The Ivy League and SAT Scores...

Applying to College
1

<p>I am in the midst of considering whether or not to take the ACT / SAT again. I had this thought that maybe I wanted to apply to Columbia as an urban studies major, but I know without a doubt that I would certainly not make it in with my current standardized testing scores.</p>

<p>The problem is, my high school GPA was embarrasing (3.1 weighted) because of a serious family problem that weighed me down psychologically (not the whole story, but a big part of it), and I only took 2 AP classes out of the 18 that were offered to me. </p>

<p>However, I currently have a 4.0 average (and moving swiftly towards another 4.0 this semester) in college (3 semesters by the time I apply) and, while my extracurricular activities are not on the national or international level, I am hella dedicated to and passionate about them (one that includes an after school program for kids whose parents are strung out on crystal meth) and it shows.</p>

<p>So, my question is, if I can write an outstanding essay (with the help of a really wonderful english professor, of course...) and get a stellar recommendation, does anyone think that it's worth me taking the SAT / ACT again in order to apply?</p>

<p>Do I even have a chance in hell at Columbia because of my underachievement in high school?</p>

2

<p>It is your dream, so you should give it your best shot. That way, you'll never wonder "what if?" You have nothing to lose but time and your application and test fees.</p>

3

<p>how did you do the first time around</p>

<p>do you think u'll improve.</p>

<p>This is what worked for me: to keep from being nervous during the test, i was like "Come on, You'r SOO much smarter now that you were 6 months ago"</p>

<p>if you feel like you're smarter now, and can improve scores, by all means go for it.</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it.</p>