Should I send my ACT scores to Bowdoin? I am planning on applying ED but my GPA is very weak for the school since i have a 3.40 unweighted while their average is around 3.8. (my GPA would be much higher but my freshman year really brings it down, also i have a consistently upward trend in my GPA and and have have a fairly challenging curriculum) anyway, I received a composite score of a 30 on the ACT (31 English, 28 Math) but i have read that Bowdoin’s “middle 50%” ACT scores are from 31-34 (however some sites say it is 30-33). Either way this would put me near the bottom of the average for admitted students. My main concern is that since my GPA is very low, I would assume that my test scores, although below average, would make me look like a more fitting applicant for the school? In the end, I know that it is very unlikely that i will get accepted with my GPA but I have very distinguishable extra curricular activities and beleive my essays are very convincing, all i need to know is how my scores will influence my application.
Also i go to a private high school with about 82 people in my grade so we don’t rank or weight GPAs. I will be submitting an art supplement as a part of my application as well. I also thought i should mention i know it is very unlikely i will get into the school regardless of my scores since my GPA is so far from their range, but if you have any other advice of how i could gain an advantage it would be much appreciated!!
You wouldn’t normally be advised to use your ED for a school that is such a seeming reach. I would think you should vet this with someone who knows more about you and your distinguishing extra curriculars to evaluate whether they are so outstanding that they just might set you apart positively or if you might be better served broadening your reach. You sound strong but can’t really assess if you are strong enough.
I think you should submit an ACT score of 30.
I would submit as in the absence of information, the admissions folks might assume that your score is lower than 30. It is within striking distance of their admission stats. A 30 is a respectable score.
It’s getting down to the wire, but have you tried the SAT? You might do better with that format.
If you are from a region outside of the NE/mid Atlantic corridor, that might help your chances as well.
Good luck.
Hey!! I’ve exchanged words with one of Bowdoin’s admissions counsellors about this issue; I’m facing it too! I was advised to submit my 30. It was one the middle 50% (I was confused because this year the middle is 31-34). Don’t think that test scores will break you. Regarding your GPA, I know it’ll be a challenge for you. All kids are bowdoin are talented and partake in amazing ECs while being able to handle his/her HS workload…I would say the GPA is what would be against you. Bowdoin uses a holistic approach to reading applications, so keep that in mind! I’ll (more than likely) be doing ED at bowdoin, too! Good luck, if you have any questions let me know!
USNWR profiled a student from a large public high school accepted into Bowdoin with a 3.3 GPA and a 1650 SAT (likely not submitted). In this case, the primary extracurricular was football, but it’s an example of the weight the school will assign to non-academic factors in at least some cases. On balance, I think your 30 score would enhance your application, in that it is both 1) good and 2) they might assume it to be a lower figure if you do not submit it.
merc81, isn’t that football player probably a recruited athlete? If so, the data point is irrelevant in my opinion.
That football player was also an URM IIRC . . .so likely an irrelevant data point for most would-be applicants . .
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