<p>I have a friend who has taken the SAT twice so far, and both times scored a 1060. He has not yet taken SATII's, but I do not think he has prepared for them yet. I don't believe he is the top ten percent of the class, but is defintely in the top twenty percent--we attend an average public high school. He has only had honors and AP classes junior and senior year. Those junior and senior years have been all AP's and honors though, he does have a difficult courseload. His gpa is probably around 3.3-3.4UW and 3.7W. YET, he does have good EC's, nothing at the national level though. But his EC's prove that he is mature and a great leader.</p>
<p>To get to the point, does he have a shot at schools like UPenn or schools like Swat? When we talk about applying to college, it seems to me that he feels like his gpa and ec's will mask his test scores. I am wary though, and I never know what to say to him. What do you think?</p>
<p>He would have to have something VERY distinctive in his application to gain the attention and acceptance at any of the Ivies, I would think. Is he first generation American, first college applicant in the family, from an impoverished home where he has excelled despite obstacles? Is there a GOOD reason why his SAT is at the 1000 level? What distinctions does he have that will stand out from the crowd? Having said that, is this student seriously interested in the Ivies and if so why?</p>
<p>I agree with Marite. His GPA isn't all that terrific either, and unless his EC's are at the national level, they will certainly not stand out from the crowd. What makes him so intent on these very competitive schools when there are others that might better suit him...and where he would have a very decent chance of being accepted?</p>
<p>Thanks for all the responses. I agree with all of you. When we talk about college and he mentions applying to such schools, I never have the heart to say that he has no chance--because there is always 1 percent chance that anyone can get accepted anywhere in my opinion. I think that this person believes they are more of an intellectual than they really are. I hate to say it, but I think that's the problem. But if you talked with my friend, you wouldn't expect them to have credentials such as these. He is interesting and very good at communicating orally--I guess you could say, but he just does not make the grade. What schools do you see him having a chance at? How about some place like George Washington U?</p>
<p>The thread begins with the statement, "He has not yet taken SATII's, but I do not think he has prepared for them yet." </p>
<p>A high school student who is unprepared to take ANY SAT II (at what age?) is unprepared to go to a highly competitive college. All of the more selective colleges advise applicants to take the toughest academic program they can manage in their local community. A reasonably diligent, bright young person ought to be ready to take an SAT II test or two by the time college application time rolls around. </p>
<p>What is the plus factor that this applicant brings to the table? Is there anything left unsaid in the original list of facts about this young person that would explain BOTH low grades and low test scores without leaving the implication that the applicant just isn't ready for the most selective colleges?</p>
<p>I guess one plus factor is that they have improved since freshman year--in that they started with college prep classes, and now only take AP courses.</p>
<p>I made this post because I needed to reassure myself that I was not wrong in thinking that this person did not have a good shot at top tier schools. It's just that when you talk with them they sound so intellectual and hardworking. They don't seem to have a realistic view of things, and I have become confused by their attitude.</p>
<p>At least at my high school, EVERYONE takes college prep classes their freshman year, and only take honors starting in the tenth grade, and a few APs in the eleventh. I don't think it will be that big of a plus, unless his grades have improved as well.</p>
<p>In our high school, students with such Stats would normally shoot for the state university, which actually can provide an excellent education. Besides the issue of admission, such a student would not qualify for merit aid and it may not be worth the expenses attending a private college that is not very selective. Ask your friend to look up the rankings of USNWR and see the range of stats reported for colleges at different ranking levels to give him a sense of where he would fit.</p>
<p>You should try to convince him that applying to Ivy's for the name isn't in his best interests. Why must everyone stress Ivy's so strongly. They are all great schools but there are other schools that are just as great or are better fits.</p>
<p>The best college should be borderline between reach and match. Ivy schools are dream schools for him, statistically at least.</p>
<p>I don't believe he has a chance, even if his relatives have contributed several tens of millions. But if by some miracle he gets into one of those schools, he will most probably regret it, as he will feel overwhelmed and out of place.</p>
<p>More than likely your friend sounds so sure he'll get into Ivies because he hasn't yet started seriously looking into colleges or talking to his guidance counselor. To me, sounds like he is far behind in the college application process and, yes, is still very unrealistic about his options.</p>
<p>His changes are dim for such schools, even if he were an impoverished URM from a gang ravaged ghetto school. His stats and scores demonstrate that he is not likely capable of rising to the academic level of a Penn or Swat.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone. I have talked him into a state school and one SAT opt. school--and he really liked the SAT opt school thank goodness. I think that he has looked at the usnews rankings, but ranges and all that never seem to phase him. I just hate seeing him thinking unrealistically. He is a very good friend of mine, but I don't know if it really is my business to tell them they should try looking at more safe schools. I have considered the same thing that some of you have mentioned--that even if he did get accepted, he would not be able to handle the academics at the schools once there. I agree. He already stresses about his high school courses. I guess perhaps next time college comes up in convo, I will say something. He is taking the SATI again this saturday, so maybe he will score higher, but I don't really know. Thanks for commenting!</p>
<p>Plena, Where are the Guidance folks at your school, AND this friend's parents? It is wonderful that, as a friend, you are helping your buddy. BUT I find it troubling that his advice is coming from a classmate, and a message board. He should be receiving some kind of guidance from the GC and his family too, or a teacher with whom he has a great relationship.</p>