Like a lot of you, I braved the October exam and recoiled at the brutal curves. I had visions of a 2400, or at least a 2350. Even though I have very relaxed parents, I wanted to prove my potential to myself: I thought, deep down, that perfection was attainable.
So when I got my 2210 (680 math, 730 cr, 800 writing), I was very disappointed. I’d reached my goal on practice tests (2350+) consistently for the weeks preceding the actual exam. When the real thing came, however, I was nervous; the weight of my ambitions and expectations felt heavy. From reading college confidential, it seemed almost standard, like an expected stepping stone to any good college. Many on the forums strove for nothing less; many were devastated with anything less. Such an attitude was infectious.
But when I went back to school, my score was considered legendary. Word spread quickly, and people asked how I’d reached seemingly unattainable heights. It then hit me that my score was top 1% in the nation, and how arrogant it was of me to whine about a score so many people would want. I realized that in the nation, to be in the top 5% (2000-ish) was pretty exceptional, considering how many smart people are in this country. So I implore all of you 2000+ scorers: take a deep breath, and take pride in not just your score, but the ambition and determination you invested to reach it. That isn’t to say don’t retake a 2000; I’ll retake myself. I only suggest that you keep a broad perspective, and appreciate the experience, despite the frustrations involved. And lastly, realize that a low score, whatever it is that you denote, does not diminish your intelligence, value, or potential.
Unless you score 800 reading, 800 writing, 410 math and decide to apply for a mathematics program.
My general opinion on the SAT is that it’s just a standardized test. It does not measure intelligence or predict success in college or beyond. Top colleges look for a lot more beyond grades and test scores, and it seems like standardized tests do a better job at weeding out unqualified applicants than boosting an applicant’s profile.
Anxiety is terrible. I got 740 in math this October. My -60 came as a result of getting too nervous to solve the last three questions in a section even though I had time. Worst part is, I KNEW how to solve them, but because I did a silly mistake and couldn’t find the answer on one I got too worried about not getting 800. Hopefully when we calm down we’d get the scores we want next time. Good luck.
Oh my god. This is such an important and lovely post and everyone on CC should be forced to read this.
Thank you so much reading this and realizing I’m not the only person with this sort of viewpoint actually made my night.
My score is just barely above 2000, but I still have the highest score in my school. Whenever people act like they are in awe of my score I just remind them that they are a lot more well-rounded students than I am. I’m good at a test, but they have contributed more to the community and worked harder than I have and that work ethic will always be something that leaves me in awe.
@vook99 Thank you for reading! I’m glad there are others that share my viewpoint. @Darknesz215 I really respect and appreciate your outlook, and I assume your friends with lesser SAT scores do as well. Like you, I would never consider someone with a lower SAT score to be inferior in any way, as there are so many different ways people demonstrate their value on a much larger scale. And congrats on having the highest score in your school, definitely an accomplishment to take pride in!
Exactly. I was also getting 2350+ on practice tests, so when I got 100 points below that on the actual exam (2250), I was understandably upset. But when I told a few of my friends half-heartedly that I got a 2250, and I’m retaking the SAT, they looked at me as if I cussed at them…because many people would literally kill to have a 2200+ score. And I was also swarmed by a bunch of people wanting to know how I got such a “legendary” score. Only on College Confidential does a 2250 seem average. But as you said, it’s in the 99% so it seems petty and unappreciative of us to complain. That being said, if you are applying to top colleges, it makes sense why you would want to get a 2300 vs. 2200, because every little detail in your resume counts…that’s how competitive elite private schools are these days. And many would argue that SAT score does not matter, and I would agree that it probably doesn’t count for much…but the fact is they still require you to put in your resume, right? (at least most colleges)
@JuicyMango I agree that an applicant with a 2300 would be more competitive for top schools than an applicant with a 2200 (taking out all other variables of course). I’m not saying to stop standardized testing after reaching, say, 2000; I’m just saying to keep in mind the big picture. Good luck on your retake, I have faith you’ll pull off the 2350+ you desire.