<p>ReninDetroit, after 20 years plus interviewing for Harvard, I can assure you it's anything but random. Rondom after you meet every criteria yes, but I've seen no low scoring surprises.</p>
<p>The beauty of CC, is that if you're willing to listen, there is a lot of very good advice.</p>
<p>All of the anectdotal, at my high school BS, simply can not be substantiated by the numbers. Yeah, at my high school we had a surprise last year too, a 1380 got into Harvard and just didn't mention that the new med school building was named aftere him.</p>
<p>"My school sends 30% to ivies and the like, and I assure you, no white or asian with a 620 verbal has gotten in."-- suze</p>
<p>Suze, while this is generally true I often think you forget that you go to a top private prep school where there is absolutely no excuse for a 620 verbal score. Other than that, your absolutely right. Not many people get into the Ivies with a 620V.</p>
<p>Kirmum - the randomness of the acceptance patterns at the Ivy's is assuming that you have the scores and grades anyway. For admission at these schools, high scores and a strong GPA are a given. If you have that, the rest is essentially luck of the draw. Things like the essay, EC's and recommendations become the most important factors.</p>
<p>His scores could certainly improve, especially seeing his academic record, but they're not bad by any stretch of the imagination, and there are certainly people who get into the Ivy's with those scores.</p>
<p>The OP has just as much of a chance as the majority of applicants to the schools he's interested in.</p>
<p>I'm not suggesting he shouldn't retake the SAT, I'm just saying that everyone is freaking out at how "low" his score is...</p>
<p>Wow, this is cool. New member gets like 13432 replies. Why don't some of you analyze me like that?</p>
<p>First to admit a top school, but the OP seems to be a non poverty stricken, non URM, suburban val!!!!</p>
<p>Let's say I do take the SAT again but somehow do worse in every area (unlikely but there's always a chance) Would I have to send each test still or could I send my first test and pretend like I didn't even take it a second time?</p>
<p>bump.........</p>
<p>They will see all scores. But really, most schools just have clerical people who enter your best of each on your file.</p>
<p>Thanks Suze -</p>
<p>You seem to know what you are talking about. What kind of things would you say are hooks for these schools. I know that everyone who applies seems to have tons of academic ec's but I think people are underestimating the importance of a life away from school and academics? What do you think?</p>
<p>I think there are certain academic ECs that do matter. Those that are highly selective and free such as RSI really boost chances at the very top schools. Life away from school, sure, but the accomplishments should be unusual. Of course all this just applies to the insane lottert schools, which are maybe 10 schools out of thousands! After the top 10 or 15, solid stats and reasonable ECs are just fine.</p>
<p>What's RSI?</p>
<p>I go to Harvard and your stats look just fine! If you want, you can retake the SAT but its not that big a deal honestly. You've shown yourself as a leader through your activities and you want to make sure you express that in your essays. Also, pick teachers who consider you to be a leader. By continually bolstering that fact, you are sure to get in! Good Luck, Id rate your chances about 8.75/10</p>
<p>I don't know if anyone's chances are that high, but thanks for the support. Do you really go to Harvard?</p>