Will I be at a disadvantage if I do not submit any SAT ii’s? I did not know they were required for most schools until this summer. I have a 1340/1600 superscore (700 M 640 R/W) SAT (which I understand is pretty low for Pomona).
Is there a way to compensate for a score of this range? Tips for standing out in my essay?I am a female pursing computer theory and mathematics, racially mixed (filipino, native, white), really low-income, good extracurriculars, from small rural farm town, 3.91 GPA (4.0 past 2 years full-time dual enrolled student taking the most rigorous math and cs courses [linear algebra, calc I-V, differential equations, data structure/algorithms, taylor series, engineering physics, programming, etc]).
No, you won’t be at a disadvantage for lacking SAT II’s, as Pomona no longer requires them. Your SAT is on the low end for Pomona, but your profile sounds captivating, and you might be a special interest case for Pomona as you’re Native/LI interested in pursuing STEM and from a geographically underrepresented location.
If your essays and LORs are glowing (highlight the math interest), I think you have a solid chance of getting in, even with the low scores. If you can raise the scores to 700+ on both sections as well, I think you’d be a top candidate at just about any school you apply to.
@nostalgicwisdom Thanks for the input! I believe my essays really display my love for math and computer theory, and my LORs should be good.
I am taking the subject tests anyway tomorrow so I will end up having to send in all my scores anyway (I heard that Pomona wants ALL tests taken no matter what). I am also taking the ACT so I hope I do better on that. My brother got an 1860 on the SAT and a 32 on the ACT. I am really hoping that I have a similar case.
@nostalgicwisdom Also, I thought 1450/1600 was like the 25th percentile of admitted students. My score seems well below this. I am just skeptical why you think I would have a solid chance. Anyway, I will try my best to improve this weak-link in my application in the month I have left.
Two years ago Pomona dropped any requirement for subject tests and did not even go to recommending them. Instead it “encourages” them for home schooled students, not others. Also, effective this year, Pomona dropped its “all scores” rule and now you can submit whatever tests you want to send. The low end of its middle 50% range for SAT test scores last year was 1360/1600. You have a decent chance including because of things you mention: low income, high GPA with advanced math and science courses, and a URM woman pursuing STEM, are all favorable factors that will be considered.
@akiddoc I totally did. One of my essays was about how living in my small town actually led me to develop some of my most valued characteristics; I wrote it around a quirky analogy and spent a paragraph describing the diversity found in my childhood home.