Low SAT scores? Why!?
I take the highest classes available at my school (one of the best ranked by TIME). I get legit grades, almost all As and a few Bs. Last semester i had a 4.0 unweighted with an A- in Chemistry Honors.
I took a diagnostic test for my SAT prep course and i got a 1660.
I don’t get why I suck at taking standardized tests. (or just SATs, i suppose) I’m not even that stupid- so why these scores?
With my low SATs, I’m considering going to a music conservatory (because they don’t care about SATs) but I do want to go to a nice, private, liberal-arts college in the east coast. But a question is crossing my mind- Is that even possible?
I appreciate all of your answers (in advance).
4 Responses
:)
23 Feb 2010
ShoopDaWoop
23 Feb 2010
No, it does not mean you are stupid. If a student got ~2.7gpa average but somewhere around a 2100 on their SAT’s, it would mean they were smart, but lazy. In your case, you are an extremely hard worker (this is good, and is usually better than the other way around– who would YOU hire? I’d hire you).
Try to pull up your SAT’s, but remember that colleges look at multiple factors from different perspectives. Most colleges do not automatically rule you out for having a mediocre SAT score.
Sharon Y
23 Feb 2010
Wow, 1660 is quite low for an SAT score, however your SAT score is one of many aspect in which colleges select future students.
An important question to ask how good is your extra-curricular activities? Do you volunteer at charities or lead/ excel in any sports as colleges do not just look for a top academic solution. Seeing as your grades are already excelling, what about references from teachers and coaches? What they think of you as a student can also determine quite a lot.
-Tiffa, please don’t worry as colleges are not monsters and they will look at your ‘whole package’ and not just your SAT score. However, it wouldn’t hurt to put some serious SAT study and sign up for the November/December SATs or if even later May 2010.
Goodluck! I’m sure you’ll do just fine
emp04
23 Feb 2010
Hi,
The SATs aren’t a test of what you learned in school, so it isn’t surprising that you do great in school by struggle on the exam. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to improve your SAT score: http://www.ehow.com/how_5396079_improve-sat-score.html
IF that doesn’t work, try the ACT. Many students who do well in school do better on that type of exam. Here is how to prepare: http://www.ehow.com/how_5428745_study-acts.html
SAT doesn’t relate that much to your classes.
And the SAT isn’t the only thing colleges look at. You shouldn’t cross out a few colleges just because of your SAT score.
Try practicing for the SAT, that really, really helps. Then, when you get a better score, reconsider those other colleges! :]