I have:
4.0 gpa not weighted/4.467 gpa weighted
ranked 1 in the class
Sat: 700(reading writing)/730(math)
My sister attends Amherst
I’m considering applying early decision to Amherst but my sat essay score has a 2 (limited analysis). I can’t retake the sat until after early decision has passed. Should I apply early decision with a poor sat essay score or regular decision with a retaken sat essay score? I’ve heard that early decision acceptance gives me a slightly better chance especially knowing that, with my sat scores, Amherst is a reach.
If Amherst is where you really want to go apply ED. You have everything else, there is a good chance they will just assume you had a bad day with the writing. IMHO, the worst that could happen is they would move your application to regular decision. Honestly, I think you will get in especially if you are full pay.
You could always talk to your admissions counselor from Amherst and ask this question directly.
Full pay or not does not matter in the least for admissions purposes. Amherst is need-blind for admissions.
I agree that you should apply ED if you like Amherst, and if the net price calculator indicates a number your family can handle, which is likely since your sister goes there!
If your application essay is weak and if your teachers mention problems with your writing, then the SAT writing score will reinforce those issues. In the absence of the other two, it may raise an eyebrow, but it may not be a deal breaker, especially as the major ranking organizations don’t consider the essay score. Being first in your class is much more of an achievement! Plus, your other SAT scores are in line with those of other Amherst students.
(You might want to retake the SAT with essay anyway, even if applying ED to Amherst before those results would come in, if you will be applying RD to any colleges that require the SAT essay if you get deferred or rejected from Amherst. Since you are worried about that score, why not remove that stressor for the future? If you get into Amherst and took that test for nothing— well, that is the best case scenario!)
Good luck!
The SAT Essay is recommended, not required. https://www.amherst.edu/admission/apply/firstyear/redesigned_sat
BUT Amherst/Williams/Bowdoin/all of those LAC types are REALLY writing intensive.
I agree with @Empireapple. I am a bit skeptical when schools claim to be “need blind.”
Thanks everyone for you input.
Most colleges will view the quality of your writing more through the common app essay and the supplemental essay. Amherst has a supplement that requires quite a bit of thought. If you do a great job with that, they probably won’t care as much about the SAT essay score
Thank you; that’s what I was hoping.
I’m the OP
Quick update:
I applied to 17 colleges RD with a 1530 sat, 6-6-7 sat essay. I got waitlisted at Amherst amount others but accepted at Dartmouth among others. If you have any questions feel free ask.