<p>Okay, I'm unsure where this should go, but here it goes. </p>
<p>I really want to get into UVA, and I am unsure if I should take the SAT again. Here's a quick and condensed run down of my stats and situation: </p>
<p>I am an African American male with a 3.5 unw GPA (unsure what weighted is, probably 3.7). I have taken 5 AP classes so far with four 5's and one four, I plan on taking five more next year. I have been in marching band for four years and I am drum major this year. I was Latin Club Parliamentarian last year and Drama Club Treasurer this year, both clubs I have been involved with for four years. I have a plethora of awards with Latin and I had a lead role a play last year. I will most likely be Band President this year as well. Additionally, I've done Certamen throughout all of high school as well. This year I took the US History SAT Subject test and received a 750. When I took the SAT in June, my score was 1880. 770 in CR, 540 in Writing, and 570 in Math. Obviously, my other two scores are pretty low, but I think that since I want to be a history major, math is slightly irrelevant, and with my other stats considered I think I might be able to get out of only retaking the SAT solely for writing. </p>
<p>I'm not a slacker, but if I didn't have to prep for the SAT then it would free up much more time for me during band season and to spend quality time on applications and homework. Yet, when I took the SAT in June, it was for the first time and without prep, so I might be able to do much better. The only problem is that if I add one more thing to my plate then I might die from stress, and I know I'll never be able to find time to prep for the SAT. </p>
<p>I think that you should take the SATs again, or maybe even the ACTs if you can do both.
A 770 in critical reading is very respectable, no doubt, but anything below a 600 for UVA is essentially setting yourself up for a rejection letter. If you live out-of-state, then I would suggest at least straight 700s across the boards, if in-state, then a total of 1900+.</p>
<p>Try the ACTs if you’re even the least bit hesitant and can afford spending the time and money to take it. The most important part of taking the ACT - it gives you OPTIONS of what you will submit. Also, most schools don’t require SAT subject tests if you submit the ACT w/ writing.</p>
<p>Other than that, everything else seems to look good, with the exception of your GPA. Not to say that it isn’t good, but especially if you don’t live in the state of VA, you should get that up to a 3.7+ UW and a 4.2+ weighted if you can. Obviously, you’re a senior, so that’s not really possible, but if you can get your testing scores up, the admissions officer might see through that. I just had to scan, not even read, your extracurriculars to know that you seem like a dedicated and aspiring young man. Keep up the good work and best of luck!</p>
<p>BTW, it definitely is hard to find time for studying for the SATs, but just do a section a day (20-30 minutes) or even half of that, and do a lot of prep during the part of the summer that remains.</p>
<p>Even though you want to be a history major, that doesn’t mean colleges should disregard your SAT score because it doesn’t consist of history related topics. The SAT is a key component to getting admitted into universities and colleges. </p>
<p>You have to retake the SAT if you really want to UVA. Otherwise, you should look at other schools where your SAT is in range. The middle 50% of students at UVA is as follows:</p>
<p>SAT Math 640-740 range of middle 50%
SAT Critical Reading 620-720 range of middle 50%
SAT Writing 630-730 range of middle 50%</p>
<p>Thanks, I knew you were going to say that. I just have a lot of anxiety regarding the SAT’s. I’ll try and find time though, I just need to raise my other scores a couple of points anyway because of my 770 anyway. I’d rather take more Subject tests than the ACT. Yeah and my GPA is pretty poor, this is because my freshman year I didn’t try or care so I tanked my GPA, otherwise it would be higher. I do have an upward trend sort of thing going I guess though.</p>
<p>I also forgot to include that I am in National Honor Society, the International THespian Society and National English Honor Society. Additionally, I lifeguarded this summer, IDK if that counts for anything. </p>
<p>EDIT: I also went to a Student Leadership Band Camp at UVA my Junior year. Unsure if that means anything either.</p>
<p>Yes I would take it again. Math and writing are the easiest sections to improve on, and your CR score is very good so with a couple weeks of prep you’ll be set for UVA.</p>
<p>I’d take it just to be sure. I wish I had your reading score!
But if you have that much experience, writing should be easy, give it another go. And math is very study able. </p>