<p>This whole month is filled with but one thought, will I be accepted into Vandy? I know that many of you have probably asked this question on this forum, but I believe my case is a little bit different, so here are my stats:</p>
<p>SAT: math 690, verbal 570, writing 690
GPA: 4.0 unweighted, 4.2 weighted
Top 10% (barely)
I do club soccer and high school soccer, member of STARS (students teaching and respecting sexuality) and earth club and latin club. National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta.</p>
<p>Ok, as you can tell, from the stats I just put up there is no reason for me to get into vandy... I mean, I am pretty well off but my verbal score SCREWS EVERYTHING UP. </p>
<p>Now the question I have is: If I were to tell you that I was born in Ukraine and that my first language was Ukrainian, followed by English and Russian... I speak all three fluently, and I actually went to 1st and 2nd grade in a Ukrainian school... I have lived in Ukraine for almost all my life and so I never really had as much English exposure as most people living in America. ..... is this fact a good enough excuse for having such a crappy verbal SAT score?</p>
<p>Thanks! I am very anxious for April to come and to find out whether or not I got accepted, but any comments would be very much appreciated!!!!!</p>
<p>Actually, I expect that your English would be better than the average American student. If you used your Ukrainian experience in your essays effectively, then it is to your advantage. Regardless, I think your stats are pretty good and competitive to get into Vandy. The stats reported here are not representative.</p>
<p>so you think that since I lived overseas my verbal score should be better? i.e., my reading comprehension should be higher even though English was not my first language?</p>
<p>I wouldn't say that your English should be better, since I don't think English and Russian/Ukrainian are connected since the last two are not Germanic or Romance languages.</p>
<p>Did you tell them that you've lived in the Ukraine for most of your life? If you did, that would put that score more into perspective.</p>
<p>Even if they did excuse you for your lack of English skillz, you have to have a very rigorous courseload + heavily involved ECs/community service/something else you're passionate about. I can't tell from the other stuff you posted if you did that or not. Though, usually those with a ridiculous courseload have a weighted GPA that is significantly higher than their unweighted GPA (though I know some schools don't weight), and yours is only a .2 difference.</p>
<p>Good luck, though. Really. =]</p>
<p>We'll all find out in ~2 weeks so hang in there.</p>
<p>Yes, I'm pretty sure I made my life situation pretty clear to them in my application. </p>
<p>About my courseload, I was actually home schooled 3rd-9th grade, and so when my parents finally put me in a highschool for my sophomore year in America, while they still lived in Ukraine, they put me in standard classes at first because they weren't sure how I would compare to other students... my junior I decide to take it to the next level with all possible honors, and now finally all possible honors and AP's... and I kind of explained that to them so I hope they consider that also.</p>
<p>But hey, thanks for your honest response, it is very much appreciated!
Keen</p>
<p>Your English score of 570 is better than the average English score of students that take the SAT in the United States. Since not everyone takes the SAT in the US, or goes to college for that matter, your English is better than most Americans. I meant this as a sincere compliment. Clearly an admissions officer would at least appreciate this, if not consider it a positive. Anything that makes you different (not necessarily better) than the 19000+ applicants is an advantage. I don't think this is a weakness at all.</p>
<p>ok, I understand what you saying... Thanks!</p>
<p>Oh and btw, I heard from a friend that Vandy is actually not exactly trying to find "well rounded students", but is trying to form a "well rounded community" rather. I think this is a very cool way for the admissions to look at their applicants and I think this philosophy will be especially beneficial for people like me.</p>