<p>SAT: 2020 
GPA: 5.25</p>
<p>I’m looking at some really competitive schools, and if I could retake the SAT I would…but, I was just wondering if this score is going to decimate my chances.</p>
<p>It won’t help, but I also think that the SAT is the least important part of the application, so as long as you are in the range it will be ok.</p>
<p>I think the opposite is worse - great test scores but poor grades. Then you look like a slacker. This makes you look like you are not a good standardized test taker. </p>
<p>Have you considered the ACT? some kids do better on that one.</p>
<p>I don’t know if they take scores this late in the year :
But thank you so much for your reply, it was greatly appreciated :)</p>
<p>What schools? What is your class rank?</p>
<p>Your scores will likely keep you out of the most competitive schools, unless you have some sort of hook.</p>
<p>I am currently 2 of 300. I would really love to go to Northwestern, NYU, UNC-Chapel Hill or Columbia [I know…REACH] :
But my EC’s are really good in my biased opinion :)</p>
<p>You could try stand-by SAT in December, and I believe that many colleges accept Jan SAT and some even accept Feb. ACT. Check with the individual schools, but you may not be out of testing options…</p>
<p>Test scores are generally second in line in importance after gpa (not the least important at all). However, GPA is looked at in the context of the rigor of your school and your individual curriculum.</p>
<p>Alright, I will look into it. Thank you. As for everyone else, thank you for your honesty 
All I can do now is hope that the rest of my application shines bright <–Like this emoticon</p>
<p>I have taken the most rigorous curriculum my school provides.</p>
<p>Doesnt NYU have testing options? you can substitute APs or SATIIs for SAT or ACT. This is stuff that is on their admissions page. You should be very familiar with the admission page of all your schools. It is a much better use of your time than hanging out here, though CC also has it’s uses. </p>
<p>Now, just looking at Northwesterns common data set (which I got from Googling…), I get:
Percent of first-time, first-year (freshman) students with scores in each range: SAT Critical Reading SAT Math<br>
SAT Writing</p>
<p>700-800 32.4% 37.2% 37.1%
600-699 52.6% 48.0% 48.3%
500-599 14.4% 14.1% 13.7%
400-499 0.6% 0.7% 0.9%
300-399<br>
200-299<br>
Totals should = 100% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%</p>
<p>Which means you are just about in the middle for Northwestern. I think when you are in the midrange, it will neither help nor hurt you.</p>
<p>Now check the common data sets for your other schools, or just to to their websites, and see if they have this info on the admissions page.</p>