Hi All,
Any input is appreciated. He’s planning to apply for the school of foreign service.
1st question: Chances of acceptance:
3.9 unweighted GPA, 4.08 weighted
1440 SAT (780 verbal / 660 math) (hasn’t taken subject tests yet)
- Pre AP / AP classes: Spanish (5 years total of Spanish), Environmental Science, English/Language Arts, Calculus, US Government
- Eagle Scout
- 4 years of Junior ROTC, most recently a commander for a freshman class, not sure of assignment for next year)
NJHS
- Freelance writing
- Selected to attend JROTC leadership course
- Attended Boy Scout leadership course (National Youth Leadership Training)
- International club (ad-hoc committee lead) and model UN delegate (though the model UN club dissolved last year)
- No sports
2nd question: We know Georgetown requires three subject tests. He’d like to take US History, World History, and Spanish. The history areas are his absolute passion, we figure Spanish is a good third choice since he’s had five years of it with all As. Will it look bad to not take a math or science subject matter test and instead take two history tests given his interest is in SFS and not STEM programs?
Thank you!
Someone I know who was admitted into SFS took World History, English, and US History as their subject tests, so your son’s choice of subject tests seems absolutely okay (I think it’s good that he’s taking Spanish too because Georgetown - especially SFS - seems to really like people who are proficient in multiple languages).
I don’t think you need to have STEM subject tests unless you are applying under the Science, Technology, and International Affairs major. That’s the major I applied under and the subject tests I took were Math II, Bio Molecular, Chemistry, and US History (my choice of subject tests may have been too STEM-oriented in retrospect).
All in all, though, remember that your son is applying to SFS so the most relevant subject tests for the most part are the humanities and language ones. Your son’s got it right IMO.
Chances of acceptance - I truly have no clue because college admissions is very unpredictable. But I will try to give some of my personal advice as a current senior
- Your sons' SAT score by normal standards is really good, but I think it falls a little below the average SAT score for Georgetown (1460?). Because your son doesn't have a 4.0 UW GPA, maybe it would be best to have him retake the SATs once more and try to hit the 1460+ mark (with anything above 1500 really being a bonus!). But if he doesn't feel like it, then really make sure he is focused on nailing his subject tests.
- Being an eagle scout and being a part of JROTC really shows commitment so that's one thing that really impressed me when I read your son's stats. Is he involved in any other school ECs? Make sure he gets a few leadership positions as a senior!
Other than that, I think it really comes down to the essays for SFS.
Good luck!
Hi, I was admitted EA this year, but from my experience, Georgetown’s admissions can be unpredictable. They definitely look at your son’s application in its entirety. I got in to the College (government major) with a 1300 SAT so I can say that it’s not all about test scores.Good luck to him! and I hope to see him on the hilltop
I think your son has a pretty strong app. As an Eagle Scout myself, I think that’s a very strong point that admissions really like–they mentioned my service work in my admission letter. A foreign language is also great for the SFS. Continuing with leadership and service work senior year will be key, as well as the essays. Good luck to him!
Take the subject tests that he will do best on.
My son was admitted without any subject tests, but 13 APs with 5s and one 4 on the exams he’s taken already.
I’m not qualified to chance your son, but I would just make sure that you have a range of schools on the list of where he applies. There are more qualified applicants than slots. Put a lot of thought into what the realistic options are for admission and find a range of places that he would be happy to attend. Good luck.