Something that's really been bothering me...HELP PLEASE!

Applying to College
1

<p>Looking back to Junior Year, I wonder about some decisions. </p>

<p>This year was a huge eye-opener, I thought I had no limits until I put myself through sleep deprivation and far too many activities this year. I look back, and think if some of them were the right ones...</p>

<p>The most significant of these decisions was DECA vs. my SAT. </p>

<p>I took the SAT for my first time in December, and scored a fair 2100 (740M, 740W, and 620R) after a year of studying and 15 practice tests. I signed up again for the March one, and 7 practice tests later (for, yes, a total of 22 practice test, or 88 hours of my life not counting spot checking) I hope I am ready for another go. However, one thing I did not realize was that DECA State came a week after my SAT. Because I was running for State President (which I luckily won, making this somewhat worthwhile) AND competing in two events (most people are busy enough with competing in one, much less campaigning and competing in two), my mind was completely scattered. As a result, I dropped 10 points in EACH category. I believe I got the same raw score, but the curve brought me down. </p>

<p>This probably demonstrates the biggest struggle I have had with doing what is best for my future VS what is best for getting into my dream college. (Stanford) </p>

<p>What do you guys think? Was my decision the right one? I feel that had I been completely focused on the SAT, I could have scored a perfect Math and Writing (I had gotten close on some practices) and if lucky, a 700+ on Reading. But my mind was completely shot. The 2 weeks before my SAT, I got 3-5 hours each night. Hopefully colleges will value me being DECA State President over 200 more points on the SAT =/</p>

<p>I've come to realize that mere test scores do nothing to define how good of a person I am (after my humbling scores were returned), but I just feel so split on my decision. Help please...</p>

<p>Another thing is that I was wondering if you guys thought I should include any of this (my 22 practice SATs, showing persistence and determination; or my tradeoff of State President over SAT) in my essays. Thanks!</p>

<p>Hopefully I put this in the right section...I wasn't sure where to stick it.</p>

2

<p>I think you did just fine. You're not a number. If you don't get accepted, really, who cares? Everyone I know that has been to college has said that they liked the college they went to, everyone, even if it wasn't their first choice.</p>

<p>But maybe I have a different mindset than most people here...</p>

3

<p>If you read the research on SAT scores (start at The</a> National Center for Fair & Open Testing | FairTest) you will find that 10 points is meaningless from a statistical standpoint. No college admission committee is going to think that you suddenly got dumber on the day of the March exam. So don't sweat this.</p>

<p>You like DECA, and you are State President - WOW!! That is waaaay more interesting than 10 points each on the three sections of the SAT.</p>

<p>Don't waste your time and energy writing about how many practice tests you took for the SAT, or attributing a (not even statistically significant) 10 point "drop" to your presidential campaign. Spend that time and energy on being a dynamite president for your state chapter of DECA.</p>

<p>Wising you all the very best.</p>

4

<p>Bumppp</p>

<p>(more thoughts?)</p>

5

<p>if i were you i would have done the same thing.</p>

6

<p>Enjoy your activities.</p>

7

<p>I think that if after 15 practice tests you got a 2100 and after 22 practice tests you got a 2070 that is a pretty safe bet that 2100 pretty well reflects how you do on the SAT.</p>

<p>2100 is a very good score, and if the rest of what you present to Stanford is good the 2100 won't keep you out.</p>

<p>I would not emphasize your 22 practice tests as some sort of special virtue.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

8

<p>Yeah...just that feeling that I could do better...but whatever. I felt like I worked hard but didn't work smart. Put in quantity but not quality =/</p>

<p>Ok well I'll be thinking about what you guys said! Thanks!</p>

9

<p>I am not sure why this is such a big deal. If you are not happy with how you did not your SATs take them again. There are testing dates in the fall that come early enough to be considered even if you apply SCEA. Almost all schools look at only the highest score in each category. While you made this into an either or (SAT or DECA) situation--it really isn't so. </p>

<p>I do not think it would help you to include practice test scores in your application essay or to use your test prep focus as a sign of determination and work ethic. To be blunt--it sounds a bit desperate to impress and that excuses are being made. I am sure that you have something much more interesting and important to discuss in your application essay.</p>

10

<p>You made a reasonable decision based on what you knew at the time. There's no point in agonizing over what might have happened had you made another decision, or agonizing over what other people think of your decision with the benefit of information you did not have at the time you made it.</p>

<p>You'll be faced with countless other decisions in your life. You should make each of those decisions the way you made this one: do some research, and choose the option that seems best given the information you have. Then accept the consequences, whatever they prove to be.</p>

<p>The aphoristic version of this advice is, "Don't cry over spilled milk."</p>