What do I need to compensate?

Test Preparation
1

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>I got back my late June 2012 SAT score of 2340.
CR: 800 Math: 800 Writing: 740</p>

<p>I am currently a rising junior, so I still have time to retake it again, seeing that my writing score is usually the best of all three categories. Right now, I am being ambitious and looking at the Ivy Leagues for my undergrad.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, I have a major flaw in my GPA, as there is a big glaring B in my science score from my sophomore reportcard.</p>

<p>Reading through posts in this forum and other sites, it is my understanding that the most important factor in college admission is one’s GPA, which is not necessarily my strongest asset. I have a B for chemistry from my sophomore reportcard, but I will be majoring business or hotel management, so the subject does not really matter much in the career I want to be in.</p>

<p>Will this affect me a lot, and if it does, what is a reasonable SAT score that might be able to compensate for this B?</p>

2

<p>Your SAT is amazing. And no, GPA is not more important than SAT’s. there are tons of 4.0+, straight A students in my schools and the only ones to get into Ivy’s have above a 2000+ on there SAT. Its about the whole passage and the SAT supports that you were not just handed your grades and that you are a bright individual. essays, extracurricular, sports, and volunteer hours, plus your amazing SAT score can get you into many top schools. I wouldnt retake the SAT either because most colleges only look at math and reading anyways.</p>

3

<p>For the Ivy Leagues, GPA and SAT usually aren’t the determining factors. They admit holistically, so they look for extra-curriculars, volunteer/work experience, awards, interview, rec letters. I’d say the critical factor is “potential.”</p>

<p>As for the 2340, I wouldn’t retake it, mostly because it’s already a great score and it’s not really worth $50 just for a few extra points (although you do get bragging rights if you get 2400 :slight_smile: ). You should definitely take a couple of subject tests though.</p>