Okay idk if this is just me but I’m getting really frustrated with all of these standardized tests. I have had a 4.0 all my life, tons of E.C.'s, and can do everything really well except standardized tests. I wanna go to penn or columbia but i just feel like if i can’t do well on standaridized test i won’t be able to get in. Any advice?
@jryan2112 There’s more to Columbia and UPenn admissions than just SAT/ACT and your GPA. These top universities go through a holistic process in which they review all components of your application. There are students who are denied that are extravagant candidates. With that, considering you’re applying to prestigious schools you need to do well on your standardized testing, as well as other parts like extracurriculars, recommendations, essays and possibly interviews. Implying you meet the expected achievements as a Columbia applicant, your standardized test scores will be considered. They are not everything but they are extremely important. I really suggest you begin studying for whichever test you will take, and study vigorously if your ambitions of attending these schools are true. Good Luck!
Personally I feel I’m in the same boat as you (like!)
But I’d suggest from my knowledge
1.look into test optional college (Wake Forrest,Sarah Lawrence and other colleges are good)
2. Keep studying and try the one you didn’t try
3. Consider other colleges that require Tests (what is your test score if you have taken it?)
GPA and course rigor is more important than standardized test scores but you do need to be in the range for the schools to which you are applying. Where are you with the testing? Have you taken ACT or SAT or both? I think the key to doing well on these tests is taking multiple timed practice tests. When I say multiple, I mean at least 5 and ideally closer to 10. Have you done that? Columbia and Penn are not test optional schools but maybe consider looking at some – Bowdoin is a fantastic LAC and Wesleyan is a great school too.
I would just recommend that you practice as much as possible! My motivation for taking multiple practice ACTs and SATs was that I have worked so hard during high school to have great grades and ECs, I’m not going to let one standardized test keep me from my dream school. Some people test better than others, but I really believe that if you have a 4.0 GPA you can do well on these tests if you put in the time, it just might take a little longer! Good luck!