Chances of getting into GT SFS? (immigrant, without SAT II)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Georgetown University
1

Hi, been stressing out lately as GT SFS is, if not my first choice, one of the schools I’m really gunning to get into. Out of the other schools on my list (NEU, AU, BU, BC, GW), this is the most competitive school I’m applying to. While I know that in my circumstance the chances are slim, I think I’d be pretty bummed if it doesn’t pan out.
*
Background: Asian female. Both parents are separated (one in the Philippines, one in the US). Middle class. I immigrated here from the Philippines last year. Took an unwanted gap year due to visa issues between 2016-2017.

GPA: 4.022 W
Unweighted: 3.9+
ACT: 26 (retaking 1 more in September)
SAT Score: 1200 (670 English, 530 Math)
SAT Subjects: NIL
AP Test: Only took one for my junior year as I just moved. AP Language: 4
AP classes for senior year: AP Chinese, AP Lit, AP Comp Gov, AP US Gov

Language spoken: English (fluent), Tagalog (speak), Malay (speak), Chinese (studying/speak/write)

Extracurriculars (some of them) at least:

  • I intern at the UN Foundation headquarters in DC. Will be a part of my curriculum/transcript credits for HS.
  • Youth ambassador for a non profit organization
  • Graphic design/marketing intern at an architectural company in Manila
  • Editor in chief of a semi-successful music magazine
  • Production manager for another music publication
  • History Honor Society
  • Chinese Honor Society
  • I’m on my school’s honor council
  • Young Mayor’s Club leader, flew to SG to discuss urban renewal in Manila
  • Teen advisory board member at my local library
  • Coach at my school’s MUN

Awards:

  • 5 consecutive awards at MUN in my first year (junior year)
  • Was a club leader for a team that won 1st place for an urban renewal project in Singapore
  • Shortlisted article for The New York Times
  • School award for academic merit and conduct (Grade 9, 10)

I’m taking the ACTs once more on the September 8th and I’m aiming for a 30+. I’ve never been good at standardized testing. and right now I’m unsure whether or not I should take subject tests but I’m not sure. We’re not super well off and it’s a little hard right now considering that I’ve taken my SAT’s twice and about to take my second ACT so money is a little tight. Please advise if you can!

2

Forgot to mention, I’ll be first gen as well.

3

Class of 2022 here! I was admitted to the College last year. I would recommend to retake the SAT as many of my peers have an average of 1500’s to perfect scores! Georgetown is an extremely competitive school. Last year, the acceptance was at 14.5%. However, I can’t directly say what Georgetown looks for specifically in the student and there is no one formula for college admissions, but what I can say is that Georgetown truly is holistic. I got a 1300 SAT I and took no subject tests at the time I applied. I got in EA! Your awards are quite impressive, but please do well at your essays! Your essays could determine your acceptance or not. Georgetown would love to see who you are as a student and as a prospective Hoya. My biggest tip is to attempt taking subject tests. If you can’t, EA is your go-to as they are not required. If applying RD, three different subject tests are required. If you need more help, feel free to message me! I’m also a Filipino immigrant (actually my personal statement) from Manila, PH.

4

@rvwlxejvhn Thank you so much! I kind of feel more at peace knowing a Filipino like myself got in! An immigrant as well! (:

I’m a terrible test taker and the 1200 was the highest I got from the SAT. I’m taking 1 more ACT test in September in which I’ve definitely been studying for so I’m hoping to get a 29-30. Considering my awards and extracurriculars, do you think it’s worth taking a shot at EA like you? As an immigrant myself, I’m definitely going to be stressing that in the applications as GT essays works a little differently compared to the Common App.

I’m not particularly worried by the interview either as I myself am a pretty good speaker irl, so I think the one thing that leaves me uneasy is just my standardized scoring. Do you think that having a low subject test result is better than no subject tests at all?

Let me know!