I am currently in my second year of the IB. My final scores for grade 11 were 40/42 (S1) and 42/42 (S2). I have taken the SAT once (2260) and plan on taking it again in October. I took the subject tests and got 780 Physics and 750 Math 2.
Here’s the question:
Should I apply early with what I already have grades-wise (and a higher SAT score probably) or should I apple regular with an improved SAT subject test score? The reason I am asking is that I can only take the subject tests after the early app date has passed so if I want to improve them I would need to apply regular. Applying regular would mean that my school also sends S1 of grade 12, which could be lower than 42 or the same, idk really. So the question is potentially lower school grades (by like a point or two) and higher Subject test scores (double 800s) or leave all as is and apply early.
Thanks so much for any advice.
P.S. If it makes any difference I’d like to go to Stanford…
Stanford won’t likely care much about higher scores. They turn down people with higher scores all the time, and you are in range. You’d be much better off investing the time in outside activities to show “intellectual vitality” than in chasing test scores.
Regardless, I hope you have a range of other schools on your list, though. What are you interested in studying, and why exactly would you like to go to Stanford aside from its general reputation?
As @renaissancedad said in the comment above, you are in range for ideal applicants.
However, prestigious schools such as Stanford don’t focus on your academics. In fact, in my school district, two students with 2400’s and GPA’s were turned down from every school (Ivy Leagues included) they applied to, even Rutgers University (a state-school in NJ). They were rejected because they had absolutely no EC’s because they spent all of their time studying away.
***You’ll need to make sure your EC’s are a stand-out so that the admissions officers will see that you are a great addition to the school. In addition, you should also apply to some UC schools (LA, Berkeley, and Davis) and maybe 1-3 safety schools in case if you are rejected from Stanford (like a nearby CC as a last resort).
^“However, prestigious schools such as Stanford don’t focus on your academics.” That was part of my point: “Stanford won’t likely care much about higher scores. You’d be much better off investing the time in outside activities to show ‘intellectual vitality’ than in chasing test scores.”
