Terrible SAT scores, have I screwed up my chances?

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
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<p>Critical Reading 620
Math 440
Writing 450 </p>

<p>At the time I took the test I had not taken Algebra 2 so hopefully I will do better once that is mastered. I am also going to start getting tutoring 2xs a week at Sylvan Learning Center. I will be taking it again in March and again in the Fall.</p>

<p>I am home-schooled junior, with an A/B average, I am taking classes at a local CC and have done well in them, (Chemistry:A, Biology:A, I’m taking intro sociology, intro Business, and Elementary Spanish, this semester and expect to do well in them.)</p>

<p>I have also held two jobs since I was 15. I am an equestrian and have a working student position under the UNC chapel Hill team coach for the past 6 years.</p>

<p>Has my SAT scores killed my chances to get into a good school?</p>

<p>My top choices are UNC Chapel Hill, NC State, ECU.</p>

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<p>They are pretty low, I recommend retaking them.</p>

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<p>Collegeboard has this to say about SAT scores at UNC-CH:</p>

<p>Test Scores Middle 50% of First-Year Students Percent Who Submitted Scores
SAT Critical Reading: 600 - 700 99%
SAT Math: 610 - 700 99%
SAT Writing: 590 - 690 99%
ACT Composite: 26 - 31 29%</p>

<p>I’d recommend working hard to raise your scores to at least the midpoint, preferably the top end, of the ranges. It’s good that you have time to prepare.</p>

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<p>If you are getting A’s in college-level Chemistry and Biology, I have to really wonder why these scores are so low. The math and writing scores suggest to me that there must be some significant gaps in what you have covered in your curriculum. Perhaps the foks at Sylvan will do an evaluation that will help.</p>

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<p>I hate math and did not pay enough attention when learning it, Sciences and languages make logical sense. I can connect one idea to another without difficulty.</p>

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<p>I agree that you might want to take the test again, but if you write outstanding essays and have good ECs (which you seem to have), then you probably still have a good chance:)</p>

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<p>Take it again, like now.</p>

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<p>

I can’t agree with this advice, at least not with respect to UNC-CH. Your math and writing scores are far, far below the midpoint at this stage. You will have to get them up, and quite a bit, to think about UNC-CH. The schools will discount your home-school grades in light of those scores.</p>

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<p>Right now I have a B- in my Algebra 2, which agrees with my SAT scores. My English I am taking is graded through an outside source (University of Nebraska online HS class) so they are genuine grades. Would they really discredit my HS grades based off my SAT scores? I have worked hard for every grade that does not seem right.</p>

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<p>I don’t see how you can say a 440 in math on the SAT equates to a B-. A 440 is something like a 25% percentile among all SAT-takers.</p>

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<p>You have a shot at ECU. But N. Carolina State is a reach, and UNC-CH is basically impossible.</p>

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<p>

Hunt this is BS. The national 50th percentile for all sections is ~500.</p>

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<p>^<a href=“http://professionals.collegeboard.com/profdownload/sat_percentile_ranks_2008_males_females_total_group_math.pdf[/url]”>Higher Education Professionals | College Board;

<p>A 440 is EXACTLY the 25th percentile. Kindly check your facts before blasting another member.</p>

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<p>I had no prep for the SAT and I had not yet taken Algebra 2, I believe those two combined were what caused the exceptionally low score. I believe now that I will have tutoring and will be actively studying I will do better. </p>

<p>Or should just I give up and plan on going to a Community College?</p>

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<p>No, dont give up. you’re only a junior, and u got good CR scores, M and WR are easy. if u have enough motivation(u dont need that much cuz u pwned CR), u can raise it to a high mark…high~~
if my experience can help u or inspire u in either way, then get working~!
as a junior,i got 1430 on the SAT in oct 07 ( cr 420, wr 410, m 600)
after studying o.o oct 08 i got 2070 (cr 639, wr 690, and m 750)
don’t give up, if u want to succeed~~!
motivation is the key.</p>

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<p>I don’t think you need tutoring. Just get a good prep book, glean all the mathematics that you need, and then spend your time doing the practice exams to learn how to apply the facts the book just taught you.</p>

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<p>There is an important distinction between “prep” and actually learning the material in an educational environment. Your score suggests that the latter hasnt’ really happened for you yet with respect to SAT-level math. It may be that what you’re taking now will do the trick–it’s often difficult to understand what is meant by “home-schooled,” since it can be anything from essentially self-study to a rigorous program involving multiple instructors.</p>

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<p>What was the breakdown on your Writing score between the essay section and the multiple choice section? My D increased her writing score by 120 points just by following the tips given on CC for writing the essay. The essay format they are looking for is pretty specific. </p>

<p>Have you taken the ACT or done a practice test? Maybe you are one of those people who do better on that test as compared to the SAT.</p>

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<p>Hunt - Yes you are right I do have gaps in my understanding of the Math. That is where I am hoping the tutoring will fill in the gaps. My homeschooling is taking the exact same classes as a public HS but through books and other programs. All types of math have always been a struggle for me. English and reading have always been where I have done best.</p>

<p>dsultemeir - </p>

<p>I have not taken the ACT but plan to depending on my second SAT scores. I did poorly on the writing because of exactly that reason, I think I will do much better now after spending time on the board and getting my essay critiqued.</p>