Obtain letters of recommendation from your high school teachers or other people within the community with whom you have made a positive impression. Church pastors, leaders of community volunteer projects or an employer can write a letter on your behalf expressing your positive qualities. Many schools look for well-rounded students; if you have a mediocre SAT score but a high GPA and a good ACT score, letters of recommendation could weigh favorably for your acceptance.
Take the SAT again. Practice SAT tests and SAT prep books can prove helpful in improving your score. Prepare for the test in advance; get plenty of sleep the night before and take the test with confidence. Taking the test again could improve your score and replace the lower one.
Attend classes at a university with lower SAT requirements. Hold a high GPA at the university for two semesters to show a pattern of positive coursework. Obtain recommendation letters from college professors or your Dean of Students and get involved with volunteer or community work. Once you have taken college courses successfully and have obtained a positive standing at your university, apply for admission to the top college of your choice. If you have achieved the other requirements successfully and have others speaking up on your behalf, the top college may still choose to admit you.
Attend a college within the state in which the top college of your choice is located. Once you become a resident of that state, the entrance requirements will shift a bit. Many prestigious institutions have stricter requirements for out-of-state applicants, and many state-funded programs are required to give state residents first priority. Many private scholarships also give priority to in-state applicants. Being an applicant within the state can help your chances when you are ready to apply.