Terrible SAT Scores ):

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>Before the SAT results were out I was pretty confident and aimed at some super reach schools (including this...). But after today, I don't think it's practical anymore. I've taken the SAT 3 times already and I'm not over 2k. I know SAT scores aren't all, but I need to at least be in the "acceptable range", which is usually 2100 or above. I plan to retake the SAT, but I'm also afraid that by taking it 4 times it will show something bad about me in the application...any advice? I feel like my app is pretty decent, it's just the SAT scores dragging me down.</p>

<p>How much is the SAT weighed for UC Berkeley? Should I retake the SAT?</p>

<p>Thanks for your opinion!</p>

<p>Have you considered trying the ACT? Some students do better on one test compared to the other.</p>

<p>Historically (2008-2009) according to the now-defunct UC Statfinder, Berkeley L&S applicants with SAT scores 1800 or higher had decent chances of admission with UC-weighted GPA of 4.2 or higher.</p>

<p>I can’t the ACT since I’m not in the United States. If I remember correctly UC doesn’t do score choice? (score choice boosts me up just above the 2k line)</p>

<p>I know Berkeley actually has a lower average of SAT scores compared to the rest of the top elite schools, but I also know that the UC system is relied very heavily on scores…</p>

<p>Is it really a bad idea to retake? Retaking it means I’ll be stressed about it all November and I know it is going to affect my essay quality…and that’s mostly why I’m worried besides the 4 trials looking bad on the app…but also considering how much UC judges scores… :S</p>

<p>I doubt 4 times will hurt you, because schools only look at your highest score. You know you can cancel your SAT scores after you take it (I think if you have a day or 2) if you don’t feel good about them, right?</p>

<p>I think you can only cancel scores a few days after you take the test, but not after you get the results, so I can’t cancel them now.</p>

<p>Do you have any suggestions on improving CR and Writing scores? I’ve been using the blue book and PR practice tests (I’ve done a bunch of them) and memorized vocabs, but just can’t seem to get my scores up. What did you do to study and can you give me some advice?</p>

<p>UC wants to see all scores. Scores are generally weighted a bit less heavily than courses and grades.</p>

<p>If you do want to prepare for a retest, you can go to the [SAT</a> Preparation - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/]SAT”>SAT Preparation - College Confidential Forums) forum and poke around there for hints.</p>

<p>Note that it is best to use only real released SATs for practice tests.</p>

<p>

That’s not my point. I’m saying that you can take the test a 4th time and if you don’t feel good about it (you should be able to judge how you think you did to a certain degree), then cancel it. And now you don’t need to worry about it.</p>

<p>both my roommates have 1800s SAT scores and i have a 1940. there is no black and white “cutoff” at 2000. just prove to admissions that you belong here and that you would make a good addition to the campus. and if you don’t get it, it was just meant to be. you’ll end up where you belong, and everything will be okay. don’t be too stressed about such a silly thing :)</p>

<p>Are you serious sunshinejf? Like your buddies got into berkeley with 1800s? What major are they? </p>

<p>Im gonna apply to EECS , although my recent SAT score was pretty trash. I got 1950 overall with 540 in reading, which is below their requirement. :(</p>

<p>Should I give SAT another shot in dec or just apply anyway with these scores. </p>

<p>Btw, I’m an international applicant. I’m also heavily considering some top unis UK and Canada which I’ve a better chance of getting into. </p>

<p>So what should I do honestly?</p>

<p>If you’re an international applicant, I strongly suggest that you take it over and over again until you score 2150, at least.</p>

<p>If you’re international you need to have a high SAT score, take it again. Those who get in with below 2000 are usually either from low income neighborhoods/lower ranked high schools or they have amazing ECs and are almost always from California.</p>

<p>ahh yes we are from california. not quite sure about SATs for international students. although not quite sure about that low income… but i suppose i don’t know the averages.</p>