Firstly, I hope I don’t sound pretentious! But in all seriousness, I received my SAT score yesterday and got a 1380 (740 Math, 640 R&W, 8/7/8 Essay). I understand that this is still in the top percentile, but I’m on the very low spectrum of the schools I want to apply to in terms of standardized testing scores (mid 1400s being average for SAT).
Some of the schools are: Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern, Villanova, Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown, U of Rochester, UPenn, Yale, Princeton, U Chicago.
And the biggest irony is, I’m not a STEM person and I never study for the math section, but I always do better in it! I’m most likely going to major in Literature, Film Studies, creative writing, or something in that area.
Do you think I should even apply to some of these colleges (besides Yale, which I’m applying to regardless just because it’s my dream school ahh)?
I’m retaking the SAT in Nov, but I doubt my score will increase.
Absolutely! While an SAT score of 1380 may be on the low side, you can revive yourself/your chances by having great ECs, taking challenging courses, having a very high GPA and perhaps win or compete in olympiads/other competitions, publish stuff et cetera, which might all be at least as important.
Don’t let a low SAT score discourage you from applying! After all, when you’re old and look back at your life up until that point in time you’re looking back, I’m sure you would regret not applying, should you choose to not apply.
Good luck with your application!
By all means apply but the schools you list are all reaches and high matches. You need a few matches and safeties.
Might I suggest you consider schools that have a dynamic environment that fosters students’ creativity and success in Lit and Film Studies? Don’t get caught up into the NAME SCHOOLS trap. You have much to offer, find a fit and you will thrive.
Think about applying to test optional schools.
Get a tutor and up your score.
Hey! Just a thought–I had the same reaction when I got my SAT score back last year (the exact same score, actually). I tried the ACT and got a 35. Sometimes it’s just a matter of which test you take! That said, a 1380 is still great and definitely not the kiss of death, admissions-wise, anywhere. I hope things work out well for you!
I agree with @saraheliza862 definitely consider taking the ACT! I have many friends who got around 1300 for SAT scores but did significantly better on the ACT, and it’s the one test I regret not taking.
Take the ACT. If you score really high, perhaps you can submit that score instead of your SAT.
I really don’t recommend taking the ACT. If you’re going to take another test, take the SAT again and make sure you study! Your math score is really good, so you don’t want that to go to waste, especially since you’re not really a math person. I’d study on Khan Academy for the reading section to help your score, and you’re naturally going to do better because it’ll be your second time taking it.
I find that most people who take the SAT and ACT wind up getting mediocre scores on both. Obviously, this is not every case, but focusing your energy on one test is probably beneficial at this point.