<p>You do know colleges will see your SAT I scores if you send in SAT II scores, you can't mix and match yet with the SAT.</p>
<p>
[quote]
You haven't read this thread, have you? I'm not taking the SAT again. I'm fond of the ACT. I did so much better on that exam than on the SAT, so I'm submitting those scores only. STOP focusing on the SAT, because it did not measure my aptitude at all. The ACT, however, did.</p>
<p>SATs are not everything, and GPA can increase if the effort is increased, so don't think that's out of the question. I know I don't have all of senior year, but I do have enough. Plus colleges have also wanted to look at the midyear grades, so that's another possibility to consider. And don't forget the essay/personal statement, which is key.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Well, good luck to you. I'm absolutely certain you'll get into the college you deserve. Please update this thread in April to tell us all how it ended up.</p>
<p>Falthor, why did you post a Chance Thread? Whenever you get a response you don't want to hear, you proceed to defend your position as if you didn't need a "chance" in the first place. You need to stop being so defensive, and a little more polite to the readers who are spending their time helping you out.</p>
<p>Falthor doesn't understand what humility is. Simply because your scores point towards Rutgers or James Madison doesn't mean that you are a bad person. Sure, most Harvard kids are smart but niches and quirks don't gain them admission. Pray to god that URMs remain in great demand.</p>
<p>Here's the reason why: names net you better jobs. That's how it is. Even my teachers have told me that, as well as important people I have met in my lifetime. I'm sorry to sound so defensive, but this is life. America is so biased and all about the names that going to schools that are considered "B-list" or "C-list" colleges will not get you a job as, say, an alumnus from an "A-list" school. And don't disagree with me, because it's true. America is the country of names, and not going to the best schools in the nation will not get you the career you desire, whereas those who do will get them.</p>
<p>I read a few of the comments posted on this thread and I am flabbergasted. People are simply stating what they feel Falthor. You can't post your stats and expect completely positive feedback; this is a forum for constructive criticism, which you've recieved in the vast majority. When people "lol" your seemingly conceited, higher than thou statements don't be surprised.</p>
<p>"Your unweighted GPA's too low, your standardized testing's too low, your class rank is too low, you have no good extracurriculars." Where's the construction in that? It's just pointing out negatives about me. "Reconsider colleges?" Then what's the point of the first marking period? To just apply and do nothing? I think that the first marking period (and even my second) could be my last opportunity/ies to prove to the college admissions counselors that I am worthy to enter their colleges. </p>
<p>I repeat: Where is the construction in negativity? You explain that, and I'll lay off the "Holier than thou" statements.</p>
<p>You're absolutely right; those comments are negative and not constructive. But it's their opinion. You bared your stats to the criticism of others. I think that they were rude, but not everyone is willing to give advice or be helpful. I just think that you shouldn't question what they say. They'll only come back to further discredit you. You don't need to defend yourself. Numbers are numbers and they happen to believe yours are low. That is all. </p>
<p>Give me two minutes and I'll be back.</p>
<p>Okay, so I think SAT II's will definietly help. For many of the top schools you're into, two or three subject tests are highly recommended or required. Because of your appreciation of many subjects, I think a math, a science and lit or history would be great. Prepare for these tests using Barron's books. They're notoriously difficult, definietly overprepare, but garner excellent results. Essays are key as well. Write about what fascinates you, why you want to pursue interdisciplinary study as opposed to one particular major, and ultimately what makes you uniquely desirable. I don't really play into the idea of a "hook"; I believe that a person has to express several outstanding qualities, academically or personally, through his or her essays and interview. And so, ponder. Define yourself but leave a slight bit of ambiguity (sp - haha) in your essays. Make them understand your depth and dedication.</p>
<p>If you'd like to say negative things to me, go to "Stanford EA?"</p>
<p>I won't mind.</p>
<p>:]</p>
<p>You spelled ambiguity correctly.</p>
<p>Thank you. I don't know about the hook, but I will mention somewhere in that essay that I am not "Letters (grades)" and "Numbers (rank, scores)." I am "XXXXX (my name)" and I will go onto my own philosophies on life and everything. I've pondered a lot about who I am recently because it's something I've been intrigued about. I'm definitely going to mention why I like to take Interdisciplinary Studies/Humanities because it's something I'm passionate about. </p>
