mhsstu

Disclaimer: There's a long story behind this, but let me just get to the point for now.


I am currently registered for the SAT Reasoning test this saturday. This will be my fourth time taking it and I'm hoping to improve my score by 70-90pts from a 1310 to a 1400 or from a 1930 to a 2000+ (720 CR 590 M 620 V). I have never studied and have not studied (only slightly reviewed) for the SAT. Instead of taking it for the fourth time and having a *chance* at improving my score, should I call in and change it to the subject tests so that I have more variety in scores and school choices? Or should I really seek to improve my math score? If I were to take the SAT II it would be in Literature and Latin (predicted range 650-700s) and one more (maybe math or science- 600s).

Basically what's stronger:
1950-2000 with 4 tries and no SAT II or
my current SAT score and mediocre SAT II scores (possible high score in lit and latin, but iffy scores for math)

Thank you and any last minute sat math and subject test tips would be appreciated!

xbbybluex

I'm basically in the exact same situation as you! i havent studied at all for my SAT I reasoning for this saturday and i'm sure i have a better chance at doing better on my math IIC..i didnt study at all the first time. My SAT I lower than yours though. I got 1850 on my SAT I (i've taken it twice) and got 570 on my IIC..

I don't know where you're applying exactly but i think you should at least take one SAT II. I atleast have 2 SATII scores I'm pretty much satisfied with. I would say take the SAT II.

what should i do??

my other scores are
Japanese 770
Biology 670

forizzlejdl

it honestly depends on the schools you two are applying to

xbbybluex

I'm applying to basically all the UC schools, Claremont Mckenna, Pitzer, Pomona(maybe), Occidental, LMU, and University of San Francisco. LMU and USF are my safety schools. I have a 3.9 GPA at a very competitive highschool and i have A LOT of extracurriculars. I don't want to say it all but I'll just say i have around 500 hours of community service and I've been in a Varsity sport all 4 years. So, what do you think i should do?

mhsstu

I'm applying to pretty much all of the UC schools or USC, Emory, Notre Dame, and my super far reach U Penn. Pretty solid ECs, good comm. serv. 3.9 UW GPA, IB Diploma. These scores are mainly for U Penn. I know they're really low but my teacher recs are amazing and my essays are pretty solid. Only scores hindering my application process.


Should I even apply to UCLA or UCB? Or should I consider USC? Main factors now are which school would more likely accept me and which would offer decent fin. aid.

xbbybluex

if you're applying to the UCs you DEFINITELY need to take SAT IIs. They're required. are you a senior ?

mhsstu

Yes but I have the ACT with writing which were not too strong. I took it for the first time in Oct. and I'm taking it again in 2 weeks.

mhsstu

Your SAT IIs are a little conflicting. Maybe we should both reschedule and actually consider studying this time? My SAT I was around your range after my 2nd time and for some reason just shot up my 3rd time (CR of 650 to 720). I'm not sure how that happened since I only looked over math and got the exact same score =(

xbbybluex

the UC app is due this friday and you only get one try (this saturday). the december scores are the last scores they are going to take. If you don't have SAT IIs turned into them you don't meet the requirements.

xbbybluex

I can't reschedule anymore =( this december is the last time i can take it. Wait, you're a senior too right? I'm really confused lol

mhsstu

Actually I forgot about that fact, that's why I decided to register for the Dec SAT and ACT a while ago just to meet the UC exam deadlines. I thought UC required SAT I and II OR ACT plus writing, I already have those sent in from the Oct. test. So I meet the requirements, just with low scores. I'm actually reconsidering UC because I'm not sure if I'll get accepted and honestly my parents can't afford the out of state tuition unless they offer me something (which I highly doubt).

xbbybluex

I would still say take the SAT IIs but then again I really have no knowledge about colleges outside of California because I'm not applying anywhere out of state. Goodluck!