<p>I’m really interested in Bowdoin! My cousin just graduated from there, and he said that he wishes he could enlist for another four years!</p>
<p>I plan on raising my ACT score: I took the test the first time not knowing ANYTHING about its format (I earned a composite score of 30), but now I have a book that I’m using to study. I took the SATs twice, but I found that my scores were average (600 to 690 for each component) and I was better-suited towards the ACT. I would really prefer to NOT take the SATs again.</p>
<p>Do you think that my NOT playing a varsity/junior varsity sport in high school will effect my admissions chances? I have been an active dancer for almost 15 years.</p>
<p>Thank you for all of those that respond, and best wishes to all of you!</p>
<p>Could you say a little more about your interests/ prospective major? It's one thing to score a 600 on the math section of the SAT and plan to major in economics then it is to score a 600 on math but have a track record of achievement in, for example, art and plan on expanding on that in college. LAC's like Bowdoin are famous for their comprehensive admissions process and its worth taking advantage of that. </p>
<p>Still, your scores are a little on the low end (particularly that 600). However, if you scored a 30 on the ACT without much studying than you should be able to raise it enough to fit Bowdoin's typical academic profile. Just keep in mind that once you break 30, it gets significantly harder to improve and if you don't increase your score by three or four points I wouldn't panic. Bowdoin admits a quarter of its applicants with scores lower than its average, so you still would have a shot (depending on your grades, rec's, etc.). </p>
<p>As for the lack of playing a sport in high school, I highly doubt that's going to hurt your chances particularly given that you have shown a dedicated passion for another activity like dancing. It's something you should be proud of and I suspect the admissions committee understands that the type of people attracted to certain interests are not likely to have the same passion for another type.</p>
<p>Thank you. I plan on majoring in English or something similar, and I want to stay far, far away from science and math (besides the requirements). So hopefully my 600 won't hurt me as much since I don't want to pursue that area? Also, I plan on only submitting the ACT, if even that, since it's optional.</p>
<p>When I applied to Bowdoin, I made a point on the application of talking about my serious passion for history, public speaking, debate and writing. And even though my math/science grades weren't the best, I made sure that they knew I didn't plan on making those subjects the centerpiece of my college career. I suggest you try the same approach since it helps give you a better chance. </p>
<p>As for the tests, I took both the SAT and ACT as well. Even though submitting scores is optional, I would suggest you hand them in. Not doing so only puts that much more weight on your transcripts and if you didn't do well in math or science classes that might undermine your chances. Besides, your scores are not so bad that they will hurt you in a significant way. Just take the ACT again, if you score higher great, if not then submit the scores and work on your application narrative. Good luck!</p>