hello1991

1. I live in Indiana and I know UNC and Berkeley are very competitive for out of state students, but if I have a 2270 SAT (800 CR, 790 M, 680 W) and a 4.0 GPA with 5 AP classes and good leadership/extracurriculars/volunteering, do I have a good chance of getting in to their undergraduate business programs?

2. Is it worth it to take the SAT again b/c of my low writing score? If I take the SAT multiple times, do I take the best scores out of each section for a best total or do I have to pick one test score entirely?

3. If I have a full ride to Purdue, would it be better to go to Purdue and double major in industrial engineering (ranked #2 by US News) and management over going to UNC or Berkeley and majoring and business/finance?

ferrel812

2. YES, YES, YES- I know UNC takes your best combined score, but I don't know about UC Berkeley and Purdue. Seriously for the SAT Writing section, my score went up 100 points (when I included excerpts about myself, wrote neater, and used 5-10 big words) I know that sounds SO stupid, but seriously...you already have the rest of the scores high enough, don't let writing get you down!

3. UNC has an awesome, AWESOME Business School...very competitive and hard to get into, but it is top in the country! Just so you know!

NewEngSocSciMan

For the writing, you might want to retake. No prep is really needed unless you've got difficulties with the multiple choice part. For the essay, just use examples from history or current events, which are > literature > personal. Also, big words and filling up the space help.

UCBChemEGrad

IMO, I think your SAT scores are good enough...I wouldn't waste my time and money for retake just to improve on the writing score.

One thing to keep in mind about Berkeley's Haas School of Business is that you apply to Berkeley freshman year as "Undecided - Pre-Business" major...you take prerequiste courses and then apply to Haas during your sophomore year for admission...about 50% of applicants are accepted into the Haas program. There are no guarantees. That being said, you're an outstanding student and likely have a good chance on getting into Berkeley.

If you have a full ride to Purdue, I would take that offer.

Good luck!

ferrel812

The same with UNC- you apply to the Business School at the end of your sophomore year!

DunninLA

I suggest you contact each school's admissions office regarding the writing portion of the SAT. I believe (that's why you should check with them) that the writing portion is not taken seriously in admissions offices. I think they still think in terms of the 1600 score, and you're at the top of the pile there.

P.S. I'd take full ride to Purdue and convince your parents to set aside about $100,000 for graduate school (or to do with as you please if you get a very well paying job out of Purdue).

katliamom

I second DunninLA's advice: unless money is absolutely, completely not an issue -- take the full ride at Purdue. Graduate debt-free. Not having debt will open so many options: grad school, a gap year, travel, volunteer -- whatever. Graduating debt free is... freedom! Purdue is a fine school, with good grades/scores -- and the fact of your prestigious full ride scholarship -- you can get into top, most exclusive grad programs in the country including Berkeley and UNC.

hello1991

Does anyone know if writing is considered strongly in admissions offices??
Also, would I get into UNC even though I'm out of state?

Maximus001

My s did no prep got very similar scores (lower on writing actually) was accepted OOS to UNC, recieved a likely letter and Honors invite.

Chose to go to UMCP on scholarship. Debt is something to avoid if at all possible for undergrad studies.

stevehwan

nice sat score!