<p>And I'm not a negative person. I don't judge, I perceive. That's my nature. I'm sorry, but I won't go to your thread because of it. I'm too nice a guy, plus I have no idea about reaches, matches, and safeties. So there you have it.</p>
<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>I read everyone's posts from the beginning to end in one sitting, and looking back after leaving to do some college tours, I've gotten everything into perspective. Those thirteen colleges, along with a few others that I really didn't consider at first (those colleges are also reaches to semi-high reaches: Lehigh and Bucknell), are the definite schools I am applying to. I am applying to Rutgers and U of Vermont early to receive my results early (Rolling decision, yes? If there are others, let me know!), and move on from there. U of Maryland has moved up in the rankings to what I would say is five; their Living and Learning programs are phenomenal and the school spirit there is amazing. Colgate has moved down to number two; Dartmouth has taken its place. </p>
<p>As for the advice. Yes, I think I was very defensive (rather, I WAS DEFENSIVE), but now I managed to jot down some notes as to what I should do about my college application. Here is what I have. Feel free to add more to it; I won't say a word other than, "Thanks!". I'm sorry if I have offended anyone with my harsh words of reaction. I was a jerk, and I didn't think that was fair for those who have commented on my transcript, extracurriculars, and standardized testing. I guess you could say I was quite the ingrate. Regardless, thank you guys very much, and I hope to speak to you all soon, letting you know if I have gotten into these colleges. I think I may just keep this thread going and break a world record just like Phelps did (USA! USA! GO MIKE PHELPS!) for longest thread on this forum. I saw one that had 138 replies; I wish to beat it. Since this is a "Chance Thread" as well as a "Cry for Help" thread, I will continue to ask you guys questions about SAT-ACT-SAT II-AP Exam Prep, course selections come college time, the college life, and everything in between. Some of you have given me some incredible advice and even though I may have responded differently, I have taken it to heart. </p>
<p>Anyway, here is that list I was talking about! Those in bold are considered key elements that I should focus on in the next few weeks:</p>
<p>- ACTs to 30s
- SATs to 2000s
- Unweighted GPA to 3.6+
- Good Honors programs whose schools are considered "matches" (according to one guy's post): Catholic, Loyola, U of Maryland. (would Rutgers fall into this category as well?)
- Apply early to Rutgers, U of Vermont, and UMich (though I'm not applying to UMich at all)
- Take the lead in all of your clubs next year, if possible.
- SAT IIs encouraged: Math Level IIC, Literature, Spanish w/ Listening (it's in November!), Chemistry (only if you're really good at it. I'm kind of not, so that's maybe out of the question. I'm not a History guy either, so I guess I'm just going with these three.)
- Go all out on your college essay/personal statement.<br>
- (From a friend) You're Latino! USE IT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE!</p>
<p>Not really my style to reply to these sorts of threads, but...</p>
<p>It's possible to get into top schools with decent (but not perfect) stats. A college application isn't just about numbers and grades; it's also about the picture that you paint of yourself for the admissions officers via your essays, recommendations, and other subjective components. Seriously, if you don't believe me, take a look back through my posts because I'm sure I've posted my stats somewhere. Numbers only say so much.</p>
<p>That said, your numbers are a little weak for your reach schools, and that's coming from someone who doesn't put as much stock into numbers alone as most other people do. It's probably too late to raise your GPA too much to make a noticeable impact on your application, so focus on the testing. Choose either the ACT or SAT and do your best to get a good score on either one.</p>
<p>Most importantly, make sure your essay conveys what you can bring to the school to which you are applying, not just what you want to take from the school. It's a two-way street, after all. Academic robots aren't as beneficial or appealing to a school as somebody who is willing to get involved and take pride in the place he will be attending for at least the next four years. Think about what you are good at -- what you are passionate about -- and try to demonstrate how your passion will make your school a better place than it would be without you. Show that you're a competent, capable student with a personality as opposed to just another statistic.</p>
<p>Don't be afraid to use any hooks you may have to your advantage. They're called hooks for a reason and there's no shame in using them.</p>
