Can you get into a very good college with middle/semi-low SAT scores?

Question

I do very well in school. I get straight As and A-s with maybe one B+ per year. I am also in all honors classes and plan to take three AP classes next year. Bio, U.S., and English. However, I recently took the PSATs and was in the 70th percentile. Yes, above average, but low compared to students who wish to go to excellent colleges. Most of my other very astute friends received percentiles in the 90s, for example. With my great school grades but only fair SAT scores do I stand a chance getting into a very school such as UPenn or Cornell?

Answer 1

It would really depend.
Some schools arent weighing much of their decision on SAT scores anymore. The scores dont really provide an accurate impression of your skills. You could work really hard on your essay. Participate in extra-curricular activities. Try to volunteer... You could take a prep-course for the SATs. Maybe see if the ACTs would be better for you.

I recommend you taking the SATs early... See what areas that you need to work on. Take a prep course. Talk to someone at the school you are interested in to see what you can do for that particular school to help your chances if your scores arent high.

Answer 2

Its a possibility you can still be excepted into a good school. Since your grades are great. That's why schools ask for the final transcript instead of just SAT scores. Alot of schools know that some people who make good grades may not take test very well and vice versa. And we are all human so they know that things do come up in peoples' lives and you might have been going through some things during that time you took the test. Remember you can always take it again. I don't know what state you are in but there is also another test that can be taken where I live. It is called the ACT and it is almost the equivalent to SAT. Most colleges take both test scores. But I think that you will get into a great college since you consistently make wonderful grades. Good luck!

Answer 3

Yes you can get into really good schools, just make sure everything else is really good. I know many people that are in my grade right now in highschool going to schools such as Stanford, Harvard, Yale and Boston College. They will be going next fall and they have below average sat, but most excell in something like a certain area of education, sports, or community serivce. My advice is if you need more to get into those good colleges go and start up a volunteer organization at your highschool, it does not have to be any thing great just somethign to say that you founded to show leadership. Most times if you have a weak spot being a good charitable person helps the most.

Answer 4

I think it is possible, since you have a good GPA and have taken more difficult courses. However, it makes it harder. Some schools really rely heavily on SAT scores(which is a shame if you asked me!), while others take a more "whole student" approach.

Make sure that in addition to your good grades, you have some community service and are active in other areas, perhaps sports, the arts, clubs, etc. Most schools want a well rounded, active student that will be involved and active in their student life.

Answer 5

To be perfectly honest with you, no. A lot of top-level schools will not consider your application if you have low SAT scores. My advice is to prep as hard as you can for the SATs and try to bring them up. OR to go to a middle-level college, get excellent grades, and try to transfer to an Ivy a couple years in, when SATs won't matter as much

Answer 6

admissions to ivies are always a question, there is never a definite answer. but if u make up for it with your extracurriculars and future grades and you write a stellar essay there is still a chance! good luck!