TERRIBLE standardized scores

<p>Okay, here's the breakdown...
I am terrible with standardized tests. Every single time I have bombed unbelievably. They just don't work well for me. I got all the review books, etc., yet it didn't help.</p>

<p>Does this curse me from getting into any good schools?
I used to dream of Ivy League, but now that's out of the picture, now I'm even concerned about average schools taking me.</p>

<p>My scores are:</p>

<p>SAT: (October)
Verbal: 660
Math: 780</p>

<p>ACT: 31</p>

<p>SAT II:
Writing: 720
Math Level IIC: 690
Us History: 630</p>

<p>Yeah, I know...
Gosh it stinks. ><;;</p>

<p>I'm worried these are going to outglare any of my other accomplishments.</p>

<p>I am valedictorian with a 4.0 out of a class of about 450. I've taken AP Global, AP Chem, AP English, AP US, AP Psychology, AP Physics B, AP Physics BC, AP Economics and AP Spanish. I'm captain of Science Olympiads, Photography Editor for two years and Editor for one year in my school yearbook. I do volunteering, Math League, play percussion in select Wind Ensemble, play Varsity Tennis... I am a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and National Chemical Society... Yeah, you all get the point. I try really hard.</p>

<p>Yet it seems like it's all been for nothing because I can't even get a decent test score.</p>

<p>What should I do?</p>

<p>I <em>know</em> these numbers do not represent me well. Is everything ruined for me?</p>

<p>yeah everything is ruined for you with a 1440 SAT as might as well not apply to any schools and just enroll yourself into a community college... yes obviously you have a shot at Ivy's, you should take another SAT II though to make up for US History... being valedictorian will help tremendously as well as some of your ECs. good luck!</p>

<p>i'm in the same boat as you, and so are MANY other people! i've seen tons of 1440's on this board, and we should be proud! think of all of the people that would kill for that score. the worst (and this isn't THAT bad) thing that I see is your sat IIs. they like to see 700s.</p>

<p>Your writing and Math scores are not horrible. All you need to bring up is the US History. you still have a good shot pretty much everywhere though.</p>

<p>Hehe, thanks... I wish I could be as optimistic. ^^;;
The thing is- those SAT II scores were, like... 50-something percentile! <em>Gags and dies</em>
I'm probably going to retake in January, since I missed December... but I'm just worried I won't improve any...</p>

<p>How's your AP grades? I mean, I know for a fact that nice AP grades (4s and 5s) can override SATII grades.</p>

<p>AP Psychology: 5
AP World: 5
AP US: 4 (unfortunately expected)
AP English: 4 (Eww... I had, like, a 130% in that class. My brain must have malfunctioned that day.)</p>

<p>The others are pending...</p>

<p>to be honest, u disgust me. 1440? kiss it 99% of people would kill to have that score, 99th maybe 98th percentile, WHAT THE HELL DO U WANT! grow up, noplace would ever reject you for a 1440, they will reject you if u have crappy grades/essays, so worry about those 10x as much as a 1440</p>

<p>well, to tell you the truth, colleges don't look at percentiles.</p>

<p>Exactly. You have a good SAT score. Be satisfied. The verbal can be a little be higher, but heck, it's good enough buddy. Be happy. Few years from now, these damn numbers won't mean jack.</p>

<p>What a loser. Your scores are in the top 97% or better and you're complaining that you've bombed. Way to brag on yourself. I guess you need someone to congratulate you since you probably have no friends. I hope you feel better about yourself now.</p>

<p>You chances at getting accepted are great, but you probably are ruined socially because I'm sure everyone that meets you will you hate you. </p>

<p>But hey, you might not want to listen to me. I mean, heck, you got a 31 ACT! I only scored a 29. I only scored in the 95 percentile, so I'm obviously an idiot who's more ruined than you are.</p>

<p>Get a life.</p>

<p>bsbllallstr8 you are the man.</p>

<p>TheFutureIsNow and Catch-22 you are also the men.</p>

<p>johnst you are the man for pointing out that those other guys are the man.</p>

<p>adummb05, welcome to the man list. you are the man.</p>

<p>I'm sorry I disgust you... >>;; but I can name many schools, including my former dream school, Princeton, that would also not be pleased with my scores. I am trying to grow up... by taking responsibility for my future, admitting my inadequacies and trying to fix them with the help of others. Please post constructively. ^__^ I'm serious when I ask for help, here.</p>

<p>And I do have friends. ^__~ (Thank goodness.) One of which has a 1600 SAT, a 36 ACT, 800 Math IIC, 800 Chemistry, 800 Physics, 800 Biology, 800 World, 800 US and 780 Writing. It is possible to do well on these. I'm just trying to discover how.</p>

<p>And I apologize for anyone I've offended here. I just really need to get into a good college here.</p>

<p>Colleges (esp. the top "elite") usually have 10% auto admits (those kids with a 1480+ SAT, three-five high 700-800 II scores, ok rank, blah blah blah) and 10% auto denies (bad grades, socially inept, just freakin' weird and creeps the admissions officer out). So, the middle 80%, yea...all of the 1400+ that do come on CC, goes into selection committees...so, yea, YOU WILL GO INTO COMMITTEE! Just make sure you distinguish yourself.</p>

<p>Kudos to Johnst and everyone else. let's give all of us a pat on the back. :)</p>

<p>Ok its not that you haven't done well so dont say your scores are incredibly low its really only US History sat II.. you go from one extreme to the other.
example: "I am terrible with standardized tests. Every single time I have bombed unbelievably." or "now I'm even concerned about average schools taking me" or "Yet it seems like it's all been for nothing because I can't even get a decent test score."</p>

<p>you've bombed one test and you obviously know you are a competitive applicant at the top schools.. especially since you are valedictorian. you have a great shot at the ivies and based on what you have presented, there is no reason why you shouldn't apply to them.. best of luck</p>

<p>Hmm... good idea. Any tips on <em>how</em> to distinguish myself? I noticed that most colleges ask about what I can uniquely add to their school. What did you all put down? I have no idea what to put.</p>