@merc81 I still do not understand how I’m unprepared academically. I’ve taken 7 honors classes, 7 AP classes, did very well in a Colby class and got a recommendation from my professor. I also attended a top ten high school in the state of Rhode Island WHILE maintaining a pretty good GPA. (I mean 92-93 UW is pretty decent?) AND I am well into the top 10% of my class. What more could I have done?
@lynkel: Well, I’ve of course been suggesting that you are prepared academically for most colleges, as your GPA combined with your course rigour would appear to indicate.
@merc81 Sorry, I think I’ve been talking that the wrong way.
Both your SAT and ACT scores are way out-of-line with your GPA. This can be a red-flag that your HS is not all that rigorous. The typical student at Bowdoin will literally have a few hundred SAT points on you. (and your SAT score does not appear to be a fluke as your ACT score is in line with it).
@soze I just finished saying that I did not submit my SAT scores. I also have terrible test anxiety and have panic attacks, hence the extremely low scores. And I would say my high school is pretty rigorous as it is nationally recognized… And I have bounced around between a number of online schools and regular schools and maintained the same scores. As well as maintained an excellent grade in a Colby class.
Lynkel, I am sorry your college search has not turned out as you had hoped. I think merc81 is actually trying to support you over the critiques of others. Cannot speak for merc, but that is my understanding. As the parent of a child who deals with testing issues I completely understand your anxiety. As you have pointed out, but others seem to forget, you applied to some test optional schools and did not send scores. I was really hoping that Bates would come through for you. I am truly sorry it did not work out.
What are your choices, other than Thomas? If you want a small LAC experience I’m not sure you will get it there (I am originally from Maine so I am familiar with Thomas). Can you consider a gap year and reapply? There are many excellent test optional LACs for you to consider, such as Mount Holyoke, Smith, Bryn Mawr, Connecticut College, and Wheaton College (the one in Massachusetts).
@apple23 Thank you. That honestly means a lot of me to hear your kind words, and yes I agree with you about Merc81. I was reading into it incorrectly. I mean, I was accepted at Gordon, St. Joe’s and Thomas, all with decent merit aid. I could submit to UMaine Orono and probably go there if I needed to. I don’t even know if I care too much for the experience to be honest, I just want the tools to be successful in life. I thought Thomas was a nicely oriented school towards getting a job and a prosperous career because of their focused majors and job placement programs. I am now beginning to doubt my feelings and my guidance counselors.
I think you will get a great education no matter where you end up. You appear to be a serious, ambitious student, and you will get out of the experience what you put into it. I’m sure that any of the schools you mentioned will give you the tools to be successful!
Do you have ambitions for graduate school? How do you feel about Gordon’s religious affiliation? I know a few Gordon grads who enjoyed their experience there.
@apple23 That means a lot. Thank you! And I am not extensively religious, I don’t belong to a church or anything but I was recruited by Gordon. I have a personal relationship with Christianity I guess and if I did choose to go there I wouldn’t have a problem fulfilling requirements. I have ambitions for law school and plan on getting an MBA as well. I have even thought about being a college professor at times.
If you have “test anxiety” when taking the SAT and ACT, how do you know it will not manifest itself when taking final exams in college?
Perhaps her anxiety is heightened when taking standardized tests, and is more manageable in the classroom setting.
@apple23 Thank you, I’m glad you understand.