<p>In addition to looking at standardized scores to get into the college, ask many questions of colleges re grading policies. Some schools are tests only. A good number of LACs include a class discussion participation component. </p>
<p>Remember, the goal is to get accepted, stay in and do well.</p>
<p>Have you considered any of the SUNY schools? Oneonta and New Paltz are both good choices.
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Then theres The College of Saint rose in Albany, which is small (not super small but like 2500 kids campus is 1 square block), but has good science programs, in a good college city, </p>
<p>You could also try Sage Colleges (this one is REALLY tiny <1500), also in Albany</p>
<p>If she likes the city, there are also small schools there (I don’t know how elite you want because there are good schools, but by no means elite.)</p>
<p>And she could also look at Pace University- she’d get a lot of money with that score. </p>
<p>Oh and I’m looking at pace and MY scores are low… If you thought 1800 was low then you’d think my score was complete garbage; you’d probably tell me to go enroll myself in a CC</p>
<p>I wouldn’t, I promise! I am sure you will do great.</p>
<p>An 1800 is not exactly “bombing” her tests.</p>
<p>That is a decent score.</p>
<p>RPI & Siena are worth a look.</p>
<p>Would love rpi but she doesnt want a polytechnic (at this point)</p>
<p>If she disliked Smith solely because of the tour guide, you should still consider it! But most people tend to strongly prefer one or the other–for me, it was Smith and I ended up not even applying to MoHo.</p>
<p>Thank you. This is all such good info. I really appreciate the great ideas! Her current list (including reaches/matches):</p>
<p>Boston U
NYU
Oberlin
Pitzer
Worcester Polytechnic (she agreed to apply to one and liked this one on a visit)
U Wisconsin Madison
SUNYs – Binghamton, one other TBD</p>
<p>Possible: Colgate (seems like a big reach but she is URM and they are recruiting), Mt. Holyoke</p>
<p>For sciences Stony Brook would be a good SUNY.</p>
<p>OP you have a bad case of college confidentialitis. Your kids scores / grades are solid and can earn significant merit $s at many colleges. I understand how those numbers pale in comparison to many others posted in cc. This does not represent the vast majority of students.</p>
<p>My S had similar stats and had a great selection of schools to choose from. He didn’t really look in the Northeast although Ithaca was on his radar for a short time (just decided to concentrate on other regions of the US).</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Thank you! I am new in town. 
Can you give me an idea of the colleges that interested your kid?</p>
<p>Just chiming in that those scores are not ‘tanking’. And agree that only here would someone think these scores are dismal.</p>
<p>My D is in the same boat as far as GPA, and actually does bomb the standardized tests (450-550 range). She has always done less well on any of the standardized tests given at school, but does well in classes. It doesn’t matter how much studying, it is just how she does.</p>
<p>I’m considering the ACT, but am also interested in the SAT optional schools. So do appreciate the input given here on this thread.</p>
<p>I really think it’s important for people to get a handle on why a student with a high GPA does poorly on the standardized tests. Is it grade inflation? Poor peer student performance? Or is there some other issue? A student who knows the material can practice and overcome various anxiety, etc. issues. I just hate to see a student who is capable of better scores beat by the evil denizens of standardization!</p>
<p>My dad went to Worcester Polytechnic! He loved it, and he said that while it is a polytechnic school, there are liberal arts offerings. (And there are a ton of other colleges/universities in Worcester.)</p>
<p>Funny–we wandered in there after an aborted tour of Clark (which she hated) and got a great vibe about the place. Plus they are really recruiting her. :)</p>