So I was extremely stupid, I had horrible advice and I took the SAT once, it just so happened to be the day I came down with an illness after coming back from vacation. Needless to say, I didn’t do as well as I could’ve (1180). Seeing as I am a top student (Governor’s School, IB, AP) I was aiming for schools that require a bit more effort to get into. I applied ED @ Penn, got deferred and was kind of heartbroken to see I wasn’t accepted last Thursday. I was wondering would taking a gap year, allowing myself to gain some more noteworthy experiences help my application? I already had amazing ECs and was ranked at several state competitions, did numerous clubs, etc. I was really shooting for an Ivy, or at least a public ivy like UVA. So what I am wondering is would it be beneficial to re-evaluate, retake the SAT and reapply this fall, as quite frankly I don’t even know what I want to fully major in yet, so I think this would be a good idea.
It’s a fine idea. Make sure you do something that is noteworthy, not just studying again for the SAT.
Did you look at any of the no-test and test-optional institutions? Check out fairtest.org for the current list. And please do remember that even if you had had a perfect ACT or SAT score, that would not have guaranteed you admission to an Ivy-level institution. You still could have been locked out.
Early in May, the colleges and universities that have not filled all of their slots will publish that information. Every year there are some terrific places that turn up in that list. So keep your eyes peeled here. The link will get posted as soon as it is available.
A Gap Year is a great idea for many reasons - that year between HS and college, of self-paced personal growth and development, is a gift that doesn’t come around again My kids did it (each for different reasons), and they agree, it was a risk well worth taking.
Would you consider community college then apply as a sophomore transfer?
Where did you get in? What are your options for college?
I disagree with the other posters. I say go to college this fall assuming you were accepted at others than Penn. Admissions is so unbelievably competitive at top schools. Everyday I hear of amazing students with off the charts scores and stats who are denied.
There are many wonderful colleges and universities. Go to one who has accepted you. Set your sights for graduate school on what you consider a “top school.”
I’m going to cast a vote for a gap year being a good option for some students. A year goes very fast. Think back to a year ago, not that long, right? You can take some more time to learn about yourself, which is the real key to success in the college applications process . . . and in college . . . and in life. What is important to YOU? What kind of place is best for you? Who inspires you? Who makes YOU your best self? Knowing yourself can help you find the school that will best suit YOU.
Here’s an idea, go work at a national park. Concessionaires like Xanterra and Delaware North hire people to staff restaurants, shops, hotels, etc. They often provide housing and subsidized food, so it’s a real job with some assistance that means no landlord, utilities, etc. And you get to be in nature everyday. People who work at the Grand Canyon are often right there at the canyon, that’s what they see on their “commute.” You work, you learn a little about yourself, which really can make for a compelling story for a school. Their are lots of gap year options, but I kind of think being at the Grand Canyon, or Glacier, or Yellowstone, or Yosemite, is pretty cool.
Can I make one other comment? Ivies are great. AND so are many, many other schools. I went to a “public Ivy.” I see people from my school, some I knew, on TV almost every day. You say “at least UVA.” UVA has incredible faculty, staff, and students. Really top, top students, young people really as talented as people anywhere, including on Ivy League campuses. And schools don’t have to be Ivy League to have the most outstanding students. Look at any state flagship, whether UVA or Iowa or Florida or Oregon or Colorado or Kansas. They are going to be the destination for a high % of the top students in their states, because they are outstanding, world-class research institutions AND are more affordable than alternatives. When they have faculty openings, I can assure you they receive scores, even hundreds of applications from candidates from tip-top grad programs. I know several professors and grad students at a state flagship not that highly ranked among state flagships. They are the most talented, brilliant, hard-working, passionate people one could know. “Second-tier” LACs also attract great students and great professors and staff. Like these state flagships, they get lots and lots of outstanding candidates for all faculty openings.
Why do I say this? I think students often put pressure on themselves to attend a very limited number of schools, where admissions is hyper-, hyper-competitive, where lots and lots of the most successful people never would have gained admission, when the absolute truth is that there are lots and lots of schools that offer an education every bit as good, where there are lots and lots of truly inspiring students and faculty and staff. So maybe after a year you end up at Penn. That would be great, I was impressed by Penn. But do you know where I found the most impressive students, out of getting know scores of schools, including Ivies and other top schools? Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Really impressive students, many of them with SATs in the 1400s and 1500s, but not all of them.
You’re bright. Find a school that fits YOU. Go there, work hard, take advantage of opportunities, make opportunities, treat everyone with dignity and respect. You’ll do great. Good luck!
And, truly, working in a national park is a pretty cool way to spend a year.
TTG’s observations are absolutely on target!!
Liberate yourself from the “best selling” short list. There are a remarkable number of great stories out there!