Standardized Testing Plan - Help!!

Applying to College
1

<p>Hey everyone,</p>

<p>I'm way too tired to type up my whole resume (5 Co-curriculars that I've been doing for 3+ years, interesting life experiences in the tropics and abroad, such as chairing a 300 person plenary to write about for the supplement and the common app, 3.8-3.9 GPA, multiple school awards) in FULL detail right now, but my standardized testing is the component of my potential ED app to the College of Arts and Life Sciences at Cornell that I'm worried about (And I'm on summer break!)</p>

<p>My SAT Scores (Highest) would be
Crt. Reading: 690
Math: 550
Writing: 680</p>

<p>I know that Crt. Reading and Writing are going to vary between 650-710 because those are generally the scores I get while studying (and I'm strict with self-assesment), but the math I can definitely improve to at the very least 600 and at the most a 650-670 (Since I'm studying like mad right now)</p>

<p>I also am aware that I'm running out of time. Would my best plan be to:</p>

<ol>
<li>Take 3 subject tests - Lit., Math 2, and Biology (that would most closely compensate for the bad SAT score and add Biology credentials) in October and most definitely have them in before Cornell apps are reviewed and take SAT 1 in November and risk not having them reviewed,
OR</li>
<li>Take SAT 1s in October, send them most definitely before my app is reviewed and take SAT 2s in November</li>
</ol>

<p>Your input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Do #2 - but it’s not likely you will get in anyway with 600s across the board. Your trips to the “tropics” give an impression of privilege that often causes people to assume you have had extensive prep classes, etc.</p>

3

<p>I am confused because you claim you are applying to the college of arts and life sciences…that does not exist. There is the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Which one are you applying to? If you are applying to Arts and Sciences, then you are required to submit two subject tests, so you need to make sure you get those done before the application deadline. Agriculture and Life Sciences does not require subject tests, so in that case I would retake the SAT. However, you have a slim chance of getting into either college with that SAT score, so I would advise retaking it if at all possible. </p>

4

<p>Have you considered trying ACT? It is on a different day and you may waive the SAT2 requirement for most schools.</p>

5

<p>College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, sorry it was 5 am from where I am at. I have considered the ACT and might go there. I’m really just weighing my options right now. Alright, I’ll most likely retake the SAT in October, really working hard on it right now. Thanks! </p>

6

<p>Yeah, since it’s CALS I would focus more on the SAT than the subject tests</p>