My SAT score is too low compared to my GPA?

Question

i got a 1400 out of 2400. what do i do? i took them twice and i deproved. i feel like even if i study my butt off i won't even get an 1800. my GPA is a 3.5 (90 or an A) and i really want to get into a good school because i do a LOT of extracurriculars and i worked very hard throughout high school. i am so discouraged that i don't even feel like studying and taking them again. i had a tutor for 4 times in math and my score went from a 430 to a 480. see how dissappointing this is!?

Answer 1

It really depends on how you feel about your score and your options. If you think that with your extracurriculars and GPA you can get into a school you want even with your SAT score, then you can settle. However, it sounds like you are extremely disappointed with your SAT score and want improvement. The only way you can do this is by taking it again. No one ever got a better score by sitting around and wishing for it to change. No matter how discouraged you are, there is only way to change it, and there is no risk for taking again (i.e. your highest score is the only thing that matters). You already know the steps you can take to improve, so I suggest using them. Now if you really don't want to retake them, it all depends on how comfortable you are with your applications. If you think you can get into the schools you want to, then there isn't really any point. However, if there is any doubt that you will be accepted, don't settle! The last thing you want to have happen is be stuck with a college not good enough for you because it could hurt you for a very long time.

Answer 2

Do NOT give up! Ever, ever, ever! If you've worked hard through high school and are showing leadership by participating in school activities, you definitely have the drive to conquer the test. You CAN raise your score and show the colleges you have what it takes. :)

Have you tried the ACT? Look into that and how it differs from the SAT. However, there is a Science section on the ACT, which may be good for you. You could take a practice test of the ACT to see if you think it might be better for you.

Determine whether you want to try the SAT again or take the ACT. Purchase a prep book or two and dedicate time each day to certain lessons in those books. It doesn't have to be more than 30 minutes each day for one month. I used McGraw Hill's SAT book, which came with a calendar that listed the required lessons for each day. That was an extremely helpful and motivation tool for me personally because it already had the organization part ready for me. All I had to do then was the work.

You really can improve your scores (regardless of what test it is) by using those books because the books know the kind of questions and concepts that are on the tests. Once you become familiar with the questions and what to look for during the test, you will do better.

The best thing you can do, if nothing else, is to take many practice tests. Take one each Saturday (or every other Saturday to begin with) as if it were the real test. It sounds like a lot but it will help and eventually give you confidence. Review the questions you missed the next day or over the week. You could use a tutor to help explain what you missed too.

Best of luck and don't let it bring you down. These tests don't define you as a student.