Test-Optional

Applying to College
1

<p><strong><em>I realize this question is for a specific college, but I'm sure that when applying to different schools, people have had a similar dilemna--to apply or not apply test optional. I wanted to see what CC'ers would recommend.</em></strong></p>

<p>I am applying to American University, with hopes of receiving the Presidential Scholarship. I'm not sure whether to apply test optional or not. My GPA is a 4.1, and my SAT's were a 700 CR and a 540 Math (as of June). I just retook the SAT's this week, and believe I improved on the reading. I think it's feasible I got at least a 750. I am retaking the SAT's in November, and will study more for the math, with a goal of getting at least a 600 (math isn't my strong suit). However, seeing that I won't get my scores back for several weeks, I'm not sure if I want to apply test optional or not. Finances are tight, and I am aiming for American's Presidential Scholarship. I recognize that my GPA is a tenth below their average for the Presidential Scholarship (which is typically a 4.2), and my SAT's at this point are significantly below their average of a 1400. Should I study extra hard for the November SAT's and try for a 1400 (and take the chance that I will not reach a 1400 and receive scores that will not support my case for receiving the Presidential Scholarship)? Or, should I apply test optional and have them consider solely my GPA, which is slightly below the average for the Presidential Scholarship?</p>

2

<p>Not sure, but I think (check on this tomorrow) that merit scholarships at American are only for those who submit test scores.</p>

3

<p>I did check with them and they said you’ll be considered for merit scholarships with or without the SAT’s. So it’s a matter of whether submitting them will help or hinder my chances for a scholarship.</p>

4

<p>in that case, I think your CR score will keep you from getting a merit based scholarship…just my opinion though.</p>

<p>and, honestly, I can’t imagine them giving merit to someone who doesn’t submit when they have top 5% rank/high GPA/high SAT kids applying alongside those who apply SAT optional…</p>

<p>so, until someone posts that they received a merit based scholarship without submitting scores, I’ll stick to my original opinion…</p>