College/SATs/etc?

Question

I'm really, really, reallllllllllly concerned about my SAT scores. Everything else on my record is where I need it to be as far as college apps (gpa: 102.8%, class rank:4, ACT:32, good extracurriculars, leadership, etc.) but my SAT scores are... not so much.

math- 600

reading-620

writing-700

[1930]

I would like to get into Duke, Upenn, or Rice. I just want to know, in the opinion of someone who isn't my age, Will my other attributes outweigh my not-so-high SAT scores.. or should I try ALOT harder to improve?

Answer 1

I talked with reps from Yale, Stanford, Washington University in St. Louis, and Emor, which are on par with your school with similar concerns and this is what they told me.

The most important part of your application is your HS transcript. Did you take hard classes and do well in them? This seems like a definite yes from what you told me.

The next most important part is your standardized test scores. These schools all take your highest scores from each examination you take of the SAT. So if you retake it and get a 650 in Math, a 650 in Reading, and a 650 in Writing, you'll get a new score of 650 + 650 +700. = 2000, even though you never actually scored a 2000. Therefore, I strongly advise you to take the SAT again to try and bring up even one of your scores, because it will help you a TON. If you decide not to retake it, it will definitely hurt you a little, but probably not enough to instantly disqualify you from any of the schools you picked.

The other parts they generally consider (equally waited) are: 1. interviews 2. essays 3.ECs 4. teacher recs. 5 x-factors.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

just apply and hope for the best and dont stress SAT scores are not the most important thing when getting into college. just give the best interview you can for duke and then go there when u get in i bet you will get in no problem and also 1930 is a good score just relax

Answer 3

Your SAT score is above average(1500), and the max score is 2400.

So, its pretty good.But if you have the time and money, i would recommend you take the test again.

Also, don't stress too much, and you will be fine.

Answer 4

You're in a tough spot. Although your ACTs and academic standing are fantastic, your SAT scores are not as strong as you might hope for when applying to Duke, Penn, and Rice. Unfortunately, schools will automatically see those SAT scores because they appear on the same score report as the SAT Subject Tests do.

I strongly recommend preparing over the summer and retaking in the fall. Try The Official SAT Study Guide (8 practice tests from the test maker) in conjunction with a Kaplan or Princeton Review prep book. You will probably be able to get the biggest payoff from studying math, since it's your lowest score and the SAT math is somewhat formulaic and grows familiar with practice.

Best of luck!

Eva

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