<p>my sats are very low. do you think my family background would make up for it? my father died when i was in elementary school. low income..
thanks</p>
<p>What is 'very low"? Please supply number. Harvard says the scores of applicants range from 600 to 800, so if you did get 600+, it's okay. But if you couldn't achieve that, I have to say sorry. You also have to consider whether you can actually survive once you get in. And by the way, you're not the only one that encountered a tragedy earlier in life. So the best thing I think you can do now is taking a prep course and trying the new SAT all over again. Best:)</p>
<p>Having a bad background and being from a low income family are in fact considered "natural hooks." However, you need AT LEAST 600 on each of the 3 sections of the SAT to be considered.</p>
<p>I think there is some confusion on what Harvard says about the SAT. The exact quote is:</p>
<p>"Harvard does not have clearly defined, required minimum scores; however, the majority of students admitted to the College represent a range of scores from roughly 600 to 800 on each section of the SAT I as well as on the SAT II Subject Tests. We regard test results as helpful indicators of academic ability and achievement when considered thoughtfully among many other factors."</p>
<p>yeah but even that's a little bit misleading because i think we can all agree ur chances of admission with a 1200 are pretty slim.</p>
<p>so if i emphasize adversity the adversity i had to go through in my essay, do you think they will have some consideration towards my low sat?
btw my gpas are fine, but the sats are stumping me, especially cr</p>
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Having a bad background and being from a low income family are in fact considered "natural hooks."
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<p>Not necessarily. A lot of people have hard backgrounds, including loss of parents/siblings and divorce. Low income might actually help a lot more at some schools. Even though that's also common, there aren't as many low-income kids applying at top colleges as there are students who had family problems.</p>
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so if i emphasize adversity the adversity i had to go through in my essay, do you think they will have some consideration towards my low sat?
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<p>Your background has nothing to do with your SAT scores. It also may come across as a "pity me" essay, which you definitely don't want. Have you considered simply retaking the SAT I?</p>
<p>"Not necessarily. A lot of people have hard backgrounds, including loss of parents/siblings and divorce. Low income might actually help a lot more at some schools. Even though that's also common, there aren't as many low-income kids applying at top colleges as there are students who had family problems."</p>
<p>Yes--- I just feel that income should be more of a factor. Low-income applicants need to make that known on their application to whatever college... Especially colleges like Harvard who try to recruit student of the lower class... I mean, poor people don't have the opps. to travel, have tutors for the sat and school, go to good schools, etc... Their lives are much harder. Being low-income when applying to schools like Harvard IS a plus b/c they realize all of your obsticles and self-motivation needed to get where you are today.</p>
<p>It's a bit of an awkward situation to be in, I agree. I'm looking at a lot of schools that are need-blind and want to increase socioeconomic diversity, yet at the same time they're not clued in as to whether or not I'm lower class (I am) because they're need-blind.</p>
<p>"It's a bit of an awkward situation to be in, I agree. I'm looking at a lot of schools that are need-blind and want to increase socioeconomic diversity, yet at the same time they're not clued in as to whether or not I'm lower class (I am) because they're need-blind."</p>
<p>Find some way to incorp. that into your essay. Just don't have it be a "I'm poor, pity me, essay." And talk about during your interview your self motivation... etc.. maybe make a note of it in your app.. I don't know... Good question, very good quesiton.</p>
<p>if you look at that thread, that girl had like somewhere in the 1100's and got into Harvard.. and she lived in a rough neighborhood, mother disabled, and father is a truck driver(Away for long periods of time), she probally took responisblity for her family by working extra jobs and stuff. and wrote a really convincing essay along with her background.</p>
<p>b/w what kind of neighborhood u live in ?</p>
<p>i havent taken the sat I yet, but i prepared for it over the summer (going to be junior) to answer your question maradona, i dont live in an urban area.</p>
<p>The easiest way to let a college know that you're low income is to use a fee waiver:</p>
<p>Colleges will also be able to tell by looking at the level of education your parents have completed, since college graduates usually are not lower class; your essays, if you incorporate it into that; and your interview.</p>
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<p>Your background has nothing to do with your SAT scores. </p>
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<p>This is false. Your scores will absolutely be viewed in light of your background. A 1200 scored by a first-generation immigrant living in poverty in East L.A. and attending a high school with a 40% drop-out rate is a COMPLETELY different story from a 1200 scored by a rich white doctor's kid in Bel-Air. The first kid has a good shot at Harvard if his grades are in order; the second is toast unless he's a potential starting quarterback or the equivalent.</p>