I will be applying to Bowdoin College in a month, and I was wondering what to do about their test-optional policy. I submitted my SAT II scores for Literature and US History (both 700+) already, but I am unsure if I should send in my SAT scores as well. I did well, but my math scores are not where I want them to be and are not representative of my actual skills. I’m currently in AP Calculus, so I can handle math, it’s definitely a weaker point for me.
On the old test (2400), I scored a 720 for CR and Writing, but a 620 for math.
On the new SAT, I scored a 720 for CR and 670 for math (which translates to a 650 for math). On a recent brochure they sent, I saw that 88% of those who submitted their SAT scores scored at or above 650 for math.
As an unhooked applicant, would it be detrimental to not send in a math score? Or should I not send those in and just rely on the subject tests? Thank you!
If it were me, I wouldn’t send your SAT scores. They probably won’t help a tremendous amount but they might hurt slightly, and like you said, your math score isn’t representative of your actual math skills. That’s the beauty of Bowdoin’s test optional policy! You don’t have to be hurt by a score that isn’t representative of your actual skills. Why not take advantage of that policy?
Please let us know what you decided to do and let us know the results. I’m genuinely interested in this issue since there is a friend’s kid who is interested in applying in a couple of years. Thx!
I decided to not send my SAT scores, as I figured they would do more harm than help. I’m honestly a little unsure of how it will all end up, and I’m wishing that my SAT II’s at least showed a math score, or even Chemistry. I feel like it makes me look a little one sided, but at the same time I’m showing my strengths. I’ll be sure to let everyone know how it worked out!
Good luck, OP!
CC crew: What would you do with new SAT 730 math, 740 reading/writing? Submit or not submit? Grades/GPA high. Will be in school’s top decile (high school reports only by decile) and “most rigorous” courseload. “Unhooked” from NYS.