I'm going to be a senior in the fall and I was wondering how important it is to get my sat score up. I've taken the SAT twice, and first got a 1380. I am planning on applying to competitive schools, and majoring in business. I have good academics, but my extracurriculars are only okay, and I am a white female from a public school. Thank you!
Think of an SAT score as a key ingredient to your college applications recipe like eggs are for baking a cake. Some will argue that you need eggs to bake a delicious cake while others will argue you can bake a cake without eggs. And others will argue that you can substitute eggs for some other ingredient like bananas, tofu, or applesauce.
If you have your heart set on applying to T25 or even T50 schools, then I believe that submitting the highest possible standardized test scores can only help you and give you a boost in your applications.
The rule of thumb for non-hooked White applicants is getting 1500+ for the top 25 schools and 1450+ for the top 50 schools. If you are a legacy, recruited athlete, child of faculty, or just a rich donor kid, then these scores don't matter as much.
I think a 1410 is a good score for schools like UMiami, Syracuse, UPitt, PennState, UConn, Binghamton, University of Washington, UCSB, UCSD, Occidental, Santa Clara, Lewis & Clark, Hobart, Skidmore, Smith College, Mt. Holyoke, Fordham, Bates, St.Lawrence, Franklin & Marshall, Denison, Dickinson, Wake Forest, UofRichmond, UofFlordia, UTexas, SMU, GWU, American, Marist, UConn, Union College, Macalester, Kenyon, and the University of Illinois, and the University of Wisconsin and UMass Amherst.
If you are trying for something Cornell or UPenn, then I think you need a higher school above 1500.
Good luck.
A score of 1410 on the SAT is a respectable score, but whether it is considered "good" or competitive depends on the specific schools you are targeting. Different universities have varying average SAT scores for admitted students, and these scores can also vary depending on the competitiveness of the business program.
It's important to research the average SAT scores of the schools you are interested in and compare them to your own score. This will give you a better idea of where you stand in terms of the applicant pool. Keep in mind that SAT scores are just one factor in the admissions process, and many schools consider a holistic approach that takes into account various aspects such as GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.
While your extracurriculars are described as "okay," it's important to remember that the admissions process is not solely based on one aspect of your application. Strong academics are important, but universities also value well-rounded applicants. If your extracurriculars demonstrate leadership, community involvement, or other noteworthy achievements, they can still contribute positively to your application.
In addition to your academic profile and extracurriculars, make sure to invest time in crafting a compelling personal statement and gathering strong letters of recommendation. These elements can help you showcase your passion, goals, and potential for success in the business field.
Lastly, keep in mind that admission to competitive schools can be highly competitive, and there are no guarantees. It's essential to have a balanced list of schools, including both competitive and realistic options, to increase your chances of admission. Focus on presenting the best version of yourself in your application materials and make sure to apply to a range of schools that align with your academic and career goals.
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