<p>Hi all,
Barnard is my absolute dream school. I can’t see myself anywhere else. How can I make myself stand out? Currently my SAT scores are 730 in reading, 570 in math, and 690 in writing. I’ve taken the test three times with only minimal improvement and I’ve worked my butt off studying so these scores are pretty frustrating. My SAT subject test scores are 720 in literature, 700 in physics, 650 in Math I, and 670 in US and world history. I am taking so many subject tests to show my versatility in all subjects. Should I retake the subject tests or the SAT? Can I take one in December and one in January and send the latter after the application deadline?
My GPA is 3.65. There are no weighted GPAs at my school, no class rankings, and no AP’s. This is considered a high GPA at my school because of the way it is structured. It takes an incredible amount of work at my school to even get this GPA. At a normal school I could be doing less work than I am now and getting a 4.5 or above. I take additional college classes at Cal Poly Pomona where I am getting a 4.0. How can I explain my school situation so they can accurately assess my performance?
Writing is my strong point so I know I can make my essays stand out. How important are the essays? Are they a big factor in who gets in? What about extracurriculars? Will extracurriculars make my application stand out?</p>
<p>My daughter got in with similar SAT scores to yours, but a higher GPA. However, she didn’t have any college courses. I think it was all about her essays because they showed her passion. Get in touch with your passion and express that. Most Barnard women have great ECs also.</p>
<p>Thank you. I really needed to hear that today. I think I will focus on upping my Subject Test scores and making sure my essays are perfect. People tell me my EC’s are very strong-I’ve been a Girl Scout for nearly twelve years straight and have earned my Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards. I earned my Gold Award teaching knitting at women’s shelter. I’ve put in almost 400 hours of volunteer work since freshman year. I have also been a district Poetry Out Loud finalist and competed in theatre festivals since freshman year. I have been in three plays and am starring in my school’s first musical this year. I participated in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Law and CSI in 10th grade. I play guitar and banjo. Also, I am a two-time Nanowrimo winner (so I have written a novel.) This year I am working on a yearlong project on theoretical physics-I am working with professors and graduates at Caltech to get my own research on supersymmetry published. Are these commitments similar to what your daughter had as EC’s?</p>
<p>I think your ECs are really unique and that might make up for your sat/GPA. My advice would be to go early decision because the acceptance is then 50%…</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I think I missed the Early Decision deadline. I would have applied early in heartbeat but it’s not really an option for me anyway. I kind of have to be able to compare financial aid packages, as my family can’t afford much.</p>
<p>Hannah, my D, a Barnard grad, read your post and thinks you have an excellent chance.</p>
<p>As to the math SAT it may be too late to retake. If you do, the math section is the easiest to improve by taking practice tests and making a list of missed questions. The problem with the math SAT is that it is on math that senior students are not using. The Writing and reading sections use skills that are cumulative, but the math section is on Arith. Alg. and Geometry. Taking practice tests for math allows you to recall those skills you haven’t used since freshman year.</p>
<p>Hey Hannah!</p>
<p>I get Google Alerts and saw this thread on my newsfeed this morning. I am a Barnard student who got in through regular decision this past year, and am so happy to see other students as passionate about the school as I and many others here are. I was in the same position as you are now: vigorously posting on as many college websites as possible, attempting to pick up shards of consoling advice from anyone who would be willing to give it, etc. I somewhat regret spending my time doing so, but understand your anxiety (the college application process was incredibly stressful for me). If you are a senior, then pour your heart into your application essay. Your extracurriculars are stellar as well as your SAT scores. If you have any questions, feel free to message me. I forgot that I still had this account up! I’d be thrilled to answer any questions that you may have about Barnard or Columbia, and offer you some sites where you can ask people who are even more experienced than I am. I wish you the best of luck!</p>
<p>Thanks so much! I am a senior. Mardad, if you are talking about the SAT reasoning math test, I have tried using these strategies. 
I have actually taken the SAT three times and only improved it from a 530-570. Which is strange since my score on the Subject Test is much higher. Would you recommend I try and up my subject test scores or my reasoning scores in December? Can I do one in December and one in January and send one after the deadline?
Pink-yes the college admissions process is very stressful for me. I don’t get a lot of support at school so I’m not really sure where to turn for help. I really appreciate the advice I’ve gotten here so far.</p>
<p>Hey, I’m Becca, and I’m a senior from AZ in the college app process as well. Barnard has recently moved to the top of my list. I’m just wondering if SAT scores are a really big deal for Barnard? I have a 3.97 GPA, I take a lot of APs, play varsity sports, I’m a blood drive coordinator for the Red Cross, I spent 4 weeks teaching at a school in Kenya during the summer, and I’m the President of the Student Body at my school. Buuuut – my SAT score is an 1840, and I haven’t received my subject test scores yet, but they probably won’t be great. My common app essay is strong though. Given all of this, do you think I still have a good chance of being accepted to Barnard even with the low SAT scores? Thanks.</p>
<p>My D had a 1925 super scored, I believe. Her subject tests were OK, not great… low 600s if I remember correctly. I know math was only 550. She’s clearly not a math major 
She was also a Girl Scout but never finished her Gold project. She had 5 years marching/orchestra band (clarinet), awards for creative writing, NHS, Interact, several leadership workshops/seminars. While she was definitely qualified, I really think the big difference was her essays. They showed her passion for women’s issues and her view of the world… Put your heart into your essays Show them who you are, what you are passionate about.</p>