End of the world: Didn't Finish ACT!

Applying to College
1

<p>I took the ACT a few hours ago, and I feel like my chances at college just got smashed.</p>

<p>I finished the writing section and probably got somewhere around a 34; on the math, I didn't finish the last 10 questions and probably got somewhere around a 30; I finished reading with about a 31, and for the science, I didn't get to the last 15, and probably made a 25.</p>

<p>The composite around a 29 to 30....I think. These scores are based on the table given in the Preparing for the ACT booklet.
: (</p>

<p>This was my first time, and my only time taking the ACT since I'm applying to Cornell ED (no matter what!!) and don't have to retake it.
I'm the president of mock trial, science bowl, and vice president for Senior Beta. I won awards at state level science olympiad competitions. I'm in the National Honor Society. I am a National Merit Scholar and an AP scholar with Distinction. I was also admitted to the Student Bar Association of Georgia with Honors. And I volunteer by tutoring special needs in math. I'm also number 2 of a class of 700 students. I have a job as a computer programmer at a medical practice.</p>

<p>What are my chances of getting in ED with these terrible ACT scores but strong extracurricular and academic backgrounds?</p>

<p>PS: SAT wasn't too great either. Best scores were 660 math, 660 reading, 730 writing. 750 in SAT II, biology. Still have to take 2 more SAT II.</p>

2

<p>Grow up and accept it. Whining over the internet isn’t going to win you any pity. A 30 isn’t terrible anyway.</p>

3

<p>lawl,
how nice of you!</p>

4

<p>You can take the ACT in october. But that will be the last possible test date so don’t screw up.</p>

5

<p>I can take in october? The deadline for sending the common app is November 1 for early decision. It takes 5-8 weeks to process ACT scores. How can I meet the November 1st deadline if I take the ACT October 22?</p>

<p>And yes, pretty positive I got the rest right. I worked each math problem twice; hence, didn’t finish.</p>

6

<p>[Early</a> Decision | Undergraduate Admissions Office](<a href=“http://blogs.cornell.edu/admissions/2011/09/02/early-decision/]Early”>http://blogs.cornell.edu/admissions/2011/09/02/early-decision/)</p>

<p>When should I plan to take my SAT, Subject Tests, or ACTs so that my scores can be considered with my early decision application?
You should plan to take the SAT before November of your senior year, or the ACT no later than October. Early decision applicants are strongly urged to take the SAT Subjects Tests (if required) no later than October, because the scores are used in the selection process.</p>

<p>FYI…if you want to go there, you might consider looking/googling their website for info. Good luck.</p>

7

<p>That’s the page I looked at before picking an ACT date, and I felt that maybe the information on there was incorrect because it conflicted with the date for common app submission.</p>

<p>So, I searched through the database at Cornell College of Arts and Sciences as well as the main undergrad database, and still, nothing that could clear up my date confusion. What I don’t understand is, how can I take the test AFTER I already send in my common app?
What would I put under the section for ACT/SAT scores? And would they recieve my new, October scores in time to use them instead of the September (today’s) scores? </p>

<p>I’m sorry for all the questions; I’m just flustered.</p>

8

<p>You update with admissions once you receive your scores, and send them official score reports.</p>

9

<p>So if I take it in October, I should list Cornell as the school to recieve the score and then call the admissions office and have them change it?</p>

10

<p>The college will update the scores when they receive the official paperwork/online data. If the website says they accept October scores for early decision, believe them. Or call them on Monday morning if you don’t believe the website. The clerical person at admissions answering the phone can reassure you.</p>

11

<p>Okay, last question!</p>

<p>What if they review my application before the update is made online or before they recieve any paperwork? (Is that even possible?)</p>

12

<p>If on the Cornell website it says that they will accept test scores up to the Oct. adminstration, your oct scores WILL be looked at by the admissions committee.</p>

<p>Just wondering, why is cornell your #1?</p>

13

<p>Okay, thanks, I just had to be sure.</p>

<p>I always wanted to double major in pyschology and neurology. I want to study criminal minds; what leads to a crime from a biological perspective? Cornell’s school of A&S has one of the most diverse pysch programs I’ve researched – the Behavioral and Evolutionary Neuroscience section in particular. Plus, it’s in NY. Favorite city ever.</p>

14

<p>It’s in NY state- not NY city. It’s in a small town called Ithaca in pretty much the middle of rural New York.</p>

15

<p>I’m aware; but when you’re from a small naval base in southern Georgia which has one movie theater for entertainment, Ithaca doesn’t seem so “small.”
In fact, one of the pros for Cornell is that it is located in a relatively safe, college-centered town surrounded by a sprawling state.
Best of both worlds.</p>