^^What kind of “testing pattern” do seasoned HYP application readers and the like look for when flushing out applicants for “raw credentialism”?
In this case the OP took SAT, ACT, SAT2, APs…and scored highly.
What should OP have done? Taken fewer tests? Scored lower?
We all know that HYP admissions is holistic and that 2400s and vals get denied. But how do applicants avoid the “raw credentialism” tag based on nothing more than taking standardized tests and doing well on them?
The real answer is that with your credentials you can expect admittance to a number of highly selective colleges–as long as you applied to enough of them. This might include some of the very most selective, and it might not.
Yes, absolutely.
Per OP’s other thread, he/she made a 2370 in first sitting, yet took two more times and is taking again March, shooting for 2400, despite current score of 2390 and an ACT of 36.
@grindboy said:
OK, if you assume grindboy is a fibber about the previous posts, and therefore assume grindboy really is taking the SAT in March of senior year after already applying to top schools, then maybe you can also assume grindboy is a raw credentialist.
Those are your assumptions, fine, stick with them…it’s just that I am not ready to go there.
@fenwaypark no sorry lol - one of my friends is a junior and doesn’t have a CC account, so he asks me to use my account to make posts for him. That’s why you’ll see a bunch of random threads relating to APs, essay contests, TASP, and whatnot
@grindboy .That’s what I thought. I took you at your word.
And therefore I do not think you are a raw credentialist.
Based on what you have posted…for yourself…and based on publicly available data, I think you are definitely in the conversation for acceptance at any top school.
Of course, what you have posted, and the publicly available data do not tell the whole story. But you knew that anyway, right?
EDIT: My previous post was not addressed to you, it was in response to another poster. Sorry for not making that clearer.
Very good chances. Probably will get into one HYPSM school.
@fenwaypark, thanks for allowing me my assumptions!
I assume whichever grindboy wrote comment #17 would likely make no bones about his/her credentialism and would be a great fit for Harvard. 
@grindboy - I frequently see replies along the lines of - “I posted this for a friend who doesn’t have a CC account” when people point out inconsistent stats between posts. Perhaps it’s really true in your case, but in general it doesn’t pass the smell test - registering for CC takes less than a minute, and costs nothing.
Surely your younger friend can find that minute. You are doing yourself no favors by submitting posts that appear to be from you, but would not never asked by someone who has already submitted their college applications.
If, for some unknown reason, your friend absolutely cannot sign up for CC, I’d recommend you preface those posts with “A friend of mine has a question:” so as to avoid confusion and stop others from questioning the validity of your other posts.
With that kind of stats you can get into any school, HYPSM included, unless you’re Asian, which fortunately for you, you’re not, so I’d say your chances are excellent. Along with outstanding test scores and grades, your involvement in student government is a big plus.
CC is addicting, just like a drug and just as dangerous - @BldrDad - notice that I stayed off it until I was done with the college process.
There’s a reason why I told him not to make an account
^ ^ ^
Absolutely: heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and CC. Give me a break.
@TopTier Haha maybe a bit over the top, perhaps not “just as dangerous,” but not 100% healthy to stay on here 24/7 either
@grindboy - good point, but one doesn’t need an account to get addicted. I’ve seen some great advice offered to those who seek guidance, and I’ve been honored to be asked for feedback on essays by at least two students who were later accepted to Harvard (or at least three, if you include my daughter, but I believe she never created an account here, so she doesn’t count).
@BldrDad Sure - CC is at once useful and precarious. All depends on the person and specific use. Regardless, no use arguing trivialities