools that would very happy in having a student like yourself. Such as highly ranked public school or smaller private school who would give you money. I certainly would take the SAT again and see how you do. Concentrate on getting your reading score up. Go online and take multiple reading tests until you take the test. Good Luck!
You can definitely raise your score come the Jan SAT if you work hard (as I will be doing). Your CR needs the most attention, I highly recommend studying lots of SAT vocabulary (get lists online) and doing practice after practice reading passages with questions. Also, time yourself! You will start to notice patterns in the readings they issue and you will become more analytical while you read. For the math section, study formulas and do loads of practice problems as well. And for writing, find past SAT essay prompts online and time yourself for those! If you want me to go further into breaking down my method of the essay let me know! All of this advice has worked for me, as I was able to raise my score from an 1880 to a 2040 (without super score) in a matter of weeks using these practices. Hope this helps!
Yeah! I mean, you want to get into those schools, right? The average SAT scores for those schools are pretty high.
Watch YouTube videos on the subjects that you’re struggling. If you want more SAT prep books, go to the library or buy them from goodwill for $2. Good luck!