<p>Lets say you write a killer essay that's unique rather than cliche. My GPA is a 3.85 uw and my SAT's aren't up to Ivy league par, but my EC's are great and my community service is outstanding (150+ hrs). I know that selective schools do tend to be lenient on people like me who don't have the best grades ever, but tend to also check EC's and me as a whole. </p>
<p>If I wrote a great unique essay, which my counselor has already read (1st draft) and said it's already a fantastic and unique start, is there always gonna be a shot at Ivies, Stanford, Georgetown, and the other usual crapshoots? LOL</p>
<p>I don’t want to burst your bubble, but 150 hours isn’t outstanding unless you did something amazing with it like start a nonprofit or something. The kids in here CLAIM to have sometimes 400+ hours…and that’s just a norm! However, you might be a good candidate. I wish I knew your scores…I really recommend retaking the SAT. They will look at your numerical stats first and if they are in range they will move on. Killer essays could tip the scales for sure but they would never be the only reason you’re admitted. Good luck!</p>
<p>“The kids in here CLAIM to have sometimes 400+ hours…and that’s just a norm!”</p>
<p>While I respect the few that probably have completed an amazing 400+ hours of service, I just laugh that you use the word “kids” and “CLAIM” haha. There is no freakin way 400+ hours of service is a norm, thats just pure insane commitment. I go to a catholic Jesuit school, and service and helping others is a priority for our curriculum, however very very few do 400+ hours total. Thats just crazy LOL. </p>
<p>ANYWAYS…my first score on the SAT was a 1700 :/. And I’m getting my 2nd SAT scores this thursday, so pumped because I know I did a lot better. I’ve accepted the fact I’m not a good test taker, but I believe it’s sorta unfair for some college admissions to just throw away your application just because of a slightly poor SAT, because my GPA is decent and my EC’s are pretty great.</p>
<p>Lol, well I don’t know that everyone tells the truth on here but if you look at decision results threads for Yale, Brown, Duke, Cornell…well, 300 and 400 hours seems to be the median. I don’t have nearly that many but I just see a lot of kids with that. Take a look if you don’t believe me.</p>
<p>I don’t think adcoms will throw your app out for low scores. In fact, the director of admissions at Columbia told me that they have to read through the entire app no matter what. However, I have also been told that numerical stats are the first thing they look at.</p>
<p>Consider that the entering stats for the Ivies are at the tops of the scales - generally over 2200 SATs and close to 4.0 uw GPAs. Most of their applicants have those kinds of stats and the schools can only take a tiny percentage of their applicants, so they’re having to weigh the 2200 with the great essay and amazing ECs against the 2350 with fewer out-of-class accomplishments. The essay can be beneficial for those with the stats to get into the small percentage who are accepted, but it’s not likely to put someone whose stats are outside the norm into the accepted pool.</p>
<p>Connor: You state “that it’s sorta unfair for some college admissions to just throw away your application”</p>
<p>Quick Reality Check: Life is unfair. The College Selection Process is VERY unfair. Read the “decisions” thread on any selective school, kids with 2400 SAT’s getting rejected, kids with SATS under 2100 getting in. Kids that did all kinds of exciting research, rejected. Other kids accepted.</p>
<p>So maybe you can get into Harvard with a 1700 SAT. What does it cost to find out? $100? The application fee plus the test scores? Why not really suicide it and not send test scores to the schools where they are “optional”?</p>
<p>But in addition to that, you need to pick some schools where your scores/grades/EC’s make you a comfortable fit as well.</p>
<p>I think it can be pretty beneficial, but truthfully only if you are slightly below their average standards. You have a good GPA. Not to discourage you, or say that it is impossible for you to get in - just be realistic. I hope your new SAT scores are great though!</p>