Low SAT scores: Need advice/strategy to proceed

International Students
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<p>I got bombed on my first SAT (May) results. CR 780; Math 650; W 750 (total: 2180)</p>

<p>I never had this low math score in any of my practice tests (with a maximum of 2-3 mistakes per test). I am a school topper (overseas Canadian) with a 4.0 GPA (4.3 UW) and my aspirations to go to an Ivy school went for a spin as this score is outside the 25-75% score for the top schools. Yesterday, I got my SAT Math details and I had committed 8 mistakes including 1 omission!! I am very surprised as I had completed all of the questions.</p>

<p>Question 1: Should I go for verification? Have any one succeeded in improving their scores?</p>

<p>Question 2: I am taking 2 SAT 2’s (subject tests) in October. Do I get a chance to take another SAT 1 before ED deadline? Else, would a good score on Math (subject) Level 2 help?</p>

<p>Question 3: I never thought about doing ACT. Would ACT help in compensating for my poor SAT. Have people succeeded in that effort?</p>

<p>I need your advice/support to lift my spirits up.</p>

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<p>Go ahead and order one. You’ll regret not doing so.</p>

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<p>Which university are applying ED to? Testing deadlines vary between schools. For instance, Stanford doesn’t accept November scores for EA, but UChicago does.</p>

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<p>Your SAT as a whole is not poor at all. I would say stick to SAT Math practice over the summer, and make sure you become good enough to consistently get 770+. Once you reach a 2300 score, your SAT will not be the reason you don’t get in. ECs and School academics play a massive part in admissions as well.</p>

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<p>@PrincetonDreams: Thanks for your encouraging words :slight_smile: I will prepare well this summer & hopefully boost my math to 770+.
I am looking at Columbia or UPenn for ED. (I believe UPenn accepts Nov (rush) score).</p>

<p>And, congrats on your Stanford admission!!</p>