SAT scores to aim for top states schools??

Applying to College
1

<p>Here is my dillemma. I don’t aim for HPYS, but rather for UT Austin engineering, Berkeley (out of state), maybe Carnegie Mellon and Caltech </p>

<p>Although I know the 75th percentiles SAT for Berkeley/UT are very achieveable (around 2100), I don’t know how more it would help for admission purpose to increase your SAT from, let’s say, a 2150 to a 2250-2300.</p>

<p>The reason is that my classs rank REALLY sucks, meaning I will be significantly disadvantaged compared to other students. I’m trying to make up with my SAT, so I’m probably aiming for as high as possible (around 2250). However, would my time be better spent on things like research, science competitions, and internships rather than SAT, if my ultimate and most reasonable goal lies at UT engineering/Berkeley engineering?</p>

<p>If you were me, what would you do?? What would be the best thing to further in my application?</p>

<p>Thanks for reading. I am eager to read your opinion!! </p>

<p>-Watson&Crick.</p>

2

<p>Come on, anyone has got any ideas??</p>

3

<p>obviously the goal is awlays to score as high as possible, but i’m sure you’ll be fine with at least a 2150 even if your goal is 2250</p>

4

<p>Well, the dilemma lies more between overkill SAT score (at least for UT) vs Extracurriculars. I would have less impressing ECs like AMC test, Biology Olympiads, etc… but will probably manage A+ in my AP classes and increase my SAT by 100-150 pts. That’s why I hesitate on how much I should invest on my SAT.</p>

5

<p>Why not invest as much as you can on your SATs? The higher you get your scores, the better off you’ll be. Just don’t sacrifice other things in order to study.</p>