Though Bowdoin is SAT optional college, it looks like 90% applicants send the SAT scores. Also, Bowdoin does consider the scores if you send them. My GPA is quite good, and my sat 2 scores are high ( 800 maths 2 800 Physics 790 chem) but don’t have good sat 1 score, so would not like to send the SAT. Does this hurt the admission chance?
–International student, looking for huge F. Aid.
Or, at what score, the SAT will not “hurt” the chance in Bowdoin?
On its most recent Common Data Set, Bowdoin registers a middle-range SAT of 1290-1510. If your weaker section score falls at ~650 or higher, then an SAT 1 score submission could substantiate your academic profile. A score below this level could be problematic, however.
Colligate44 - Where did you see that 90% of applicants submit test scores?
@colligate44 Last year about 30% of Bowdoin applicants did not submit test scores.
https://www.bowdoin.edu/admissions/our-process/test-optional-policy/index.html
In an info session this summer the admissions officer said that since Bowdoin went test optional in the late 60’s, the non-test submitting proportion of applicants has consistently been in the 25%-33% range.
However, Bowdoin does require all matriculants to send in an official test score. So, those are the ACT/SAT score ranges you see in the common data set. Hope that helps. If you post your SAT score we can give you better feedback on whether to send it or not. Good luck!
@Mwfan1921 I have sat score of 1360 ( which I believe is below their 25 percentile)
@colligate44 2017/18 CDS shows EBRW 25%/75% is 650/750 Math 25%/75% is 640/760 for all matriculating students. We can not calculate SAT composite 25%/75% from this data. Where do your 2 section scores fall? Another data point is that 1360 SAT equals ACT 30, which is 25%ile on the CDS.
Additionally, we do not know the 25%/75% scores of accepted applicants who submitted test scores. But, they are likely higher than the ranges we are seeing on the CDS. With all that said, I would lean towards not submitting your SAT 1360, but encourage you to compare your 2 section scores with the above data, and speak with your guidance counselor. And, obviously, you should report your very strong subject test scores.
@Mwfan1921 I have 590 EDRW 770 Math. I guess I won’t be sending the scores as reading & writing scores are way below 25%. What would you suggest?
Is English your second language? If so, have you taken the Toefl test, and what is your score on that? Are you applying EDI, EDII or RD?
I don’t think you should send SAT1 score, have you also consulted with your guidance counselor?
Yes, English is my second language. I scored 115 on the TOEFL. I’m applying ED1 to Bowdoin.
Great score on Toefl, no need to send SAT1. Good luck to you!
Note that the figure for applicants who submit scores may still not have been established, in that Bowdoin reports
https://www.bowdoin.edu/admissions/our-process/test-optional-policy/index.html
As you have seen, your score lands 70 points above Bowdoin’s 25th percentile level. Whether you submit your scores or not, this should lend you confidence.
Would you submit a 690 EBRW and 750 Math?
@merc81 Yes my typo re: applicants vs matriculants in class of 2021. Note that the admissions sessions are clear that the proportion of applicants not submitting test scores has consistently been in range of 25%-33%, for nearly 50 years.
Saying that OPs 1360 is 70 points above the 25%ile SAT composite score is incorrect. Mathematically speaking, the SAT composite 25%ile does not equal the 25%ile scores of the individual sections added together.
Also, these CDS class of 2021 test scores are from all matriculated students, including the 30% who did not submit test scores when they applied, per the linked article upthread. It’s likely most of the scores from the 30% non-senders of test scores are on the lower end of these CDS ranges.
IMO when making the decision to apply with or without test scores, students should look at their section scores and consider sending them if both sections are equal to or greater than the respective 50%ile. Certainly the strength of the rest of the application plays into this decision, but 50%ile is a more conservative guideline than the 25%ile, when looking at scores of all matriculants.
Per Bowdoin’s website, for the current freshman class the median SAT scores are
730 verbal, 750 math
the middle 50% 700-750 verbal, 710-790 math
A 1360 is not in range and the applicant should not send it
It will be interesting to see the entire class of 2022 test score ranges when the CDS comes out…then we will see how much the ranges are lowered when including scores of all matriculants, including those who did not submit scores in their application for admission.
When referencing constructed distributions (such as arrangements created for the purpose of mathematical exploration), the original statement (reply #10) may be imprecise.
However, when referencing most natural distributions, the original statement provides an accurate basis for comparison, and, not incidentally, represents the adopted standard for published college guidebooks such as U.S. News.
With respect to the OP, his SAT score places him at the ~40th percentile in comparison to current Bowdoin students. I’d recommend that a decision as to whether to submit scores or not be made with this understanding, as well as with a consideration of other factors.
If you want to get in without scores, you need a big pull-won a national competition, did some really meaningful volunteer work, started a company, or meet a demographic need. Most students submit scores.
I was waitlisted at Bowdoin with a 1420 SAT and a pretty impressive GPA. Are you retaking the SAT?
The 590 is too low. That’s the issue and OP said so. The stem scores, in contrast, are so high it’s lopsided.
@OldbatesieDoc What are you basing your statement on? I only ask because three years ago my DD was admitted without submitting scores and didn’t fall into this category. She also wasn’t a URM.