To Submit or not to submit

<p>I am a prospective 2015 ED applicant for Bowdoin. The SATs have seriously been hell for me. I feel like I simply can’t reach my goal score of 2100. As of right now, my scores are CR: 730 Math: 620 Writing: 690. Should I send these scores if nothing else improves? I am registered to take the ACT in June, but I’m just curious about how Bowdoin would react to these scores. My weighted GPA is about 4.5 and I am an officer in 3 important clubs. Thanks for taking the time to read this! Be as honest as you can :)</p>

<p>Those scores will damage your chances a little but won’t destroy your candidacy.</p>

<p>why not try the ACT</p>

<p>personally i think ACT is the more valid test because it actully tests material that a person should know before college. </p>

<p>for example:
English- learn how to identify and in the future write proper and concise english</p>

<p>math- up to precalc, so IMO if you get a 30+ you should be ready for calculus</p>

<p>reading- how to read for “business” not for pleasure which is essential because in college you must learn how to effectively read </p>

<p>science- problem solving </p>

<p>as for the SAT how is having just a strong vocabulary the key to succeeding in college and for the math section it is not relavent to have questions like that. in physics, chem, and engineering the math you need to know is formuated</p>

<p>source: Me. who has a 4.37 gpa but got a 1700 on the SAT (540 CR, 600 M, 560 W) and then a 33 composite on ACT ( 34 E, 36 M, 30 R, 30 S).</p>

<p>My feeling is that any score lower than 650 might hurt, and any score higher than 700 might help. </p>

<p>Your math needs to come up to over 650, at least, and hopefully to 700 or higher. Math is probably the most coachable part of the SAT, so you can improve by doing sample problems from the Blue Book over the summer and retaking the SAT in October. Use the Xiggi method. </p>

<p>Your CR and Wr are fine.</p>

<p>See how you do on the ACT. I had lower than 2000 (with one score in the 500’s) and still got in with submitting my SAT.</p>

<p>if you’re not confident in your scores don’t send them. I had scores like modestanarchist and i didnt submit them, and i got in with a full scholarship. you eventually have to submit them (if you get in), but that’s only for placement purposes.</p>

<p>wow! great info! thanks for the insight</p>

<p>I read something recently saying that after this year’s class was selected, the Dean of Admissions commented that with so many applicants submitting scores, and very high scores at that, it is difficult to choose a student who doesn’t submit scores over one with very high ones if the two are otherwise pretty equally qualified. I didn’t look for the article this was in, but that’s what I recall. Your scores are not that bad and I suspect that most applicants who don’t submit scores have much lower ones, or at least one really low one. I think you’re better off submitting them than having Admissions assume they must be pretty low when they’re not. As others said, those scores won’t rule you out. And, good luck with the ACT, too.</p>

<p>just take them again, whats the harm, and if u really want to go apply ed</p>

<p>If you can get the math above a 670 or so then submit them. I wouldnt submit them if you have any score that is lower than the 50th percentile or so of Bowdoin’s average SAT scores. Certainly not below the 25th percentile</p>

<p>well, i’m taking act practice tests and i’m consistently getting 33s on them… so i guess that’s better</p>

<p>Indeed it is. Also, even though Bowdoin is test-optional, I’m quite sure they put some significant weight on SATs and ACTs, because I got in with a 2300 and few other redeeming qualities.</p>

<p>Glad to hear your ACT practice tests are more promising. I’m sure you’ll do well on the real thing in June!</p>

<p>This probably won’t boost your confidence, but I know someone who submitted similar scores, and she was waitlisted. Her weighted GPA wasn’t as high as yours, though, and there were probably other factors at play.</p>

<p>That’s actually really good to know. So… I still haven’t gotten my ACT scores back, but I’m going to shift this into a bit of a chance me thread.</p>

<p>GPA: 4.54 (w) 4.0 (uw)
SAT I: CR: 730 Math: 620 Writing: 690
SAT II: World History: 720 US History:680
Rank: 11/400
ECs:
-Key Club (president)
-Junior State of America (founder/president)
-Spanish National Honor Society (treasurer)
-Future Problem Solvers
-Literary Magazine Editor
-Shakespeare Club
-NHS
-Vocal Jazz
Awards:
-All-State Tenor
-Boys State Nasiatka Finalist
-Some writing things…
-James Otis Scholar
Volunteering:

  • I tutor children in reading, prepping them for standardized testing. I often work with children who speak little English and have learning disabilities. It truly has changed the way I see the world.
    -Various Key Club projects
    -Intern at Cahoon Museum of American Art</p>

<p>Intended Major: Art History/English</p>

<p>I’m sure I’m forgetting things, but I’ll add them when I remember. :)</p>

<p>I’m on the sailing team too!</p>

<p>Dirty Projector:</p>

<p>Your SAT’s wont damage your chances of getting into Bowdoin. Bowdoin doesn’t even require you to submit your SAT scores with your application. I had a 2030 on the SAT and a 30 on the ACT, and I got in.</p>

<p>Focus more on making your other qualities shine. I know of plenty of people with higher grades and scores than I had that were rejected from Bowdoin. Bowdoin focuses on the overall person, not just grades and scores.</p>