<p>I'm worried because I'm applying to 12 schools total: 6 being universities. My SAT score is awful (mid 1500's) to be exact and I've taken the SAT 3x! I'm just not a great test taker in general...I was wondering, will these universities take my application with a holistic view or will the SAT score really rule whether I am accepted or not? (Pretend I have a good audition)</p>
<p>Universities I am applying to: Northwestern, Rice, USC, UCLA, UNCC, and UTA.</p>
<p>Are these the only schools you are applying to?</p>
<p>Have you taken the ACT? You might do better on that. How are your grades? Not sure about some of the schools on your list, but for Northwestern and Rice test scores and grades will definitely be a factor.</p>
<p>Northwestern, USC and UCLA would be the most problematic with those scores. From what we know, Rice bends the standards a surprising amount for those who have a good audition, so it probably would be okay there. Although I suggest taking it two more times at a minimum!</p>
<p>Lifeofsolitude, unfortunately that test score will likely be an extremely long-shot for Northwestern and USC, unless you are a star on your instrument. UCLA will take you on a great audition, if you meet UC eligibility. [University</a> of California - Statewide path](<a href=“http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/freshman/california-residents/admissions-index/index.html]University”>http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/freshman/california-residents/admissions-index/index.html) It appears that you will likely need about a 3.85 UC GPA to qualify. (Please double check this, just going by what my D was told 2 years ago). UTA is a bit more flexible and from what I recall, you can petition in some way if you are admitted to Butler but not the university.</p>
<p>Forgot to mention that I am really not sure it will help you to keep taking the SAT. You would have to get a considerably higher score to impress USC and NU and that level of effort may not be worth your time. Even if you could score 200 points higher that may still not be enough. Agree with Mezzo’sMama on trying the ACT.</p>
<p>I don’t know anything about those particular colleges, but I do know that most (many) state colleges will have stricter policies about academics than most private colleges. Many conservatory type colleges don’t care about your test scores or gpa at all.</p>
<p>The up side is that even public colleges will often bend their academic cuttoffs a little for a student with exceptional tallent - like in athletics, leadership, or even music. At the academically superior (his “reach” college) private colleges my son applied to, his SAT was nearly 300 pts below their average, but he was accepted. I am quite sure it was his good audition that got him in. </p>
<p>Even at the college that he ultimately decided to attend, I have reason to believe that his audition may have gotten him off their wait list. About a week before notifications were scheduled to be sent out, he recieved an unexpected email from the “school of music” at that university, they said that “they had taken care of his admissions issue…”. Now we weren’t aware that there was an “admissions issue”, but we highly suspect that he had been waitlisted as several of his friends with almost identical academics had been waitlisted (which at that college means “accepted” for the spring semester but not for the fall semester).</p>
<p>A “mid 1500” sat score (assuming 3 part score) would be borderline at most popular state universities, and a definate no-go at top universities. It’s not a terrible score at all, it is roughly average, so even if you don’t get into a top school, there are plenty of average schools or even somewhat above average that would love to accept you, particularly if you have a great audition. Just make sure that you apply at a few schools that are close to your sat level.</p>
<p>My teacher who is a professor at USC said that it is possible to try to fight for me if I have a great audition, however there is no guarantee. I don’t think I could get into Northwestern either. I’ve taken the ACT and I’ve gotten the exact same score as I have on the SAT. I’ve done these things so many times I’m sick and tired of it. I’ve even been going to SAT classes for over a yr (4 hrs a week) and it has been of no help. If only I could explain to them that I’m just not a great test taker and I’m not proud of my high school grades but I do have an upward trend of all A’s during junior and senior yr.</p>
<p>For many of those schools, those SAT scores will probably be an issue… Retaking tests over and over usually doesn’t help unless you do something very specific to increase your testing ability in between. Otherwise you are just kind of confirming the test. Perhaps you should also look at schools that don’t require submitting test scores. I’m not sure which ones don’t require scores but you could google it-- and maybe look for a thread on CC. Go ahead and apply where you were going to, but maybe add non-score schools to the list.</p>
<p>@LifeofSolitude I don’t know whether or not you’re looking for an academic experience - which is why you’re applying to Northwestern, Rice et al. - or whether you’re just interested in the violin professors there. However, if you want to pursue academics as well as music at a high level - but don’t want to submit your SAT scores - know that Bard College Conservatory is a test optional school.</p>
<p>Furman University in Greenville SC is now score optional and looking to build their music department, good music school, beautiful campus, pleasant weather with a very good academic reputation. The new president is looking to diversify the student body and your scores will not be a problem as a music major. Jan 15th application deadline.</p>
<p>Want to add that 1500 is the average score for females. A little higher for males. It is not a BAD score just not an exceptional score. I am sure you bring more to the table than an SAT score. There will be a place for you.</p>