<p>Hi guys and girls! I have a question. With my SAT Score of 2040- 720M, 660R, 660W,
and GPA UW=3.98, I know I am definitely not as qualified as others for big name schools such as Stanford and CMU (the two reaches I applied to). However, I am VERY rooted and involved in band and band leadership (I have been section leaders and brass captain), from marching band, concert band, small ensembles, and All-County band every year. I also VP of our NHS. I have hundreds of hours of community service with my church and I have been on two week-long mission trips out of country to the Dominican Republic and Colombia.
I come from a high school that lacks MANY MANY opportunities (ie courses, organizations, clubs, etc). My question is, how much does my large extracurricular involvement in band and on community service projects, especially out of country, help round out my application by making up for my lower stats? And does this still make me a contender for schools like CMU and Stanford?
Any feedback is greatly appreciated!
Thanks! :)</p>
<p>Your SAT is near the 25th percentile for Standford <a href=“http://www.oir.uci.edu/campus/CDS2010_11.pdf[/url]”>http://www.oir.uci.edu/campus/CDS2010_11.pdf</a> and CMU [Common</a> Data Set 2010-2011-Institutional Research & Analysis - Carnegie Mellon University](<a href=“http://www.cmu.edu/ira/CDS/cds_1011.html]Common”>http://www.cmu.edu/ira/CDS/cds_1011.html), but your grades are great and your ECs would certainly catch their eye. I would call both a reach, but definitely not out-of-reach. Good luck!</p>
<p>^
Yep, especially since grades are generally more important than standardized test scores for schools with holistic admissions, as they provide a much broader picture of your academic performance.</p>
<p>It’s important to remember that 25% of students admitted have scores at or below the 25th percentile (or just below, depending on the definition). You’re one of the applicants that may well fall into this chunk of admits, given that your comparatively low SATs are sitting next to a high GPA and some solid ECs.</p>
<p>Thank you both for your opinions!</p>
<p>I pretty agree with what’s been said. Your gpa’s better than mine and my test scores were only slightly better and I got into Stanford earlier this year. Idk about your other school choices, but Stanford values a well-rounded person. That’s why 4.0 2400s get rejected every year, because Stanford cares about ECs too. Stanford’s a reach- as it is for everyone- but to me it sounds like you have a shot.</p>