<p>So im sort of in a predicament and I need your help :). I am a current senior hoping to go to a pretty decent school, but I'm having some problems. I have one of the most rigorous senior year schedules of any senior at my high school (ranked top 300 nationally including magnet schools). My current schedule is AP Physics C, AP Envi Sci, AP Calc BC, AP English, AP Gov/AP Econ (1 class). My AP Calc teacher is extremely hard and I will most likely (barring a superhuman grade on the next test and final) get a B in his class. If I study like a maniac I may be able to pull off an A. However, I am also set to take the Jan. 23rd SAT for my reach schools (Columbia and Dartmouth). My highest test score is a pathetic 32 and I really need to get that score up. I scored a 2090 on the SAT cold in November (long story why I took it so late) and I think I can score 2200+. Should I just sacrifice the A in math and study for the SAT?</p>
<p>I’ll second JoeblogsFAILS…the SAT is only a check to see if you are getting good grades because you are trying hard. If you are getting a 2200 with a 3.2 GPA, you obviously aren’t performing to your potential and colleges look down on that.</p>
<p>You’re contending that the sole purpose of schools’ requiring the SAT is “to see if you are getting good grades because you are trying hard”? If so, you’re mistaken.</p>
<p>“… scored a 2090 on the SAT cold in November (long story why I took it so late) and I think I can score 2200+. Should I just sacrifice the A in math and study for the SAT?”</p>
<p>Definitely! I would focus on the SAT for now if I were you. If your high school is as good as you proclaim, then a B in Calc for just one marking period is perfectly acceptable for admission at any school in the country. You are NOT expected to have perfect grades! On the other hand, a 2090 on the SAT is kind of plain, kind of average… I think a 2250 SAT score will help you a lot more in this case. Besides, your cumulative GPA is already pretty much set based on your GPAs from past years; one “B” would not affect it that much.</p>
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<p>Yes, it’s true, but we are talking about the culmulative GPA from all three/four years of high school here, not just one grade for one subject for just one marking period! If one SAT test is equivalent to or only slightly less important than all four years of high school GPA, why wouldn’t you focus on the test right now?</p>
<p>“Yes, GPA is more important than the SAT. That doesn’t mean the 3.95 2000 SAT gets in over the 3.90 2400 SAT. It’s all relative.”</p>
<p>I guess you have me beat…I was thinking very broadly, not focusing on the fact that this is only 1 course.</p>
<p>The reason I say GPA is more important is because I guarantee that when I apply next year, some inner-city Atlanta kid taking the easiest courses at a terrible school will be pulling in a 4.0 and will get in over me, with all Honors and AP’s pulling in a 3.5 because ALL Georgia Tech cares about is GPA :(</p>
<p>The general consensus that I get is you are basically screwed if you don’t get a 3.7-4.0</p>
<p>Personally, I would study for the SAT. A “B” in Calc isn’t going to look that bad at all, especially when part of a overall strong courseload and high GPA. But it’s up to you-use your intuition. Good Luck!</p>
<p>But wait, chris17236, are you really related to that webpage? How come every post of yours is advertising for it? it’s suspicious. many of us noticed that. Defend yourself if you need to. say it out loud.</p>
<p>I’m in your situation except I have exams (worth 30% of my mark) at the same time as my 3 subject tests next week. Just try your best to study for both. I guess the best thing to do was to start studying a month ago for everything haha.</p>
Good Luck!</p>