<p>I took the SAT in January and got an 1880. I retook it again in June after studying at Books-A-Million for about a week beforehand and got an 1820. Basically all my hopes for getting into a top university are crushed. I’m about to be a senior so I don’t have too much time or money left to do anything else.</p>
<p>My dream schools were Carnegie-Mellon and Vanderbilt.</p>
<p>The June SAT is a much more popular test than the January one (*citation needed), which could mean that it has a trickier curve and a worse testing experience. It is also during the end of your school year. </p>
<p>In any case, your scores are still far above average, although CC may make you think otherwise. While Florida has excellent public universities, I sense that you dream of the prestige of public schools. Thankfully, your dreams are not crushed. Start looking at less selective private schools and fall in love with your publics. You can take the SAT three more times, although I would advise only taking it once more. Use this summer to refocus and practice the SAT more than a week beforehand. I will suggest one school to you, Drexel, because -I think- its regular decision starts in March. This would give you a lot of time to achieve your aspirations.</p>
<p>I just have limited options because I NEED good financial aid, which the private schools offer. I was also looking at Sewanee in TN which I think I could get into no problem. I just really want to go to a really good school; my academics are really strong (4.6W GPA, all AP’S, lots of extracurriculars), I’m just not a good test taker (1880 SAT and 30 ACT)</p>
<p>That is an excellent ACT score. You could try retaking it to improve by a point or two.
If financial aid is an issue, I suggest looking in the financial aid forum, the results threads for the schools you are interested in, and the list of guaranteed merit aid. </p>
<p>Some OOS publics give generous merit aid, such as University of Alabama.</p>
<p>Hope that helps, good luck!</p>
<p>How do you think my academics would play in my chances? I know test scores are not THAT important in the admissions process</p>
<p>Your academics are really strong. Holistically, you should boast a strong chance of admission. I assume that schools with a high volume of applicants, however, have to rely more on standardized tests scores as a screening. So, apply to smaller schools and schools that list rigor of course load, GPA, ECs, etc. over test scores. If you truly are an unconfident test-taker, then note the schools that require SAT IIs.</p>
<p>Hey I see you’re a weapons captain. Rifle and Flag captain over here!
…k bye</p>
<p>hey JuniorMint 
I got 1950 for the june 2012 sat ( 530 cr, 660 w and 760 math)
I’ve also got 800 in sat II maths level 2 and physics and 790 in sat II chemistry.
I want to get into cornell, do you think it’s possible?
furthermore i am thinking of retaking the test in october</p>
<p>@Niquii77 right on!</p>
<p>I don’t think that Cornell uses the writing section. You appear to be skilled at math though. Consider reading literature over the summer to work on your critical reading.</p>
<p>Your subject tests, I believe, are above par. Perhaps you could take a fourth one- that isn’t math or science- to show roundedness, unless you are highly specialized. </p>
<p>Retaking is always a good option for the SAT I, but don’t be obsessed and take it four times.</p>
<p>ok mate. I was thinking of taking french in december. BTW i am 18, soon 19. Do you think i’m a bit old to take the sat as i came to know about it just last year. Moreover, i want to do research in biochemistry, that’s why i want to get into an excellent research university.
Thanks for the advice. :D</p>