<p>I am an international student from Morocco. I have just recieved my SAT scores today. Extremely disappointing scores. I got 1590 (Math: 520, CR: 420 :s, Writing 640).
I have not taken the SAT 2 yet and I am going to take the SAT 1 again in December. I was planning to apply Early Decision to Grinnell, but now that I got those bad scores, I am so confused and don't really know what to do.
My family income is really low and I really need to get a good scholarship.
My grades are pretty good (16/20).
I tutor in English, organize numerous clothing drives and food drives, participate in beach cleanups. I have also participated in 1 MUN Conference. I am a member of the Competitive College Club, sponsored by EducationUSA at AMIDEAST. I have recently been accepted to attend the African Leadership Academy, which is one of the most selective preparatory schools in Africa, but did not attend it because of financial issues. I have also made it to the finalist week-end of the United World Colleges. </p>
<p>Now that you know everything about me, do you think it would be a better idea to apply to grinnell ED 1 with my current score? or do you think it would be wiser to wait until the regular round and apply with an improved score?</p>
<p>I would say your chances for admission with those test scores are extremely small, especially because Grinnell doesn’t consider the writing score, which was your best score. I would suggest a retake (after a lot of practicing!) and applying regular decision only if your scores show significant improvement. Are you taking the TOEFL?</p>
<p>I would also suggest you post in the international students section and see what schools they might suggest, in addition to following up happymom’s suggestion.</p>
<p>Thank you M’s Mom ! I took a look at page 9 … I should definitely work hard in order to improve my scores ! I’m positive I will get a good score next time I take the SAT, because the first time I took it I got like 1340 or something, now I got 1590… So I improved by 250 points lol. If I work hard, I can improve by more than 250 points next time too !
And yes, I took the TOEFL on october 14th, last week. I practiced a lot for it. I did my best !
By the way, I have a quick question. Do you think it is possible that I apply ED2 to Grinnell and at the same time apply Regular decision to other colleges?</p>
<p>Sure. It shows that you are seriously committed to attending. On the other hand, it reduces your ability to negotiate your financial aid package. Generally, if you are admitted to comparable schools and one offers a more generous financial aid package than the other, some schools may be willing to match the offer if they know that by doing so, you will commit. I know Grinnell has done this in the past for a student accepted at a comparable school with a better package. If you apply EDII, however, you will be committed to attending and forego your ability to negotiate.</p>
<p>Of course, this is all a moot point if your test scores don’t significantly improve.</p>
<p>Thank you very much. Your pieces of advice are very much appreciated.
My scores will improve. I am very perseverant and I don’t give up easily ^^. I’ll keep you updated !</p>
<p>As an Arab, I can say that most of us do not do well on the SAT I, but we succeed in the ACT. So I am really sure that you will do better if you take the ACT. </p>
<p>Ok, but what is the difference between the SAT and the ACT? I think I do not have enough time for the ACT, I am acquainted with the SAT so I should take advantage of that. I think…
Thank you and Good luck to you too !</p>