Two Questions relating SATs and Scholarships

<p>Hello everyone.
I am an international student and my freshman year commences this October. However, I plan to transfer from my local college (it sucks!) to somewhere in America next year. I haven't really decided where exactly.</p>

<p>I plan retake my SAT. Last year I got 1830 (SAT I). During the paper I was in a terrible condition and wasn't feeling well. I can improve at least 150 points. But, I dont know, do SATs actually matter in case of transfers? If yes, then even if I get 2100, is it worth retaking?</p>

<p>I have obtained decent grades in high school. Coupled with the SAT scores, do I have a shot at reasonable scholarships? Or should I apply as a freshman? In case of transfer, how important is my first year?</p>

<p>…i guess noone knows? :S</p>

<p>^You posted late last night and right now most people are at school or work, give us a little time; and that’s actually 5 questions ;).</p>

<p>The importance of SAT scores varies depending on the college you want to transfer to and whether you’re applying as a soph or jr transfer, with it being less important when you have a longer college record. So, sometimes it’s worth retaking and other times it’s not.</p>

<p>While there are merit scholarships for transfers, compared to fr admissions, they are relatively few. </p>

<p>Whether you apply as a fr or transfer depends on the school you are transferring to and how they define a transfer student. For instance, George Washington Univ. considers you a transfer applicant if you have taken 1 college course post HS. While other schools will still consider you a fr applicant if you have less than a year of college after HS. It really varies, so you need to consult the college websites.</p>

<p>When you apply as a soph transfer, you will submit your application when you have completed only 1 sem/qt of college, so while your college gpa, LORs and other factors will definitely matter, your HS record and test scores will likely be given more weight. When you apply as a jr transfer, you will be assessed mostly on your college record.</p>

<p>They majority of colleges that have any aid for internationals, much less meet their financial need, are top colleges. Unless you were from a rare African nation or some other very underrepresented place at US colleges, getting much money with a 1830 is unlikely. It’s more likely, but still tough, with a 2100.</p>

<p>hmmm… thanks both of you.
I guess I’ll retake SAT.</p>