I feel kind of embarrassed when people say they’re disappointed with their “substandard” 2150+ SAT scores. How many of you feel the same way?
Depends what your goals are. If you’re really looking at top 20 schools, you’ll probably want to be more in the 2200+ range at least, preferably 2300–hence the disappointment
A 2150+ SAT score is actually right in the middle of the range for the average top 20 school.
I don’t feel embarrassed, but I do roll my eyes (at least mentally so the person talking doesn’t see) if someone complains about “only” getting 2150. Only on CC is 2150 a “low” score. The top 20 schools in the US are a crapshoot even for students who score 2300+. When only 5% of applicants get accepted, there are no shoo-ins.
It has more of a roll-my-eyes effect on me too. What matters is that you can be satisfied with your score. My score is 2030, and that is good enough for what I want, so I’m happy. That my score may not be good enough for some people is largely irrelevant.
It’s almost always false modesty.
Or humblebragging
^Yes.
However, I can see where people that studied their brains out to improve their scores might be disappointed when they don’t. Personally, I didn’t study a lick so I have no right to complain about scores (nor do I want to!) 
I scored a few points above national average on the ACT because I didn’t do much studying due to financial troubles.
I think if I had time to study my heart out and score under a 30, I’d be disappointed and embarrassed. I say this not because it’s a bad score, but because the time I spent effectively studying didn’t come through on the test.
How did financial troubles keep you from studying? If you had to work to support your family so you had no time, I understand. But how does studying cost money? Plenty of kids without tutors or classes do very well with free resources.
@stugace