Concern for applying test optional

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hello everyone!

I was wondering how much of a disadvantage applying test optional will put me at being a non hooked applicant. The only thing i have going for me in terms of uniqueness is being from AZ. What are my chances of getting into schools like:
Bowdoin
Wesleyan
Amherst
Wake Forest
Grinnell
Pomona
Hamilton
Haverford
Swarthmore
Davidson
Vassar

If I’m applying test optional? Here’s my stats for reference:

Academics:

GPA: 3.933 UW, 4.314 W

SAT: 1320 (intent to retest)

AP’s: AP Calc (4), AP Literature (4), AP United States History (4)

Honors: Algebra 2 and Pre-Calc (school typically only offers honors to 11th graders but I got it my Freshman year), Spanish 4, Post Ap Calc 2, English 12, Physics, Contemporary Dance

Senior Course Load: AP Government and Politics, English 12 (duel enrollment), Post AP Calc 2 (duel enrollment), Environmental Science, Spanish 4 Honors (duel enrollment), Contemporary dance honors.

School: Arizona School for the Arts. Only offers 4-5 AP Classes. Lots of kids go to LACs. Ranked 12th in state. No class rank.

Background:
Parents are both British
I am white
2 younger brothers
Lived in Arizona since I was 4

Clubs:

FBLA/Business Club: President and Creator,  volunteer and learning stuff.
STF: Treasurer, goal to raise 300 dollars to send one woman in India to college
MUN: Chairing a committee, was China and the USA in the General Assembly. Distinguished delegate for the US.
Mu Alpa Theta: Currently running for president. Was in music video for Mathematical Minutes competition.
F4FW/Nothing But Nets: Raised 15,000 dollars to build well in South Sudan. After goal was completed, we went with my idea for a Nothing But Nets club.
NHS: Volenteer Stuff and Fashion Show. Part of the marketing committee.
Mentor Program- Mentored incoming Freshman for 3 years so far
Ambassador Program- Represented the school at events and gave tours of the school.

Arts Involvment:

Musical Theatre: Paid actor in 3 profesional productions. 36 hour per week commitment with up to 10 week runs of 6-8 shows per week. Highest grossing shows in Phoenix. Raised 10,000 dollars individually for the arts at Gala.

I teach 4 dance classes.

Hobbies:
I read a lot of books that are the foundation for modern thinking. I play piano, sing, dance, and act. I play tennis.

Other:
I was a competitive gymnast before high school and won nationals 3 times in a row and was team captain at the Olympic training center.

Essays:
About how I had to fight my naturally competitive nature to become a better leader and person for my community.

Supplemental essays I try to make about my fierce connection to the arts and my belief that they are as important as the sciences.

Recommendations:
College Counselor: Known me since 8th grade and I’ve discussed my mental health with her for the past year. I’ve grown a lot.

Other teachers: I’m an acquired taste but I make my curiosity and interests in things very clear.

Goals:
Economics but with an emphasis on a broad understanding of intense mathematics and physics with some understanding of psychology, biology, and computer science. I love the open curricula. I also wish to minor in theatre.

2

Your application will be given serious consideration.

The only disadvantages are that you lose a data point that might have been in your favor, and that certain scholarships may still require a score.

With test sites canceling left and right, though, it is highly likely a lot of kids will just not have or be able to get a score. One poster on these boards has had six tests canceled or postponed.

Even the few colleges who seemed reluctant to go TO, and may have only done so because that’s the direction the wind was blowing, are reading about the difficulties kids are having finding an open test center through no fault of their own and not for lack of trying. So there’s no reason to think you won’t get a fair evaluation.

However, that is not to say a strong score is meaningless. In that hypothetical “all things being equal” scenario, a good test score could be the feather that tips the scale.

3

What are the disadvantages of applying test optional? Will actually take it seriously for an unhooked student?

4

You state that your parents are British and you have been here since you were 4. Are you an American citizen or permanent resident? If not, you will be applying as an international applicant and that will make things harder.

5

I read your stats very quickly but I didn’t spot your gender. A male applicant with your stats and background would be very competitive. However, as a woman, expect lots of applicants with similar resumes. I think the aptitude test is a non-issue compared to basic demographics and each school’s enrollment goals.