I asked a similar questions about a year ago but substantially raised my SAT score since then. Right now my score is a 1420 (760 R / 660 M). My SS for ACT is a 30 (35, 34, and then a 23 for science and 27 for math). According to the CollegeBoard concordance table my SAT translates to a 31 ACT, which is higher than my score. But I’m really worried about my sub scores and I wish I never took the ACT since I have to send it in I’m applying as a Philosophy/Literature major, and I have a very strong application otherwise (philosophy research with Stanford profs, published by ivy league universities, low income/1st gen) but I feel very very worried about this score and I’m wondering whether I should even take the time to finish the app with my laughable score. All insight is appreciated, thank you
I don’t know if this provides any valuable info but I took AP bio and AP physics jr year and got A/B+ and a 3 on the Bio exam (I wasn’t able to to take the physics so I don’t have a score)
If your research is legit and you can get the prof to write on your behalf that will help. Having lopsided scores is not the end of the world if you are intending on studying the humanities. Since you are first gen, your essays will matter a lot. If there is something particularly interesting about your life story that will stand out, you have a decent shot.
You guys have to realize that it literally costs $100 to apply to a college. Unless you’ll be having strong regrets that you didn’t apply to Stanford, I’d save those $100. I’ve reduced my list to 8 to save money.
@floraha Not sure about the advice you’re getting here. The harm in applying is so low (~$100) that I don’t think it makes sense to not apply if you are interested in the school. Your scores aren’t bad – I don’t think they would keep you out if the admissions officers liked your application otherwise. Write good essays, and if you have time, retake your ACT and focus on improving your science score.
This might all be too late if you’re applying this year, but I seriously wonder about the advice some people give here sometimes – not applying to a certain school based on the application fee alone?
@floraha Congratulations! You deserve it! I think too many people overrate (especially adults who know little about admission to selective colleges; glaring at my school and how they hype every perfect 36 scorer [disclaimer: I’m not one of them] and at news outlets who talk about people who pretty much waste their life on that elusive perfect score) high test scores and don’t talk enough about other very cool and great things that good students (like you) do! I’m sure Stanford was willing to overlook the slightly low test scores for your philosophy research and other hooks. I hope to see you at Stanford!
I’m applying as a Philosophy/Literature major, and I have a very strong application otherwise (philosophy research with Stanford profs, published by ivy league universities, low income/1st gen) but I feel very very worried about this score and I’m wondering whether I should even take the time to finish the app with my laughable score. All insight is appreciated, thank you