How can I compensate for my low SAT scores?

Theophilius · 11-01-2009, 01:09 AM

Dear All,

My SAT Results came out a few days ago and I am not very happy.

SAT I

CR: 730
Math: 730
WR: 720

Total: 2180

I have 3 800s in all my SAT II subject tests (Math IIC, Physics, World History)

but I am not sure if can get in...

Thanks,

Requesting advice....

Shrinkrap · 11-01-2009, 01:14 AM

"but I am not sure if can get in..."

No one is.

prithvincible · 11-01-2009, 04:19 PM

A low or high SAT, or subject test, score doesn't mean you'll be guaranteed in or out. Princeton and other universities take a holistic approach when they look at your application. You have to shine in many more ways than just standardized test scores.

If you have a clear spike over the rest of the applicants, you can get in with any reasonable score.

Saugus · 11-01-2009, 05:18 PM

Re-taking it is the best solution.

But if you really can't score higher, a 2180 is hardly the end of the world. It's below average for Princeton, but not really terrible. It's around the 97th+ percentile- So it's still good, just slightly below average.

Also, SATs only count for so much. I'm sure if you balance it out with strong ECs and other factors, then you will be fine.

Kei-o-lei · 11-01-2009, 05:46 PM

Two comments:

1) Your scores are in the middle 50% for Princeton:
Princeton University | Admission Statistics

2) About 3/4 of the students that had SATs from 2300 - 2400 did not get in to Princeton: no matter what the score you'd still have cause to worry about not getting in because most people do not get into Princeton; that's not intended to make you feel bad; it's just the reality of trying to go to HYPed schools, whihc is why you have great safeties, right?

3) If you think that the SAT was not your "true" score - that is, you are better than your score - then retake with additional prep and see what happens.

Kei

Saugus · 11-01-2009, 06:05 PM

^
Although a 25% chance instead of a 9% chance is a big difference.

tennisace · 11-01-2009, 07:36 PM

I wouldn't worry about it too much, just focus on ECs and essays. Getting 3 800s on SAT IIs is impressive!

silverturtle · 11-01-2009, 07:55 PM

Your Subject Test scores go a long way in compensating.

R124687 · 11-03-2009, 04:01 PM

Try the ACT too. My D took the SAT as a Junior and her score was only slightly above your SAT (though I thought she was also 97th percentile also, at 2210). But then she took the ACT in the summer just for fun and it was higher (99th percentile). Just a thought.

I'll add that D's high school offers parents a report that lists the average SAT and GPA of the students who are accepted into many different colleges. I noticed a glaring fact. Higher GPA and lower SATs got accepted into Ivies (think 5.0 but even as low as 700/700 type SATs), whereas the highest listed SATs were pretty much all admitted to 2nd/3rd tier schools (4.6 weighted GPA but 2250 ish SATs).

But, it's a public school...TOP Ivies seem to only skim of the very tippy top of the student body here.

whitecadillac · 11-03-2009, 05:34 PM

^a 4.6 weighted gpa is a low gpa? really?

Tres Elefantes · 11-03-2009, 06:58 PM

2210 is in the 99th percentile, R124687. 2180 is in the 98th. OP, all your individual scores are strong (above 700, which is excellent). I agree that you should try the ACT or do a bit of studying and try the SAT again if you want to. All your subscores are pretty strong; they can be brought up a little if you want to study and retake. You don't have to, though. A 2180 won't by itself keep you out of P.

randombetch · 11-03-2009, 08:55 PM

2180 is a bit lower than average, but nothing to worry about. Your SAT Subject tests make up for it.

Btw, is this a serious post? Not really sure.

monstor344 · 11-04-2009, 11:04 PM

Retake the SAT if you think you can obtain a higher score. The good news is that while your composite is low (in comparison to the high unhooked Ivy standards of course) you are fairly consistent across the board; I would not concern yourself with the writing score. As others have said, you might want to try out the ACT; some people have received drastically higher score equivalents on it than on the SAT (and some vice-versa, but you never know). At worst, you apply with a 1460/1600. It certainly won't kill your app.

Eiffel · 11-04-2009, 11:08 PM

Does Princeton not look at/consider the writing score at all? Would be a shame for me since I got an 800 on my first try, and it's best score. :-/

randombetch · 11-05-2009, 01:03 AM

I think they do care about the writing score, just not as much as CR and Math.

I remember I had a 2300 and I bought a study guide for the ACT thinking I could try to get a 35 or 36 or something, lol. Don't know what I was thinking - ended up not studying/taking the ACT.