I am a first-college gen, URM, OOS student (NJ) who just cant get my SAT down.
I’m a senior and took my second (and last as I already tried ACT prior) and just got a 1270 (660 reading and 610 math) on my October SAT
I have gotten 700+ on reading practices before, so do you think it is worth retaking and sending the new score after applying? Planning on sending my current score and entire app this weekend in to qualify for Early Action.
I have a 4.2 W GPA, in the top 25% of my class, and I have strong story/essays from a medical condition I have been dealing with since I was a kid.
Have you checked with the admission office at UMD that they would accept SAT scores that arrived at their office after the deadline of Nov 1 for priority admission? Let’s assume that your priority application is deferred, then IMPROVED SAT scores from November or even December would be helpful.
How have you been practising for the SATs? Online? Especially for math, I think practising with physical copies of tests is far superior to doing it online. This might be helpful: get copies of the practice tests; find a quiet room in the library or school (but not in the comfort of your home or a cafe); set a timer; do the tests without interruption. That is, practice under simulated test conditions. Our brains do adapt very quickly (even in a few days); you can do it, good luck.
If you were in-state, then most likely you would have a good chance at UMD. UMD is required by state laws to take in around 75% of the student body from Maryland; however, your OOS status, coupled with your current SAT scores, lower your chance of acceptance significantly. Students from other campuses of University of Maryland, such as, Baltimore County and Shady Grove can transfer (I think, it might be a guarantee) to College Park as juniors; therefore, if you are very keen on College Park, perhaps consider UMBC and UMSG as well.