<p>Looks like we got busted, MSUDad, I really did not realize that was a “No No.” 
</p>
<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p>I currently have a 3.5 GPA with not so great ACT scores (I plan to re-take in Sept. and possible in Oct. if needed). My test scores are my biggest problem right now and it’s difficult for me because I have an LD in Math. I’d rather take the ACT because I feel I have a better understanding of it than on the SAT. I have solid EC’s, a pretty good essay so far, and good recommendations, etc. I’d like to major in International Relations or at least Political Science. What are some good/solid programs for a student like me? Right now, American U is my top choice, but I’m not sure if it would even be a match for me because of my scores.</p>
<p>Have you looked at Goucher and Dickinson?</p>
<p>I’m actually applying to Goucher, but I’m not sure whether I should submit my scores. As for Dickinson, it seems like it might be hard for me to get in, especially with my scores. Again, I’m not sure how much it will hurt me if I choose not to submit test scores to either schools or any school that has a test-optional policy.</p>
<p>SLUMOM: me neither!</p>
<p>Sushi_error: what are your scores? That’s how we can help best</p>
<p>what does “not so great ACT scores” mean? On CC that could be quite a range. Give us a better idea (unless I missed it somewhere…)</p>
<p>My highest ACT score was a 23, but it the math section mainly brought it down. I think I got a 27 on the English and a 30 on the Reading, while I did OK on the science section. AU is my top choice, but my ACT score may be the reason I get rejected unless I can bring it up 2-3 points. Other parts of my application are pretty solid, just the scores are the problem.</p>
<p>OK, Goucher is completely test optional so I would not send that score in. Let your GPA and course rigor speak for themselves.</p>
<p>As far as AU, it is a bit of a reach but according to D’s naviance, they did take some kids with SATs as low as 1030 with GPAs at your level.</p>
<p>So, a 23 composite I assume. That’s not bad, and you have options, including most state universities.</p>
<p>Michigan State’s middle 50% is 22-27, Depaul’s is 22-26, so a 23 is only “bad” by College Confidential standards (I’m joking, but that’s why I started this thread last year: I wanted a place for the “rest of us”). MSU is very strong on international. Really, most state u’s will have good poli sci programs: Alabama, Kansas, ?</p>
<p>Here’s a word of caution: it will be very hard to increase a 23 to a 25/26. I’d recommend that you do what you’re doing and look at colleges that fit you now. American is a reach, but a reasonable reach. You should also take the SAT.</p>
<p>FWIW, I’m a politician and believe that Poli Sci degrees are next to worthless, because they don’t teach you any skills that I need you to do (economics, journalism/pr, accounting, finance, are better focuses)</p>
<p>I’d take the SAT, but I don’t think I’d have enough time to prepare for it and whatnot. I’m not really strong when it comes to vocabulary and a lot of SAT questions confuse me, while ACT questions make a lot more sense to me. Plus, I’m kinda in the ACT mode. </p>
<p>I was actually looking at MSU earlier this year because I heard they have a pretty solid IR program, but it’s all the way in Michigan and I live in MA, so it would be far away. Is it harder to get in if you are out-of-state? And journalism is another major I’m possibly interested in, but I don’t know if it would actually get me anywhere (I know that probably sounds a little ignorant). Right now, I’m really looking at the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region, rather than the mid-west, but MSU is a school I’d consider. I’m considering schools like Syracuse, James Madison, and George Mason, but I don’t know if those schools would be a reach or match for me.</p>
<p>Nope, not ignorant. Journalism is a rapidly-changing field, so it’s a valid concern. </p>
<p>Are you going to apply to UMass?</p>
<p>Yeah, I’m looking at UMass for sure because it is so close to home and a lot of kids from my h.s. apply to UMass as a safety. </p>
<p>I don’t know how good their political science program is though. I’m also looking at Mount Holyoke College, so I prob. wouldn’t submit my scores to MHC. I’d rather go to a small university/LAC than a big state school (unless it comes down to it) because I don’t like huuuge student populations. Do you have any suggestions for LACs? Would JMU, GMU, or Syracuse be a good fit for me?</p>
<p>EDIT: Do schools round GPAs? What if you have a 3.79, would they round that to a 3.8 or leave it as is?</p>
<p>American looks pretty good for a 23 ACT at our school as long as grades are good. I think it’s a match, but not a guarantee.</p>
<p>What would be the SAT concordance for an ACT 23? Our school has almost no ACT data, so I have to extrapolate.</p>
<p>23 ACT = 1070 SAT</p>
<p>[ACT-SAT</a> Concordance](<a href=“http://www.act.org/aap/concordance/index.html]ACT-SAT”>http://www.act.org/aap/concordance/index.html)</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.act.org/aap/concordance/pdf/reference.pdf[/url]”>http://www.act.org/aap/concordance/pdf/reference.pdf</a></p>
<p>I also found that^, but I’m not sure how to read it. It says on the 3rd page that a 23 would translate to a 1590 or something. But that’s the estimated relationship between an ACT comp. and SAT CR, M, W.</p>
<p>Really, almost any school is going to have a poli sci department that will challenge you. FWIW, I visited Holyoke this spring and thought it looked like a tremendous opportunity. Again, a bit of a reach.</p>
<p>OK, so that makes AU a realistic reach for you (at least based on D’s naviance). I would think Mt Holyoke is a bigger reach.</p>
<p>Reaches: Boston U
Northeastern
Syracuse U</p>
<p>Match:
George Mason U
Clark U?</p>
<p>Not sure about James Madison</p>
<p>Holyoke is test-optional though, and the women’s colleges seem to mean it. How is your course rigor?</p>