Basically, I excel in every single aspect- I have near perfect GPA with the hardest science APs and all english and history APs, several national awards, extensive leadership EC’s (i fill up all 10 activities and none of them are “fluff” and I’m passionately active in them all). I have an amazing essay written, amazing recs, I’m first generation. BUT I have extreme test anxiety, thus, not the best SAT/ACT scores.
Besides test-optional schools (already applying), what are some top universities that a student like me can get into? ie- the most holistic schools.
Seems like what you are really looking for are test-optional schools or schools which emphasize test scores less than other criteria (like the UCs if you are a California resident).
“Holistic” does not necessarily mean that the school considers test scores to be less important or unimportant.
When a student posts that they have “everything,” I wonder how much they understand what a holistic college looks for, after stats, rigor, awards, titles. Or “passion.”
Even if you apply to TO colleges, try to understand what they look for.
Test optional is your ticket to get into a really good school.such as Wake Forest or Wesleyan perhaps. If you want other schools that will really consider your other attributes then look at small LACs with average test scores. It might help if you said what your scores were.
I agree that test optional schools may be your best bet. Other than that you can look up the common data set for any school you are interested in (google “XYZ university common data set”), look at section C and it will tell you how high a value the school places on standardized tests.
As a bit of unsolicited advice, I would try to work on your test anxiety before you start college. For a number of college courses the grade is determined by a midterm and final exam so you are likely to encounter stressful testing situations throughout your college years.
holistic means student can’t win with objective test scores and high GPA. holistic means no transparency. school can admit or deny anyone. Decision can’t be challenged because schools use holistic approach and average parents are too stupid to understand what elites think.
I agree that test optional schools are your best bet, and University of Chicago is one of the best that doesn’t require test scores.
Having said that, if you know you have a personal shortcoming (such as test anxiety), you are better off working to overcome it (whatever it takes: therapy, additional practice testing, meditation or deep breathing exercises, etc.) than settle for it in your life or make excuses for it. You have accomplished quite a lot in high school, so you probably have what it takes inside you. Plus, as Happy1 pointed out, you will not be able to avoid stressful tests in college.
very true. For me, I guess my particular anxiety is for the SAT/ACT because like it is such a test that literally determines my future. and for me, I have sacrificed so much time and hard work to make my resume spot on… and the fact that one sitting test can ruin my entire image just really messes with my head while taking the test…
once I’m in college I know that the pressure wont be as immense and I can focus more on the test itself.
I’ve spread myself so thin with all my EC’s (a flaw and deep regret of mine) that I never had the time to prepare as much as most. Especially since I’m not a natural test taker like most I NEEDED to study more.
If you are female, I have read from others here on CC that Barnard is very holistic in its admissions approach. However, it’s selectivity has really increased in just that last few years so it’s still a reach for everyone.
I could be wrong, but I think for many top schools they are perhaps more holistic during ED admissions, but others may have other insights on that. Are you a senior now? If so, you may already know that you’re not doing ED.
Good luck and congrats on all your hard work and success in high school!
UChicago has historically been VERY test score focused. I am very suspicious of their recent “test optional” conversion. In light of the various moves they’ve made in the past several years on admissions, I don’t for a second think you can take it at face value that they are doing it to help students like this one get admitted. Somehow this is related to them trying to climb those last couple of rungs on the USNWR ladder.
Without scores, it’s hard to suggest other schools, but as ucbalumnus says, holistic does not mean they ignore your scores, they do take it context, so being first gen could help there. However the first part of a holistic review is the academics.