What are my chances with my SAT scores? (Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Pomona, UChicago)

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>At the moment, I am still unsure of where to apply/what to major in. I'm considering schools such as Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Pomona, and University of Chicago (those are all reaches), and as of now, my matches/safeties are sadly non-existent. (This is especially problematic since I'm going to be a senior.)</p>

<p>Here are my stats:</p>

<p>GPA: 4.00/4.67 (Class rank #1, but I predict that this shall drop during the upcoming semester). </p>

<p>APs: Four 5's and one 4</p>

<p>Next year I'll be taking four AP classes and TAing (although I am concerned that TAing will make me look like I'm slacking off). </p>

<p>SAT: Reading 760, Math 770, Writing 670</p>

<p>SAT II: Biology M 730, Math II 720, USH 700/730 </p>

<p>Volunteer work: Almost non-existent; I have about 80 hours total. </p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
-Piano since 2007
-marching band for three years
-Key Club (joined junior year, not really an active member)
-Book Club
-Teen Library Council (joined second semester of junior year)
-Private tutor (started this summer) </p>

<p>Essays: I'm decent at writing, but I have no idea what to write about and they'll probably end up somewhat cliche. </p>

<p>I can get two decent recommendations. </p>

<p>Although my GPA is definitely in my favor, I'm concerned about my SAT writing and subject test scores. Right now, I'm seriously conflicted on whether or not to retake the SAT to try to improve my writing score. I know that in order to be as competitive as possible, I really should retake it, but considering band, applications, and AP classes, I don't think I'll improve - in fact, I think it's more likely that my overall score would drop. My subject test scores definitely aren't as great as they should be, but I don't think I'd be able to improve on USH or biology and I actually predicted that I would score 760+ on math (which evidently didn't turn out very well...I'm terrible under pressure). </p>

<p>My extracurriculars aren't spectacular, either. </p>

<p>With these stats, would retaking the SAT be a waste of time, or would it actually help? I know my chances are pretty low (nonexistent) anyways, so I'm not sure whether improving my writing score would even make a difference. </p>

<p>I'd appreciate any opinions/advice. Thanks in advance. </p>

2

<p>UChicago DOES NOT REQUIRE subject tests an admission counselor told us this when I visited. </p>

<p>Stanford: “We recommend (but do not require) that you submit official results of at least two SAT Subject Tests, as these additional scores often assist us in our evaluation process. You are welcome to submit any and all SAT Subject Tests you have completed. We do not have a preference for the specific SAT Subject Tests you elect to take. However, if you elect to take a math test, we do prefer to see the Math Level 2 test if you feel that your math background has adequately prepared you for this test.”</p>

<p>UCLA if you are interested in going into the school of engineering and applied science: “strongly encouraged to take the following SAT Subject Tests: Math Level 2 and a science test (Biology E/M, Chemistry, or Physics) that is closely related to the applicant’s intended major.”</p>

<p>UC’s: “SAT Subject tests are no longer required for admission, but if taken, we will use them in our review if they are to the student’s benefit.”</p>

<p>Pomona: “In submitting their application for admission consideration, students will certify that they will send to Pomona reports of all test scores, whether ACT or SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject tests or both…Pomona College requires that applicants submit all SAT scores from all test dates.”</p>

<p>If you want to improve on writing then just order Erica Meltzer’s Ultimate Guide to SAT Grammar. Are you instate for the UC’s because if not can you afford to pay the full OOS tuition?</p>

<p>You are going to have to decide which is best for you. Do you think it is more important to raise you SAT score or is it more important to aim for a 750+ on your subject tests?</p>

<p>You NEED to find some matches and safeties for yourself if you apply to only reach schools you might end up without having a college to attend next year. </p>

<p>What’s your intended major?</p>

<p>To find other schools for yourself click on the college search tab and use the supermatch feature. </p>

3

<p>Thanks for your reply, I appreciate it. </p>

<p>I just realized that I may have been unclear - my primary concern at the moment is whether or not to retake the SAT to increase my chances for my reaches. Although my subject test scores aren’t as high as I’d like them to be, I’m content to leave them as they are. </p>

<p>I was actually surprised by my writing score; it was usually my highest during practice tests. Will boosting this score make me more competitive, or would it just be a waste of time? </p>

<p>Yes, I’m in-state. I’m probably going in undeclared. </p>

<p>I know I have to find matches/safeties; I’m still in the process of searching. I’m also unsure where my scores place me for my reaches (for example, I’m not sure whether UCLA is a reach or match for me.)</p>

4

<p>Doesn’t the policy for the UC’s state that if your in the top 9% of your CA class you will automatically get into at least 1 of them or something like that. I think you have a good chance of getting into UCLA. I would say to take another practice test and see where you are at if you score higher then retake it (I don’t think you really need to though for UCLA). <a href=“http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/prospect/adm_fr/Frosh_Prof14.htm”>http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/prospect/adm_fr/Frosh_Prof14.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;