<p>Ok so here’s the thing, one of the main components of my acadmic profile that is holding me back from getting into a great school is my horrible SAT score.</p>
<p>Last year, I took the Reasoning for the first time and got 1540 (CR 500, Math 520, Writing 520)</p>
<p>This year, I took it again in October and got a 1700 (CR 520, Math 580, Writing 600).</p>
<p>I also took them for the last time in December and should be getting my scores next week. Hopefully, I do better. (I NEED IT BADLY!!!)</p>
<p>So my question is, I applied SCEA and submitted the scores I have so far, however, the three times I have heard my admissions officers speak to me, she has told me that our applications are read “in context” since no two areas/highschools/students are alike. </p>
<p>At are school, the average SAT score is around 1300 (out of 2400) which is very poor. Relatively speaking, I am above average at our school compared to other SAT takers from our school.</p>
<p>Therefore, will my SAT scores be taken into consideration “in context” or is it impossible for a SCEA applicant to get in with such a horrible score despite the rest of my application/URM status/essays/recs.??</p>
<p>I very much doubt you’ll be competitive with those scores - URM or not - at Stanford, or any other school of this caliber. You should seriously consider the SAT-optional schools (there are quite a few, and some are very good).</p>
<p>Definitely you should add SAT-optional schools to your list. Some people are just not good at SAT-style standardized testing, but some schools are ok with that. Also, have you done any ACT practice tests? I read that many students who simply can’t connect with the SAT do much better on the ACT. Get a good ACT prep book, try a practice test, and you may find it’s the better test for you. But hurry, RD deadlines are also approaching.</p>
<p>I have an 1850 and that’s worrying me too. =/ I wouldn’t say you’re completely out of the race, but I’d look into the ACT and maybe having some good back-up schools…</p>
<p>The ACT is an option, and it can be pretty helpful in some situations. I thought all hope was lost last spring when I got my SAT results back (I got a 1650). I met with some program reps in my town who recommended trying the ACT. I took the exam for the first time in October and thought I bombed it, but came out with a 27 composite. It’s 1 point lower than Stanford’s middle 50%, but still better than I had expected. It’s definitely a different test - some people like it and others hate it. I completely messed up my timing in the math section, which made me really uneasy for the rest of the exam. That aside, I still gained about 300 points on the SAT-ACT conversion chart. I took the exam last weekend and I’m pretty sure I owned it since I knew what was coming, so I’m excited to get the results back.</p>
<p>So basically, although this puts you in a tough boat for Stanford, I’d strongly suggest that you take the ACT or atleast read more about it. If there’s any other high-caliber schools that you’re applying to, the difference in testing may help you a lot RD.</p>
<p>don’t sweat it gman6855, i can tell you’ve been really worried about your scores, but to tell u the truth i think you will get in. Don’t worry about your scores now. It is what it is. The thing that’s kept me from not going crazy about this whole thing has been my optimism, so i would say don’t fret about your scores and think about all the good things you have going for you.</p>
<p>I’m in the same boat as you so i hope tomorrow will be a good day for both us, even though im trying my best not to check until the mail comes but i will probably crack.</p>
<p>I got a 25 on the ACT and an 1850 on the SAT, so I just sent in my SAT scores. Man, I do average on both tests and I guess some people are just like that. They score average on tests like the ACT or SAT.</p>