<p>I really like Brandeis University and plan on applying. The only problem is that my SAT score is pretty low at an 1840. I’m retesting in October, but I’m wondering if taking advantage of the test optional policy at Brandeis would be a better choice on my part. </p>
<p>They give the option of submitting any 3 AP tests or a graded writing with an additional teacher recommendation. Though I have taken multiple AP exams, I will not have completed a science or math exam until this May, and since they require one test to be from that discipline, I would not be able to submit AP exams in place of the SAT.</p>
<p>I do however have a few graded research papers that I can choose from, and I earned high As on all of them. One is arguing for why the subject of history is important especially in holistic education, and the other dissects modern ignorance into three categories and discusses ways to deal with ignorance in day to day life. Those are at least my personal favorites, but I have more to choose from. </p>
<p>Would submitting an essay be a better option than submitting my SAT scores? Even though I am retaking the SAT, I am still worried that I won’t be able to raise them enough for Brandeis, or other colleges.</p>
<p>Hey! I’m a first year at brandeis, so I was exactly in your position last year!! I had an sat score of 1850. Have you tried taking the act? Because when I did I was surprised to see I got a 31/36 for a composite score. It might be worth a shot to take the act. Also, I think brandeis does a great job of looking past the sat scores as well. if you don’t want to do act, and don’t feel confident with the sat Id say go for the other option (do you need 3 APs?? Or is it 3 SAT IIs?). </p>
<p>I don’t want to take the ACT because math is my weakest subject when it comes to standardized testing, and the ACT tests up to trig, when the SAT only test Alg and Geometry. </p>
<p>And yes, if I wanted to submit other test scores, I only have taken Brandeis’s AP test scores on the list of acceptable exams.</p>
<p>I am retaking the SAT in a few weeks. Regardless of what I get, would you suggest submitting SAT scores and an essay, or should I choose between SAT scores and a graded writing sample?</p>
<p>There are only 4 trig questions on the ACT. Many students do better on the ACT. It’s worth a try!</p>
<p>I’m a midyear for the class of 2018 who did not submit my Sat scores. I did submit a graded history paper though, so I would go for it! I know a few other kids who also did not submit SAT’s and also ended up in the midyear class, I would go for it, the midyears get some of the best dorms on campus and have the option to study abroad in the fall semester. </p>