Would Anybody Be So Kind As To Put My Scores In Perspective?

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Good morning, Wrong Planet.
While contemplating my upcoming senior year of high school, I began to reflect on my standardized test scores. While I know that I did not test horribly on either the ACT or the SAT, I could not help but undergo an overwhelming panic that my scores may not be "good enough" for my ambitions.

ACT (December 2010; Sophomore Year)
Composite: 29
English- 28
Mathematics- 23
Critical Reading- 34
Science- 30
Writing + English- 25
Essay- 7/12

SAT (March 2012; Junior Year)
Composite: 2020
Critical Reading- 730
Mathematics-630
Writing-660
Essay- 8/12

In case anyone was wondering, I am considered to be a regular education student and receive no extensions or accommodations of any sort.

The concerns I have about these scores:
1. Firstly, would these scores suffice for an institution such as Tulane University (nicknamed "Ivy Of The South," though it is not technically an Ivy League College)? My major would be English with a concentration in Writing. The middle 50% for this university is reported to be in the range of 28 - 32 for the ACT and 1880 - 2140 for the SAT. My concern is that, firstly, my scores veer to the lower side of both of these brackets, and, secondly, it is only the 50%, which is average, and colleges expect above average students. My cumulative GPA thus far is a 4.5 weighted/4.0 unweighted. Would my GPA be enough to compensate for my "average" standardized test scores?
2. Should I bother re-taking the tests? While I understand that there is always a potential that I will score higher, I received the above scores by studying to my maximum potential (especially the SAT) and have read that students usually do not improve very much from if their scores are "above average." The test are $49 a piece, and I am not inclined to spend over $98 on testing if my scores are not likely to improve. However, if retesting is necessary to achieve my goals, I am willing to push my reservations aside.
3. It is obvious that my Math scores are definitely not my strongest suit. Fortunately, I had no intention of majoring in anything dealing with mathematics. However, I find it difficult to believe that said scores, particularly the ACT math score, are an accurate reflection of my mathematical abilities; I maintain an A/A+in all of my math courses, even passing college level courses (College Algebra And Trigonometry) with a 95% and a 93%, respectively, and I score MUCH higher in math on my state's standardized test (I scored a "perfect" 500/500 on the Math section of the GEE (Graduate Exit Exam)). Should I retake the test just to pull these said scores up? For both tests, I have prepared intensely to obtain said math scores.

Thank you for your consideration and your assistance.

I was in a similar situation that you are in.
I had lower scores because I have test anxiety due to my sensory issues. I took the SAT and got an 1858 with a 10/12 on the essay. Without those issues it would have been higher.
However, I would say a few things regarding your situation, because mine was very similar.

1. Your scores are very good. Good enough to get you into a good university. Even if your scores are below the 50% mark, that's not what you're looking for. You're looking for the cutoff. While the "average" scores won't automatically get you into some top honor's program, at my school I was able to apply for honors after admission based on my GPA and professor recommendations. I then got into the honors program and got the scholarship for it.
I don't see why you wouldn't be admitted unless your score was below the cutoff, which it appears that it wasn't.
2. Realize that getting in is not the main concern. The main concern is continuing to do well when you're in. Most colleges realize this, and your GPA is definitely taken into consideration. In fact, your GPA would probably get you financial aid. I had a 3.94 GPA in high school and that got me aid. Again, what's important is to continue doing well. A large part of my aid comes from my 4.0 college GPA, which got me scholarships that I couldn't apply for until I became a sophomore in college. If you're at all worried about financial aid, remember that you CAN apply for scholarships throughout your time at college, and remember that most undergrads do NOT apply for these scholarships...leaving you space to have a good shot at them.
3. I honestly would not consider re-taking the tests unless the college you want to get into says you have to to get admitted. That is usually the procedure. I re-took the test and my anxiety was worse because I wanted to do better. My score then was worse. Since you seem so anxious, I would say that taking the test again might give you a worse score. I don't know, that was just my experience. The school would let you know whether you needed to take them again.
4. While the math is important, your skills in your specified major areas are much more so. You should put this on the application essay for your school. I am a history major, and my math score has no bearing on what I will be doing as a professional. On your essay, play up your strengths, and say how you're going to use your obvious verbal and writing talent for your career. I wouldn't put that you don't feel your math score is important. Don't even mention it. Just highlight your strengths. If the school you want to go to can't see the good scores you got on the other tests for mathematics, highlight that in your essay. I as well made all A's in math in high school, and believe me, colleges look at your transcript.

I know what it feels like to be anxious, because so much of it is uncertain.
You must remember that the SAT is only a part of what colleges look at. Since you made the cutoff (above it, actually) I wouldn't worry. Obviously your potential is higher than that test score, and an admissions council would definitely see that.

Good luck!

[quote="EstherJ"][/quote]
Thank you so much for all of your advice! I really appreciate it.

Your scores are good enough to not make admissions officers doubt you. When I took the SAT, I got exactly a 1500 (below 50%). This was due to me taking it my freshman year before I was ready (because this was the only year that I would be able to take it for free. Otherwise my family couldn't afford and didn't qualify for financial aid for the test).

I still got into a good university; University of California Riverside. Studies have shown that SAT & GRE scores don't count for much anyway. It is one of the reasons the UC system, I believe, scrapped the SAT subject tests as an admissions requirement.

Thank you for all of your advice.

Do you have an ASD diagnosis? I work with ETS a lot (they own the SAT) and they will do things like extended time or other accommodations. You can get the information from ETS and work with your doctor.

I would suggest taking the test again. Statistically you are more likely to score higher the 2nd time (and they take the higher of the scores).

I'd say submit your SAT scores, because a 2020 is very good!
Good luck in college, or wherever you choose to go in life!