<p>NSM, how would colleges look at URM applicants with a low gpa (3.4 andd below) but with great test scores (2200+) as well as great AP scores (mostly 5)? I heard that AP scores matter more than AP grades in class because they're more standardized. What are your opinions?</p>
<p>I totally agree that a single test means practically nothing, especially when compared to the last four years of performance. If the SAT is a weak predictor of college success, why on earth is it given the importance it has in NMF, scholarships and admissions? The College Board is virtually a monopoly. What would happen to the College Board and related coaching services if schools decided not to place such emphasis on these required tests?</p>
<p>Dufus: Actually, I was referring to that specific applicant. As far as SAT scores go, I believe once an applicant achieves a score within a certain range, they can probably do the work that is required of them. Like you said, no one "knows" what that number is but if admissions chooses to accept an applicant with a 1200 (math/verbal) with steller ECs and accomplishments, hooks or whatever over an applicant with average ECs and common accomplishments with an SAT of 1600 -- that is their choice. The difference between scoring a 600 on each section vs. an 800 is missing say 20 questions, 40 total? I doubt answering correctly 40 more questions during one day of testing is going to contribute much on a college campus vs. the kid who clearly accomplished a great deal during his entire high school career. The bottom line, colleges can, will and have the authority to determine who gets accepted based on who they deem is most deserving, would contribute greatly to their campus, would succeed academically and possible add to their diversity. </p>
<p>Northstarmom: I agree but the colleges do need some sort of standardized baseline measurement. I say this, with having lackluster SAT scores myself. I take full responsibility for my "low" SAT scores. I probably could have spent more time preparing for them, I'll admit to that. However, that time was used for activities which were more important or more meaningful to me. I have one more opportunity to "prove my worthiness" by taking the SAT at the last acceptable date (January) but I have chosen not to. I had a choice of taking the SAT or skating with my team at the 2006 United States Figure Skating Syncro semi-national competition. Unless I skate on a collegiate team, this may be my last opportunity to skate in this type of event. Acting as co-captain of the team, there is no way I would blow them off in favor of taking the SAT one final time. I am going to live with this decision just like I am living with the fact that I chose other activities over properly preparing for the SAT.</p>
<p>worldshopper: I did infer more into your comment than I should have. I apologize.</p>
<p>No need to apologize. I agree with some of your points, especially in previous posts.</p>
<p>P.S.>> Dufas2709</p>
<p>The only part of your post that kind of bothered me was the statement you made about the guy not having much time to prepare for his SAT exams because he was busy with other things. You said that was a 'red flag'. I gave you my example just to show you that he's not alone. In the past year, I could have determined each availalbe SAT test date by my skating competitions because most of them fell on the SAME day! A lot of people don't have a choice as to when to take the SAT, because they have other commitments. The last time I took the SAT was in November. This was the SAME week that my ED application was due AND my IB extended essay. The weeks before that, I of course was devoting most of my academic time to what else -- my extended essay. I've been in the IB program for 7 years now and my extended essay was way more important than the SAT. Scoring high on the SAT is one day of work and a lot of preparation. Getting my IB diploma is the result of years of hard work. I wasn't going to blow off my ES for SAT prep. I am sure there are tons of kids like me who are/were in the same boat. I hope you can understand.</p>
<p>worldshopper: I wasn't using the term "red flag" in a negative sense, and another term would have been better. I just meant it in the sense of being an "indicator" that the candidate did not take his SAT scores seriously and so he may have scored lower than he could have. In other words, a "true" SAT score might been more in line with the rest of his stats.</p>
<p>I think that applicant defines himself with his accomplishments in h.s. (high gpa and ranking) and his ECs more than a score on the SAT. I admire him, really. He didn't allow his low scores to discourage him from applying to Harvard. He knew he had much more to offer. Obviously, Harvard felt the same way. :)</p>
<p>worldshopper,
I think you made the right decision regarding priorities.</p>
<p>Me too and frankly, it's going to be a lot more fun!</p>
<p>"NSM, how would colleges look at URM applicants with a low gpa (3.4 andd below) but with great test scores (2200+) as well as great AP scores (mostly 5)? I heard that AP scores matter more than AP grades in class because they're more standardized. What are your opinions?"</p>
<p>Due to the shortage of URMs with high stats, the URM is likely to get into some colleges that a nonURM with similar stats would not. Colleges also may wonder whether racism is a reason for the low grades, so may give the student a bit of a break. </p>
<p>However, the URM is not likely IMO to get into the very top colleges like HPYS because those colleges will have an abundance of URM candidates with higher gpas and scores.</p>
<p>just a qusetion northstarmom. what''s URM?</p>
<p>URM=under-represented minority</p>
<p>Basically, URM means African-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, and Native Americans.</p>