Chances for ED w/o test-scores?

sushi_error · 10-01-2009, 11:04 PM

On the surface, American University may seem like a reach for me. My highest ACT score is a mere 23, due to my low math score (English and Reading are high. Science is OK). I have an LD in Math. Despite my LD, I have a 3.5 GPA with a mix of honors/non-honors courses, I do many extracurriculars (I volunteer at my former elementary school library, a hospital in the summer, do karate, and am currently trying to publish a children's picture book with drawings created by children living in war-torn, impoverished areas around the world). My recommendation letters should be solid as one will come from my IR teacher (I plan to major in IR). I am also first-generation Vietnamese American. Should I even consider applying ED without submitting my test scores? The only thing that is stopping me would be financial aid as I heard AU is not generous with FA. Is it too late to decide to apply ED, even if the application isn't due for another month and a half or so?

Lastly, if I apply to AU ED, would I be allowed to apply to another school EA?

DeirdreTours · 10-02-2009, 08:34 PM

I believe that you can apply EA to other schools, but must withdraw those applications if you are accepted ED. You look like a perfect ED candidate EXCEPT that you state you need financial aid-- Those who need financial aid should NEVER apply ED to any school as you need money that you are not guaranteed to get in order to attend. IF you can swing it without the aid (should you have to) and KNOW that AU is the place you want to be, then go for it! A month and a half is plenty of time to put together an application (ask for your teach recs tomorrow-- if you haven't already).
Good luck!

sushi_error · 10-02-2009, 08:56 PM

Yeah, that is my big issue right now and I've been discussing this in-depth with my parents. Hopefully, we can come to a decision soon.

Thanks!

DeirdreTours · 10-03-2009, 12:36 PM

Have you taken the SAT? You have plenty of time to do it for regular decision. Take a practice test and see how you score. You may also find that SAT prep (like the Xiggi method) over the course of several months, lifts your score significantly!
Good luck! Remember-- It isn't any advantage to be admitted if you can't afford to attend.

sushi_error · 10-04-2009, 10:54 AM

I haven't taken the SAT, but have looked it over and whatnot in the past because before I was leaning towards taking the SAT. Unfortunately, I didn't feel comfortable with it because a lot of the questions both on math and English took me a very long time to figure out what they were actually asking.