Low SAT score advice/help

Applying to College
1

So I recently got back my SAT score and I am not happy about it at all. It is way too low for all the schools I want to apply to. I’ve been really down about this lately, it’s the second SAT I’ve taken. I have a 3.9/4.3 GPA and good extracurriculars (also I think my college essay will be good). I strongly feel that I cannot improve my SAT score to the standard of the schools I want to apply to. I did a lot of Khan Academy and my reading score went down. I’ve also attended a week long prep class. What should I do? Give up on my dream schools? Not apply with my SAT score? HELP!?!

2

What was your SAT score and what schools are you interested in? If it’s really that bad then consider applying to a test optional school. I think a lot of really good schools are test optional now.

3

What do you consider low? If you are applying to HYPSM a 1400 is low but will not keep you out if the rest of your application is great. A 1200 SAT would likely keep you out.

4

I would like to go to NYU or GW and a few other schools with around a 35% acceptance rate. I got a 1170, 1190 with superscore. Most of the schools I want to apply to are test optional.

5

Hey @ylracon - I’m a current student at NYU and was in the same boat as you. Khan Academy and prep classes are good but you might want to try something more personalized to get your scores up.

Have you heard of Bolt? It was started as a research project at NYU and does exactly what you’re looking for. Might be worth a try! https://www.learnwithbolt.com/

6

Apply test optional, and don’t send the score.

Alternately, do a couple ACT practice tests, some students perform better on those.

7

Thanks, I’ll check out Bolt.

8

I took the ACT and got a 23. I am going to take the test again in April.

9

Excellent classroom grade and low test scores relative to those grades can indicate an undiagnosed learning issue in the slow processing/dyslexia family. If you think that something like that could be going on, get help with it now. You will have lots of exams ahead in college, and you might find that you qualify for extended time accommodations.