arduouspallor

Hello there, I was wondering if you guys can set something straight for me.

Bowdoin says they only consider scores if they're sent in. However, according to their common data set, test scores are "important. " (If you want something to compare to, first generation and alumni-relations are "important," while something like an interview is "considered.")

So, does Bowdoin want your scores or not? Thanks!

Bustles

Bowdoin only wants them if you want to send them--but if you send them they'll carry weight, because YOU are CHOOSING to provide them as evidence of your scholastic aptitude.

arduouspallor

Thanks for clearing that up!

pb2002

yeah, the scores are "important" IF you submit them. if you don't they aren't considered.

JYarsh381

This is one of those fuzzy areas with these sorts of schools like Middlebury and Bowdoin on what scores to send.

My two cents would be to show your SAT/SAT II/ACT unless they are really detract from your other scholastic achievement.

arcadia

Middlebury and Bowdoin differ in that Middlebury requires that you submit standardized test scores, while Bowdoin does not.

From Middlebury's website: Candidates must submit standardized tests and may select from a menu of three different test options. The requirement may be met by submitting either the ACT; or the SAT I administered on or after March 12, 2005; or three SAT II exams in different areas of study.

JYarsh381

I know Midd's policy- what I'm saying is that I think you may raise a bunch of eyebrows if you don't show SAT I scores. Unless they are really bad, I'd just show everything that you would show to another school.

zfox001

Im sorry to kinda jack this thread but i didnt want to start a whole new one considering this is kinda on topic.

How high of SAT scores would be good to send in? I know that Bowdoin is very competitive and i was just curious where the cutoff to not send scores in was.

ekmom

I think it really depends. Stats show in the 700's at least--but since they vet each application carefully they are looking at "the whole person." Of course you are better off with higher scores, because the school only admitted 18% last year. But my math score was in the 25%ile (650) and I still got in. I think it was my essay, my musical submission, and my much higher CR score. So there is no formula.

zfox001

Do you think these scores should be sent in or withheld?
i really don't know if i should submit them or not...
Math- 700
CR-680
Writing- 720(12 essay)

govman

zfox001...I would send those scores (my own situation was similar to ekmom's: my CR was much better than my math). I think its important to realize that Bowdoin stopped requiring students to send in test scores decades ago, before it became trendy. With that in mind, I don't think its unreasonable to say that SAT/ACT scores play a limited role in the admissions process. However, it does of course still play a role and although your scores may not be perfect, they are respectable and unlikely to hurt your chances. Although they may not help give you an edge, they will show academic competence.

torasee

What the Bowdoin admissions people have said in the past is that they dig deeper into your academic performance to determine your intellectual capabilities if you do not send your SATs. . . In other words, your GPA, your course selections, and your school's academic reputation will be in for extra close examination.

zfox001

Thank you govman