Hello, I am a rising Senior and am curious for my chances for CU Boulder. I am a Resident of Colorado and have lived here my whole life, My current GPA is a 3.75 (Accumulative) and I got a 4.0 all of Junior year if that matters. As of lately I have been struggling with the SAT and cannot achieve the score I’ve been wanting and I am stuck at a relatively low score of 1070. What are my chances of getting into CU?
Edit: I will be applying for Computer Science in the Arts and Science school because I know I cannot get into the engineering school with this SAT Score.
Take the ACT
Yes, you need to take the ACT and also study for it. What was your lower score, math or reading? Approach the tests strategically. Meaning , up your lowest score, but try to up all your subscores. Khan Academy can be used to study for the ACT or SAT. U of Colorado is actually less difficult to get in off the waitlist than Colorado State in Fort Collins for some majors.
You can look at UCCS in Colorado Springs, for CS although I think Colorado State and Boulder are better.
My lower score was in Math, I have been studying on Khan ACademy lately and using ■■■■■■■, Why should I switch to ACT? I’ve never really taken a full one but I tried some of the science section and did not enjoy it too much.
Often a student does much better on the ACT than the SAT. I know Colorado requires all 11th graders to take the SAT today, but if you can afford it, take the ACT and see how you do. Yes, the Science section is more or less analyzing graphs and information. What math class will you take in 12th grade? What science classes have you taken? U of Colorado does look at high school class rigor as well.
Look at Mind Fish. Its a school in Boulder that offers on line test coaching. If you can afford Mind Fish, your scores will go up. You don’t have to live in Boulder to take advantage of this great program–
https://mindfish.com
Im a rising senior and currently in precalc, (I know im a bit behind, kinda of got screwed over in math) And I’ve finished up all my science classes (bio, Chem Physics) and I am taking Computer Science and Advanced Genetics this upcoming year. I took AP Lang and got a 4.0 all of my Junior year along with a 3 on the AP test (Which I believe is enough for credit at CU!) and will be taking AP Lit and AP Macro Econ.
Unfortunately while CU Boulder has an overall admit of 77% In-state is much lower ~ 60%, due to its much higher yield. OOS with its low yield is closer to 90% and they fill half the class with OOS students. You’ll need higher than average stats to gein admittance as an in-state applicant
And talk to your guidance counselor. They’ll know what the gpa/SAT combo is for your school to get in. If you are from the western slope, your chances might be better. If you are from the front range at a high school with a lot of kids who want to go to CU, I don’t think your chances are very good.
I currently go to a private school with a class of around 20, and around 2-3 others want to go to CU and thats pretty much it. Does that help at all?
@CU123 If I apply early on will this benefit me in my favor?
While I cannot say for certain I think it does. The rate of acceptance in the early window is around 90%.
@CU123 Thanks! Im working on improving my SAT one more time and am taking it in August for my final one (October again if I REALLY need too) and hopefully I can get into Arts and Sciences!
Well you’ll have a really good chance if you can bring the SAT above 1200.
@Dynamic1093 My son, who is good in math, has also struggled with SAT. First, do not take the ACT, it’s even worse with time per problem. Next, do every single SAT math practice test and look at solutions after each test. When you run out of those go to the old SAT’s for more practice. We also got a book on Amazon that gives similar SAT problems with tips how to solve them. Good Luck!
If you’re near the Cherry Creek area in Denver, there’s a Princeton Review there. They probably can help you raise your SAT 200 points.