SAT Score falls out of the middle 50%?

Question

I'm an international student and I'm now applying to some US colleges. But the problem is that my SAT score slightly falls out of the middle 50% range by 10-40 points for my reach schools( Lehigh, Brandeis, etc) ,which means my score is within the bottom 25%. Now I'm so worried. I know they're reach schools to me after all but can someone please tell me how "risky" I am if my score is not even within the middle 50% for the schools I'm applying to? Does the fact that I'm top 5 % in my school might help a little? Thanks

Answer 1

You may want to take the SAT's again. Maybe you just had a bad day. Also, check the school requirements. Some schools have stopped requiring the SAT (like Union College in NY State-and it's one of the top schools in the country!)
You never know if you will get into the schools you mentioned until you try!.

Answer 2

10 to 40 points is nothing to worry about. The top 5% will help you out. Most schools report those middle 50 % ranges a little high anyway, they usually don't include the scores of athletes in there. Write solid essays, and if possible do an interview and you should get in. 9 out of 10 students get accepted to their number one choice. good luck.

Answer 3

Well, you can still get in. The Middle 50% reflects what the incoming class has (those who were admitted and decided to attend). So 25% of the people will be somewhat like you.

But keep in mind that a lot of people are rejected even though they fall into or above the middle 50% on the upper end. I'd say you still have a chance, but it will depend on a lot of other factors like grades, class rank, difficulty of courseload, college essays, etc.

Answer 4

I am not sure how exactly risky it is, but i would take teh SATagain if i had time, and make sure you have a great interview and application to make up for your SAT score. at least you're in the top 5%! Yes that will help! your school will probably send a report with the top students of the school to the university!