What do I do?!

Applying to College
1

<p>I am in sort of an odd situation. I graduate a year early, so I decided to go ahead and apply to two schools that I really liked, and see if I could get in, and if not, go ahead and wait another year like I had originally planned. I do my schoolwork through an online program, so my HS years have been slightly different. I never took the PSAT, and I had not yet taken the SAT so I chose colleges that would also allow me to submit the SAT option. My grades are all very good, and I was pretty confident. When I went to an interview yesterday the interviewer suggested that although I had sent in the "option" I should send in my SAT scores as well, and that my regional dean would chose which was best for me to submit. Since I went to an online school they would like to see SAT scores.</p>

<p>Now, in the interview she asked about my strengths and weaknesses and I told her my inclination towards english, history, etc was considerably higher than my aptitude for math and sciences. However, I wasnt aware how correct and extreme that actually was.</p>

<p>I took the SAT at the end of January, with no CR/W help, but some math tutoring. As I said I never took the PSAT or anything like that, so I wasn't sure what to expect.</p>

<p>My scores were CR: 700, W: 650 (nothing amazing, but I was happy enough) and then the kicker (killer?) a 480 Math! My mother is absolutely furious. I am really upset. I have no idea how that happened. I mean, I took Pre-Cal at the local community college and got an A, but this was terrible. Is there any vauge possibility it may have been graded wrong?</p>

<p>Anyway, for my actual question, should I even bother sending this to the school like the interviewer asked? Or with that 480 destroy me whether the regional dean attatches it to my application or not?</p>

<p>If I should not get in to my colleges this year, what are my chances of bringing that grade up to something respectable?</p>

<p>How does one deal with verbally abusive, irate mothers, and one's own dissapointment?</p>

2

<p>As far as bringing the grade up to something respectable (when I use that, I mean something you are satisfied with), perhaps you can convince your mother to hire you a tutor or else to purchase some books or college board's online course, and focus on maths. I feel your pain; I take the SATs for the first time junior year in March but I can tell you maths will be a HUGE struggle for me. I am working constantly to improve my maths, but I can tell you that without the help of my tutor, it would not be going up. Because I am like you- extremely right-minded- some of the explanations in the books just don't cut it and I need personalized instruction.</p>

<p>Hang in there. :)</p>

3

<p>I never got higher than a 470 in math (with very high CR and writing grades) and have gotten into four schools so far (two safeties, one match, and one reach). I don't know where you're applying, but that alone won't necessarily kill your chances... I'm majoring in creative writing, so I think the low math score wasn't a major problem for me. My high school has a reputation for being horrible with math, and a lot of my friends had similar scores... they've all been accepted to schools they like. Where did you apply, and what do you hope to major in?</p>

4

<p>Thank you for the responses. Honestly, I wouldn't care so much, except for my mother puts a ton of pressure on me and that makes it really difficult for me.</p>

<p>Hyacinthgirl- I applied to Dickinson and Franklin and Marshall. My CR score is above-average for both schools, but both schools have a 600+ M average. I intent to major in either International Studies or Government, with maybe a minor in something like creative writing. Eventually I want to go to Law school.</p>

<p>If you don;t mind me asking,which schools have you gotten into so far?</p>

5

<p>Two questions:</p>

<p>Has you whole HS education been done online? And why? And do you think you are prepared for college?</p>

<p>as for your grades being good, I wouldn't trust them if I were an admit person...that is why the tests are important for an applicant who does everything online, sorry but true</p>

<p>hyacinthgirl- what kind of grades did you get in math at school, that could make a differnece</p>

6

<p>citygirlsmom- Yes, my whole high school education has been done online. The school I work through is fully accredited and recognized by the school district and colleges as a regular private school though. I am not considered a home schooler. The school is fully registered, CEEP code and all. I understand what you say about not trusting my grades, but I have taken college level classes at the community college with all A's and B's as well. I do not think my grades were handed to me. </p>

<p>The reason I have persued online schooling is because I compete show jumping horses at the international level. This required me to spend at least 6 hours a day riding, and I spend 2-3 out of ever 4 weeks on the road all year travelling in the US, Canada, and Europe for horse shows. I have almsot reached the professional level, and this is a huge commitment that is very important to me.</p>

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<p>citygirlsmom- I believe I got a 90 overall in my last class (geometry). I had a lot of problems with math classes, though; I was put into a math class (algebra 2) that was too advanced and received a 76; took a regular geometry class and got a 90; didn't take a math class last year; and am doing well in trig right now. We have block scheduling, so from second half sophomore year until second half senior year I had no math courses. I took algebra 1 in eighth grade, so I still fulfilled all of my requirements. I believe the lack of math was one of the many reasons why I didn't do very well on the math part of the SATs.</p>

<p>wyldfae- I have been accepted to PSU-Behrend, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Roger Williams, and Pratt. I'm no admissions officer, but I think the fact that you dedicate so much of your time to riding will be impressive to them.</p>

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<p>sounds good, but here is a question- can you handle college and riding at that level if you are on the road so much...</p>

<p>it appears you have done well, but are you going to ride while in college and how wil you handle that</p>

<p>just something to consider</p>

<p>I asked about the grade in SCHOOL because if they can say, well, she blew the SAT, but her math grades are decent, so that test could be an anomoly...</p>

9

<p>If you have finished pre-calc,it sounds like you took geometry a few years ago- and geometry and alg 2 are on the SATs, not precalc. Geometry and algebra review- preferably with a tutor- will be of significant help. My D (who lives away from home, ballet) gets SAT tutoring via a program with a tutor and webcam/microphone- flexible and very helpful. PM me for details.</p>