<p>I had my heart set on applying restrictive early action to an amazing ivy league school. I have great extracurriculars, have overcome immense obstacles, and have managed to develop the passions that drive the initiatives I've taken. I have about a 90 average in school and I recently got my SAT scores back of a 730 in writing, 620 in reading, and 590 in math. Because of the SAT scores I just received, I'm second guessing my initial instinct to apply early. If you were in my shoes, would you go ahead and show the admissions office my dedication to the school and apply early? Or would you spend a couple of more months studying for the SAT, finalizing essays, and perfecting the application package? </p>
<p>I'm desperate and need to decide IMMEDIATELY.
I'd appreciate all of your opinions :)</p>
<p>If I were you, I would retake the SAT and apply RD. The perception that your “dedication” as evidenced by a SCEA application if false. HYP don’t care about your “interest”.</p>
<p>Getting +2000 on the SAT would help you much more.</p>
<p>Apply RD after retaking ur SAT test. Everyone applying to Harvard is dedicated and focused to get into it and everyone tries their best to showcase their determination in the application,lol. So im not sure if its gonna help u.</p>
<p>(And how good are your SAT IIs? If you don’t have any or they’re also <700 each, you definitely shouldn’t apply early. If the first, your application simply won’t be complete yet. If the latter, bring them up too! If they’re better than your SAT I already, that’s at least one nice thing as you study more over these next couple months.)</p>
<p>You’re correct – you SHOULD NOT apply early to an Ivy League school.</p>
<p>Your transcript is the most important part of your application. That’s true at all Ivy League schools and all selective colleges. Even if you were able to score a 2400 on your SAT and score an 800 on your SAT Subject Tests, it’s just impossible to overcome your GPA. </p>
<p>Ask your guidance counselor if any students from your high school were accepted to Ivy League Schools with a 90 average. If your high school is like most high schools, a 90 average is just too low for an ivy league school no matter what your test scores (sorry). The competition is that fierce!</p>
<p>Have you thought of trying the ACT? I know its a little late, but maybe you would do better on it. Your SAT’s are too low now. Expand your list! There are lots of good schools.</p>
<p>I withdraw my advice in post two and refer you to Gibby’s advice in post 5. A 90 avg is a serious deficiency in most circumstances and you should look to a more realistic college list.</p>
<p>Ask your guidance counselor if anyone has been accepted from your high school with a 92. At my son and daughter’s high school, not one student in the last ten years has been accepted to HYP with less than a 94, no matter what their test score. It may be different at your high school, as these things tend to vary from school to school.</p>