Jun 1 (edited) • 🎓 Strategy Posts
📚 SAT & ACT : What to Do If Your Score Isn’t Ideal + POLL
You’ve taken the SAT or ACT. You're proud of your GPA.But your score feels... not amazing.
Here’s how to think strategically—and build the right school list.
✍️ Why Test Scores Still Matter
At test-required schools, scores help answer:
- Can you handle college coursework?
- Is your transcript as strong as it looks?
- How do you compare across different schools or grading systems?
👉 If both your GPA and score are low, your reaches may not be realistic yet—and it’s time to strengthen your profile.
But if your GPA is strong, follow this:
🏫 Build a Strategic School List
1. Reaches + Targets: Focus on Test-Optional Schools
These allow your GPA, rigor, essays, and recommendations to shine—even without a score.
Examples: NYU, Boston University, Wesleyan, Smith, Wake Forest, USC (test-optional as of 2025)
🎓 Tip: Ask teachers to highlight your intellectual ability in class. Show that your academics hold up—score or not.
2. Safeties: Your Score Might Help You Here
At schools where the average SAT for example is 1150–1300, a 1350+ can:
- Qualify you for merit aid or honors programs
- Strengthen your position for competitive majors
Examples: American, UVM, UC Riverside, Chapman
3. Test-Required Schools: Go Beyond the Transcript
If you’re applying to test-required schools, double down on academic credibility:
- Strong teacher recs that speak to classroom performance
- Summer programs or coursework that show college readiness
- If you’ve done research or worked with a professor, add a third academic letter—or show it in your activities
💡 Even an upward trend—strong junior year grades, AP classes, or competitions—can build confidence in your academic ability.
🙏 Final Takeaway
A lower test score isn’t the end of the road, but your strategy matters.
If you don’t submit a score, the rest of your file must prove you’re ready.
And if you must submit one, show your readiness in other ways.
Last post on testing series tomorrow: School list categorized by SAT/ACT averages 🤍
🔺 Better than my GPA
➖ About the same
🔻 Worse than my GPA
🤷♀️ Haven't taken it yet
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📚 SAT & ACT : What to Do If Your Score Isn’t Ideal + POLL
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