Test Prep Tutor

Can I Attend My Dream School Without a Great SAT Score?

Posted November 4, 2009

Our recent post about SAT scores struck a nerve with a number of readers, as the comments prove. The post gave some of you a chance to show off the results of your hard work and share some impressive scores. For others, it brought up one of your biggest anxieties: that a good SAT score represents a golden ticket to the university of your choice and that, if you don’t have it, you can forget about ever getting through those pearly campus gates.

Here’s an email we received from one worried reader:

I need some advice dealing with SAT scores. I want to get into Emory University, but I have a low SAT score. My score is a 1460 with writing included and a total of 1000 with my math and verbal scores added together. I have a 4.0 GPA, I am in Beta Club and also a Beta Club Vice President, 4-h Club and 4-h officer, FCCLA, Top Ten Percent of my class, Senior Superlative, and Colorguard Captain. Just about everything goes my way but SAT Scores. What should I do? I am taking the SAT again ,but I don't think it is going to help. I have already sent in my application. I was nominated for the Emory Scholars Program, too. Please help me I really want to get into Emory! Thank you!

As always, the first thing we advise is that you jump over to the profile page for the school you're interested in. Based on the information presented for Emory University, this reader should keep a few things in mind:

Only 27 percent of the students who apply to Emory get in.
The average student admitted to Emory has higher SAT Math and SAT scores than the reader.
However, this reader’s 4.0 GPA, combined with her history of involvement at school, still make for an impressive application.

So will she get in? We wish we had a crystal ball to consult, but the fact is we don’t know. At a school that accepts only 27 percent of applicants, you’re going to be up against some tough competition. Many of your fellow applicants will also have 4.0s and a long list of extracurriculars. If you find yourself in a situation similar to this reader, here are a few things you can do to strengthen your application:

Re-take the SATs. If your school accepts ACT scores, take that test, too. Some students find the ACT easier and score higher on it than they do on the SAT.
Use your application essays to show off your passions. Instead of simply listing all of your extracurricular involvement, show the admissions committee a sense of your commitment to one or two particular interests. If you’ve been dancing since you were five and plan to study dance at school, for example, write about that.
Directly plead your case if you have the opportunity. Some applications include an optional essay. Use it to write about why Emory—or any other dream school—is the only school for you. Why do you love it? How will you enhance the student community?

When applying to more competitive schools, it’s always a good idea to start researching and visiting a few that are less competitive. This benefits you in a couple of ways: you might find a few alternatives you could love almost as much as your top choice, and it will occupy you while you’re waiting for that envelope to arrive.

What are your thoughts on the SAT and college application process? Let us know in the comments, and email your questions to testpreptutor@sparknotes.com.

By: Maggie Flynn

Topics: college, SAT, scores

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