<p>My D was terribly ill the day of the SAT and didn't score well at all (a ghastly 1350!). She is, of course, going to take the SAT again in October. We are concerned about the early auditions in November - is she able to apply at schools like Elon, OCU, Baldwin Wallace and Muhlenberg without the SAT/ACT scores submitted? It's really hard to tell based on jumping from the admissions section to the theatre/music sections of their websites. </p>
<p>We're hopeful that the ACT scores are considerably better, but would appreciate input just in case.</p>
<p>It’s hard for some of these kids since they are so busy performing and training to do well on the tests even if they have high GPA’s. Since they have no time to study. My daughter did a couple practice tests and it showed she would test better on the ACT. In fact studies show girls generally do better on the ACT. So we decide to stick with the ACT. Bought the practice test books and she took some practice tests when she had the time. We will see how she does. Some programs do care about test scores and grades and go by talent. Boston Conservatory for instance. I have a feeling your daughter will do better on the ACT though. Best Wishes!</p>
<p>@silverstate: if you poke around in the “Auditions” area of school websites, somewhere they will tell you what the requirements to audition are - some require academic acceptance prior to auditioning, some do not. I believe that some may require that your application be completed (which means test scores have to be in) prior to scheduling an audition. It varies. For example, this past year Ithaca College, according to their website, allowed you to audition in January and February and then:</p>
<p>“Please note that applications to Ithaca College will be due to admissions by February 1, 2011 for Fall 2011 acceptance.”</p>
<p>I think that the bottom line is that you have to do a lot of “clicking, poking and reading” on the website of each college in which you are interested.</p>
<p>That is true that you must check each school, however, most schools will allow you to resubmit test scores once you have retaken them. So if you have to submit in order to get the audition slot, you can still send the newer test scores to the college and often they will get those before you actually audition. Most schools will honor the highest score you receive on SAT or ACT.</p>
<p>At least last year, Baldwin Wallace was “test optional”. Look at their site for information about the process (a graded paper, additional essay, etc is required) if that’s an option your d would like to pursue. </p>
<p>Each school is different in what they require, and how academically selective they are. Spend some time really reading their websites and requirements…that’s where you’ll get your true answers.</p>
<p>While most students submit SAT or ACT scores, Muhlenberg also has a “no test” option under which in lieu of test scores, students submit a graded paper and attend an interview. More info on this is available on Muhlenberg’s website. Even for those who submit test scores, Muhlenberg gives great weight to an interview and demonstrated interest in the school. A very holistic approach is taken in evaluating a student, including evaluating how the student would fit with the values and culture of the school. Visiting the campus and interviewing are highly recommended.</p>
<p>FYI, Sarah Lawrence in NY (one half hour from NYC) does not only not require SAT’s or ACT’s, they don’t even want them. It is a very progressive, liberal school, one of the first to get rid of the testing. “We are a writing-intensive school, and the information produced by SAT scores added little to our ability to predict how a student would do at our college; it did, however, do much to bias admission in favor of those who could afford expensive coaching sessions.” Great dance department, decent theater. Courses of study are often individualized and student-created. A good option for the right student who is very self-motivated. An impressive list of famous alumnae.</p>
<p>Right on Sarah Lawrence! Wish I would have gone there many moons ago :)</p>
<p>I DID go there. Loved it :)</p>