<p>I was very interested in applying to many top universities such as Brown, Duke, etc. However, my SAT scores were disgusting, to say the least. I got in the 1700s. I am taking them again in May, but I do not think my scores will improve the 500 points I need. My transcript, excluding the SAT scores, is impeccable. I have straight a’s (top 1-2%), am in a gifted program, take the hardest classes, plenty of ECs and sports. Now, my university choices, have taken a toll. What are my chances of getting in to schools such as UVA, U of Miami, or Syracuse? These were originally my “Good Fit” schools, but after my disappointing SAT scores, these seem like “Reach” schools.</p>
<p>Never not apply because of SAT scores. Ive seen people get into top schools like Stanford and Brown with 1700s if they fit the rest of the criteria. You were a fit before SAT your still a fit after. trust me.</p>
<p>Ok, thank you. =]</p>
<p>A 1700 isn’t disgusting.</p>
<p>the sat only measures how well you can take a test!!! it is not important, and i agree with supereagle; if you fit the rest of criteria…grades, gpa, sports, and ec’s, then you should be fine…just keep working hard.</p>
<p>Definitely don’t get discouraged just because of your SAT score. I’m sure with a bit more of prep, you can improve at least 100-200 points. Remember there is more to college admissions than just the SATs. You seem to be right on track with the other stuff, so I don’t see why you wouldn’t get into at least some of the schools that you listed.</p>
<p>You can always pick up the blue book over the summer and study for your SAT. You don’t have to do the May/June administration, do you? You can take the October administration if you are interested in Early Decision/Action. Utilize the summer. That’s what I am doing.</p>
<p>no a 1400 is disgusting because thats what i got.</p>
<p>Thank you for the replies. Never in my life have I been a phenomenal test taker. =[.</p>
<p>Honestly, a 1700 is not ‘bad’, but it definitely hurts you alot. You want to work on that, if you just hit around 2000, it’ll be MUCH better.</p>
<p>If you can’t take the SAT, look into taking the ACT. It holds the same weight.</p>
<p>That’s exactly what I’m doing, lol. I have been studying for the ACT for the past 2 weeks. Hopefully, I will score around 30ish.</p>
<p>Have you taken the ACT? If not, you could take a practice test and see if you might be able to score better on that compared to the SAT.</p>
<p>I’ve taken two practice ACTs at home. I simulated a real testing situation. I scored around the 29-30 range on both with 29-30 being my raw score. I made careless errors, but I know I can improve.</p>
<p>a 1700 will not get you into brown. You have to get it at least above 2000.</p>
<p>I know. :[.</p>
<p>i’m sorry to say the SAT is a part of college admission reality, even tho reality often su_ _ s! and depending on the school it can matter more or less. IN GENERAL, larger, State schools significantly use stats WITH SATs as cut-offs, and smaller LACs tend to be more holistic. but all very competitve schools want to see some consistency between GPA and standardized scores, as they can’t control for the different high schools across the country in terms of overinflated/underinflated grades, etc. as far as the 5 schools you listed, they are not equal…a 1700 will hurt you at Brown,Duke,UVA but less so at UMiami and syracuse, tho still a stretch. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>christianh~ hi again. i want to revise my comment. we’re talking about a combined 1700, but since most schools still discount the writing, what was your 2-score amt.? if your points were more toward CR and M, it might make a difference for UMiami and Syracuse.</p>
<p>christianh–</p>
<p>I just want to reiterate all of the comments that urge you to still apply to your dream schools. My SAT II were horrendous (590 math, 610 french) and so far i haven’t gotten ANY bad news, and even got into my top two choices (Haverford and Carleton.)</p>
<p>christainh~ just read a thread on Syracuse, entitiled something like the LACK of their focus on SATs!!! this poster was saying got in with 1500s! see if you can find it. maybe their applications have dropped off? whatever, if this is one of your schools of interest, thought you might want to see this! P.S. SATs IIs are really just for placement in a school, and don’t figure much, if any into actual acceptances.</p>