<p>My son will be filling out his application to state schools soon, from the reach state flagships, to the easier directionals. His GPA is 3.1 weighted, but he's only had 1 AP course, so his unweighted is close to weighted. He is an extremely hard worker, but in his junior year had 2 D's in spring semester. One in Chem and one in Algebra 4. He worked with tutors, and he will be explaining those challanges and how he plans to overcome them going forward in his essay.</p>
<p>Back to his low SAT. My son has ADHD, and has never asked for accomodations, although he takes meds. He just spends more time on his studying, always has. He does not plan on mentioning his ADHD, as I think it's become more common that admissions think it's just an excuse. He's had his IQ tested when he was 13, when he was diagnosed. I always knew since first grade that something wasn't quite right...I worked with him quite a bit in elementary school and knew he had some type of learning disability, but he seemed to manage with my help. Anyway, the psychologist said that his IQ was in the normal range (90-110) for his age...but might be a point or two lower then 100. He can learn material and grasp it..but has reading comprehension problems. With all the tutoring, he couldn't manage more than a 460 math, 450 Verbal and 500 Writing. these are his limits. BUT...he is a hard worker and besides the 2 D's, has received A's, mostly B's and a couple C's Freshman - Junior year. He goes to a difficult large H.S. My question is...does he address those low SAT's? And if so..how? Or is there really nothing to be said?</p>
<p>I don’t think there’s anything to be said. His scores are not totally out of line with his HS record (or his IQ for that matter). One possibility is to look at SAT optional schools. <a href=“ACT/SAT Optional List - Fairtest”>http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional</a> It might also be best for him to start at a local CC to get his legs under himself for college classes which are more difficult than HS. Good luck</p>
<p>Thanks Erin Dad. Actually, he will be applying to the state flagship regional campus in our city, also. I’m secretly hoping he goes there…to have support from us and get his footing with college classes. I know it will be difficult to see his peers leave and he stay home, but as we know that first year goes quickly. He can always transfer. AND…with my first son at college, that first year can just be a party-hardy time. OK…we won’t mention the SAT scores, but will definitly discuss the grades, what he’s learned and how he plans on corrected that. He’s already started by taking pre-calc and introducing himself to the teacher and asking for her help upfront. He’s always been a bit intimidated to do that…just relying on tutors, but he said he’s not getting behind this year and knows it’s important to take another year of Math (even thought he doesn’t have to to graduate). Because of our income level, we won’t get any kind of merit aid and can’t/aren’t willing to fork out private school tuition. CC is always an option! Thanks for responding.</p>
<p>Not really much to say about the SAT scores. Don’t try to justify them. His GPA should speak for itself and demonstrates a student who can achieve with effort.</p>
<p>The ADHD should be mentioned as it does help explain things, however, NOT by him. This is the type of thing the GC writes in their rec. Admissions does not look at it as an excuse if mentioned by the GC and he has been diagnosed and is on medication.</p>
<p>Guineagirl…this is the first I’ve heard of the GC (our school has a college career counselor, so I suppose it would be her) writing such a thing. I have often thought telling colleges about this is not using it as an “excuse”, but a reason. There is nothing to excuse! This is who he is…a kid who isn’t brilliant academically like so many of his peers, but without accomodations other than medication works very hard to maintain a B. A kid who knows what he can never slack off and is terrified enough that in college he won’t keep up…so because of that he WILL keep up. Thanks.</p>
<p>Telling the GC to mention it is the correct thing. When applicants explain it, it sounds like an excuse. When GCs explain it, it sounds like a reason. </p>
<p>I advise you not to keep it to yourself. I read Dean J’s blog (UVA) and he actively encourages people to include explanation of discrepancies, if there is a reason. Too many students are rejected because they don’t explain their situations, when a simple explanation by their GC could have gotten them an acceptance letter instead. </p>
<p>@conmama I know full aware of his situation. I myself have ADHD and went through my entire high school (at TJHSST, if you’ve heard of it) without accommodations except medication. This is why I say to mention it, because I know how hard it is to do. I’ve been there. It helps show his character- leaving it out is a mistake IMHO.</p>
<p>Why don’t you try to get him extra time and let him try the test again in the fall? Colleges don’t see that you have extra time when they get the results. I don’t think colleges will take the explanation that he didn’t get extra time as an “excuse” for low scores because they know that the accommodation of extra time is available to those who go through the process and qualify. You can also look to see if there are any test optional schools by you that are possibilities. <a href=“http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional/state”>http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional/state</a></p>
<p>I have a 3.8 GPA and a 1290 sat score. I didn’t study for the June test but I have to tell you in a rushed educational schools system I’ve trained to learn and grasp quickly for a month then forget. Must be why I did so bad 490 math and 420 reading</p>
<p>What does your son want to study? Does he even want to go to college? Maybe his strengths are with something that doesn’t require a 4 year degree? </p>
<p>If he does want to go to college, then maybe starting a directional would be better anyway. I don’t know what flagship is yours, but if it is loaded with stronger students, his grades might suffer there anyway. </p>
<p>@mom2collegekids …yes, he wants to go to college. He just finished a very long career counseling test, and his appointment is in a couple months. It will be very interesting to see the results. He’s also taking an elective this semester called preparing for college and careers. I think this should be a mandatory class for all students. Directional might be where he ends up going anyway, that is his safety school.</p>