<p>If you do all these things, you can probably rest assured that you'll get into most if not all of your match schools, and you will most likely have a decent chance at some of your reaches as well. Is it guaranteed? No. I'm not a college admissions officer, and I've never sat in on a decision meeting, so I don't know what exactly goes down and causes Student A to get in over Students B and C. I'm just telling you what I did when I was applying for college. Penn was a very high reach for me, but I did what I could to improve my stats as much as I could and focused on the intangibles that made me stand out more than Mr. Academics with 2400 SATs and a shopping list of mostly meaningless ECs and titles. It worked for me, so maybe it will work for you too. The ball's in your court on this one.</p>
<p>Cheers.</p>
<p>Should I then consider it a privilege or honor to have you post in this thread? Guess so. Hm. The GPA cannot be increased? I calculated the unweighted GPA up until this point in time, and after adding up and dividing (11 As, 14 Bs, 25 courses), my quotient was 3.44. If I took into account that I will take eight courses next year and get As in all eight of them, it would bring me up to 19 As, 14 Bs, and 33 courses. The cumulative GPA will then increase to 3.58, rounding up to 3.6, just a little more than .1 shy of most competitive colleges. I don't know if it's possible, but nothing is ever impossible if you set your mind to it. My personal philosophy: "Live life with enthusiasm or don't live it at all." </p>
<p>As far as standardized testing goes, I'm sticking with the ACT. Georgetown, however, requires that I take three SAT Subject Tests along with the ACT. I've read in a recent post in this thread that if I send my SAT II scores, my SAT I scores will also be submitted. Is that true, and if it is, will it hurt me considering that I'm choosing (and designating so) to send my ACT scores, despite the fact that my SAT scores are very weak?</p>
<p>I was always under the impression that you don't need to take the SAT II if you take the ACT with the writing supplement. I didn't take the ACT though so I could be wrong on that one.</p>
<p>I thought the same thing, but I guess I was wrong. Here's the directly quoted passage from the site in case you were wondering if I were lying (I know you didn't think so, but others may think it): "SAT Subject Tests</p>
<p>All candidates, whether they submit scores from the SAT or ACT, are requested to submit scores from three SAT Subject Tests of their choice. The scores from writing portion on the SAT and the optional writing portion of the ACT will not be used in place of a Subject Test." So the question arises again: will Georgetown see my SAT I scores along with my SAT II scores if I'm submitting only my ACT and SAT II scores? (The syntax is a bit weird, but I think the general meaning comes across well.)</p>
<p>Here is the answer to your question:</p>
<p>
[quote]
Students cannot send just SAT Reasoning Test scores or just SAT Subject Test scores.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>From: Sending</a> Scores to Colleges</p>
<p>Oh, man. Now what do I need to do to ensure that my performance is good? I don't think I could get into the 2000s for the SAT because of the different format and the puzzles that I had to solve. The ACT actually is my preference, since I scored a lot better on that exam, butdammit, how am I going to do well? I have the following prep books for the SAT: The College Board's one, as well as the 10 Practice SATs made by Sparknotes. Is there anything else that you would encourage? I know there's a thread somewhere, but this Internet has been fizzling out recently, so I can see threads and then I can't. </p>
<p>Mind helping someone out here for prepping for these exams: SAT I; SAT II: Math Level IIC, Literature, Spanish; ACT (I already have the Peterson's and the official guide); AP Exams: Chemistry, Environmental Science (depends if I'm qualified to take the Independent Study), English Literature and Composition, Calculus BC (I already have the 5 Steps to a 5), Spanish Language?</p>
<p>I would think that if your ACT score is high enough that it would offset your lower SAT I scores. They're two different tests; some people are just better at one or the other. I didn't do much standardized test prep so I can't really help you there. I'm of the opinion that you either know the stuff on the test or you don't. My general advice would just be to get a good night's rest before the test, eat a decent breakfast, and relax. Those kinds of tests are so much easier if you can ignore the pressure that is sometimes associated with trying to do well on them. If you really want to prep for the tests with some material, then I guess you could check the library or your school's guidance office for test prep books. A quick google search could also return some resources.</p>
<p>Oh, I've done that, but the thing is that there are so many prep books out there and some are better than others. I mean, there are six prep books for one exam, each one supposedly better than the next. Even when preparing for the AP English and Calc AB exams, my teachers have said to use "X," not use "Y," and consider using "Z." I'm going to look at the list of prep books that the students here encourage for me to use and then develop a perspective of my own on such preparation for these exams.</p>
<p>Questions on scholarships and financial aid will come soon, because this is the big one.</p>