Submit SATs or not?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Bates College
1

<p>My son, a senior, has the following scores for SATs and SAT Subject Tests:</p>

<p>CR 700, M 560, W 690</p>

<p>US History 700
English Lit Score not released yet, but I would think it would be quite good.</p>

<p>He took SATs twice and improved his math score. He does well in math in school at own pace, but he just can’t take timed tests very well. He was unwilling to take the SATs a third time in December or take the ACT in December, so we’re done with the testing. As a senior, he’s taking AP Physics, AP English Lit, Honors Integrated Math Program (IMP) IV, and Honors Spanish IV. The physics is so challenging, it’s taking up most of his energy but he’s doing very well; it was his highest grade this term (92), although his other grades are suffering a little bit.</p>

<p>His teacher recommendations will be excellent, as will the guidance counselor’s. </p>

<p>His ECs are good, but not excessive; he’s not found a cure for AIDs. I can profile them if you think that would be helpful in assessing what he should do. I think his essay will be excellent as he’s a very good writer, although it’s still a work in progress, at this point! :slight_smile: </p>

<p>His class rank is 21/183, just a shade under top 10%. His GPA last year was 90.</p>

<p>I believe he got a 3 each for AP English Language and AP US History, not stellar but a solid performance.</p>

<p>My question is this: As Bates is SAT-optional, should he submit his scores? I’ve talked with his guidance counselor about his difficulty taking timed math tests and she’s willing to point that out in her recommendation, but of course if he’s not going to submit his SATs, that part of her recommendation would need to be deleted. If he doesn’t want to submit his Math SAT scores, all his other scores which are strong won’t show up either. Bates is one of his two top choices and I think it has a tremendous experience to offer him. What would you recommend he do?</p>

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<p>I vote yes.</p>

3

<p>radannie, do you mean yes, submit his SAT scores?</p>

4

<p>i think he should. the 700 on CR is impressive. The math is low, but AP Physics is really impressive and it is clear that he is probably really good at math science stuff just not on standardized tests. idk that's just my opinion.</p>

5

<p>His math is low for applicants from this forum but not low in general.
My daugther who got 690 CR and CW submitted her much lower math scores so a safety school...i would not have her submit them to an SAT optional match school however.
Go for it. Nothing to be ashamed of. You probably could call their admissions contact and ask!</p>

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<p>radannie, is it really OK to call the admissions office and ask them this kind of question? If I do this, would I ask to specifically speak to the person who interviewed him? I'm sorry to be such a neophyte. I wonder if my calling would "tip his hand" if it turns out they think the math SAT score is a detriment.</p>

<p>celloshreder and radannie, thanks for your vote of confidence.</p>

7

<p>My D is applying to an SAT optional school. The admission office offer advice along the lines of "if you feel the scores don't represent your real ability, don't send them." However, they ask for much more in the way of supporting documents, i.e., a graded paper, etc.
I think Bates asks for evidence of the "whole" student as well, don't they?</p>

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<p>When my daughter and I asked a couple of Bates admissions officers that question, their answer was similar to the previous post--if you don't submit, you should submit something in their place. His Verbal and Writing scores are in the high range of accepted Bates students. Only his math is a little low. I vote to submit. If you plan to ask an admissions officer, ask one he has met if you have met one, and have HIM call, not you. That says more, and shows HIS interest, rather than yours, and goes to further to foster a relationship with someone in admissions. If they know and like your son, they will go to bat for him in the admission process.</p>

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<p>Millermilt, thank you for the completeness of your reply. It's good to hear from people who have been down this route. You've all made some good points which I'll pass on to my son. Thanks for your input. I'm encouraged!</p>

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<p>what would you send in place of the sat tests?</p>

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<p>lala91, I would go to the source: call the Bates Admissions office and ask.</p>

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<p>They suggested when I asked another example of your writing, especially if it won an award or high praise from a teacher; if you have another talent or skill, something that showcases it.</p>

13

<p>No, 700 on CR isnt very good and 560 on math could be detrimental to admissions chances; especially since he takes high level math classes.</p>

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<p>JJJJ1234
you are crazy! 700 is excellent. what world are you guys comin from? get REAL!</p>