<p>As I mentioned on my other thread (<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/rose-hulman-institute-technology/719788-so-do-i-stand-chance.html%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/rose-hulman-institute-technology/719788-so-do-i-stand-chance.html</a>), my ACT score right now is 32, with a 29 in math. That's an okay, but not great, score, and the subscores are weak (18, 12, and 15) in the math area. As such, I'm planning on re-taking the ACT on September 12th; I've already requested that ACT send Rose my test scores from that date. I'm also planning on making another campus visit, this time to sit in on classes, at the end of October, and being able to have a decision from the admissions department by that time would be great. From what I understand, it takes ACT about three weeks minimum to send a score report, and I know that it takes Rose about another three weeks to make a decision, so that means that mid-November would be the earliest time that I could have a decision from Rose. </p>
<p>So, my question is this: should I send my old ACT scores (the full details of which are on the thread linked above) now as part of my application, or should I hold off and hope for a better math score on the next ACT, even if it means postponing an admissions decision past the ideal date?</p>
<p>Now, my word is not gospel, as nobody asks me my opinion regarding admission decisions, but based on my experience working in the admissions office for 3 years, I will say that test scores are not going to make or break your Rose-Hulman application. You’re well above the minimum (24) ACT math score. What they’re really looking for is a strong all around profile, especially your transcript (and within that, especially a history of challenging yourself as much as possible and getting good grades in math/science) and extra-curricular activities. I don’t think they’re going to reject you on the basis of a 29 math ACT scores. I never took the ACT so I don’t really know the context of those sub scores, but as I said, you’re well within the minimum. Not everyone got a 36/800 on the math tests here at Rose.</p>
<p>So my advice is send it all in ASAP so you can be armed with that admissions decision sooner and have more time to consider your options.</p>
<p>Actually phanatic, I’ve seen ACT get the scores on-line usually within 2 weeks of the test date. At least everytime I have taken it it was up about 2 weeks after. Anyway, I really don’t think that the 29 in math will be that bad. You have a very good overall score and you must have done pretty well on the other tests to get such a composite. I also want to apply to Rose and am taking the test this September. So far, superscored, I also have a 32 on the ACT, but with a 36 in math. I think you will be absolutely fine.</p>
<p>nic767, you work in the admissions office at Rose?? Would you mind if I was to ask you questions every so often about the school? It’s my #1 pick for a school, but I also have a lot of questions about it.</p>
<p>Yeah, you and anyone else are welcome to ask me anything and everything, either on the forum, via PM, or at <a href=“mailto:nicholas.kirkland@rose-hulman.edu”>nicholas.kirkland@rose-hulman.edu</a>.</p>
<p>Thanks, nic767. I’ve already submitted my basic application, and I think I will meet the definition of “well-rounded candidate.” The math score makes me hesitate merely because I saw the new median scores for the class of 2013, and was nervous because my scores were a bit below that. </p>
<p>Would you recommend that I send the old ACT scores, and allow the new ones to be sent as well nonetheless (after all, they will still get there in time for decisions to be made about merit scholarships)? Either way, thank you for answering questions and providing all of us on the board with your e-mail. I may just drop you a line in the next few days with some other questions. </p>
<p>And Salve, I know that’s when the scores go up online, but I’m thinking about when the college will receive the official score report. From what I know, that takes a bit longer. I appreciate your vote of confidence for my application, though.</p>
<p>Did you know that Rose superscores? That’s what I heard. Just an interesting tidbit of information for ya phanatic because I know that I wasn’t aware of that.</p>
<p>I would recommend that you send both sets of scores. When you visit, the admissions counselor can give you a pretty good idea of where you stand, even if they haven’t made an official decision. Let them know your situation so they are aware of it, and they will do their best to help you out.</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestion, Nick123. I will definitely do that when I visit, and I’m about to send my previous ACT scores as I type this. My new ACT scores will also be in the mail to them when they become available.</p>
<p>Thanks again to everyone for the advice, and I welcome any more that anyone has to offer.</p>
<p>Also, while I’m at it, do any current or past Rose students know anything about the relative rigor of the “systems” classes vs. the organic chemistry classes (a subject generally regarded as difficult everywhere), or is that something that is too subjective to define?</p>
<p>Having taken O Chem I-III and the ChemE versions of the systems classes, O Chem’s a joke, no offense. Not that there’s that much less material or it’s easier to grasp, but the workload is significantly lighter and, in my opinion, moire straightforward.</p>
<p>What makes the systems classes so challenging is that you take several of them simultaneously and each of them will have a very demanding workload. The homework problems/projects are usually only a couple of problems, but a single problem can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, even when working in a group. For me, Thermo I and II were the worst as those integrated the best (or worst depending on your perspective) of mass and energy balances with some ugly differential equations and calculus.</p>
<p>I could go on and on about O Chem and the ChemE curriculum, but I don’t think you really want to get into all that yet, so I’ll preserve your innocence.</p>
<p>While Rose requires a recommendation from a counselor or teacher, do you think they’d be annoyed if I submitted a recommendation from both? My pre-calculus teacher is eager to write a letter of recommendation for me, and I think she’ll give a good perspective of how I do in the classroom, but I think my counselor will also be able to write a decent recommendation. In fact, if I submit the request for transcript form, which says “Counselor Recommendation on Back” at the bottom, she’ll specifically ask that I give her the form. </p>
<p>The bottom line is, will Rose mind if I send a supplemental recommendation?</p>
<p>phanatic, the admissions office does not mind if you send an extra recommendation, or anything extra that you think might help for that matter. They will add it to your file and review it with the rest of your application.</p>
<p>I didn’t want to open a thread for one question, so I hope you don’t mind me asking here ;w;</p>
<p>In case we decide to write an essay, is there a specific topic? The website mentioned an essay about a favorite activity, but the essay area on the application seems to be for anything…
Thanks!</p>
<p>I think it’s anything that you feel can strengthen your application and help them get to you know better. It’s very open-ended, as I understand.</p>
<p>On another note, thanks to everyone who helped answer all of my questions and tolerated my nervousness on this thread. You all are wonderful and I’m pleased to say that, as of today, I’ve been accepted. :)</p>
</p>
Well, thanks for that, and for answering my question so thoroughly.</p>