Early Decision Applicant for Next Year here

AJ1018 · 04-17-2006, 03:30 PM

Hi...I visited Colgate and enjoyed my visit so much that I am likely to apply EDI next year. I have not yet taken the SAT, but on my PSATs I had 680 CR 670M and 730W (2080 total) and on my SATII subject tests I had 670 Bio 680 Math 1 and plan on taking US History. My schedule consists of mostly honors and APs and I expect to finish my junior year with ~93.5 UW gpa. Decent ECs. My question is what can I do to make myself more compettitive for early decision, with regards to SAT scores, senior year schedule, filling out the application, etc. Should I hold back on ED to show imporved senior year grades? Also, is there a significant advantage to applying early decision, or is the pool highly self-selecting to begin with. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

ridethecliche · 04-17-2006, 03:35 PM

Your GPA is good, you should work on getting a good SAT score though. Just try your best, I think you have a good chance of getting in ED.

yadayada · 04-17-2006, 07:12 PM

there is a higher acceptance rate early decision. if i were you i'd just go for it. schools love to be soemone's first choice! I got in ED with only 2040 and 690s on both my subject tests, really good ECs and a slightly lower GPA than yours.

AJ1018 · 04-17-2006, 08:41 PM

Thanks for the replies...any other ED appplicants from this year have any advice. Thanks!

NJBeaglemom · 04-22-2006, 07:46 AM

My son was 2100 SATs and took no subject tests and got in ED. His GPA was similar to yours with honors and AP courses, including a C+ in AP Bio, but Biology isn't his major. He knew going in he would have trouble with the subject, but took it anyway to show that he could and would challenge himself.

Go for it!

rhf · 04-23-2006, 05:03 PM

Make sure it looks like you're really involved with your highschool's extracurriculars and stuff. That's always a solid way to build your resume.

AJ1018 · 04-23-2006, 07:18 PM

Thanks NJBeaglemom and rhf for your replies...I also am taking AP Bio this year and have done well. I really enjoy the subject and am considering declaring it as my major in college. However, I was wondering if my admissions chances would be hurt by the fact that my previous grades in science (particularly chemistry) are somewhat lower than my grades in the humanities. I also do not have any science related extracurriculars (such as science research or science compettitions) as I only became interested in science this year. In other words, would it be better for me to apply as a History major (my best subject and the one which I have many ECs related to, such as debate comps. and boys state) and just switch into Biology freshman year if admitted. Thanks!

mhc48 · 04-23-2006, 07:58 PM

AJ, I very much doubt whether it makes much difference to your chances of acceptance as to what contemplated major you put down. Most students go in undecided and many others change while at school.

Or.... perhaps you could indicate a desire major in Natural Sciences where students are permitted to "focus their studies in disciplinary or interdisciplinary areas not encompassed by approved degree programs and topical concentrations" ....and study the history and development of science.

ridethecliche · 04-23-2006, 08:12 PM

Actually students who are majoring in math and science do sometimes tend to have higher GPA's in other areas. Science and math are known to be harder subjects (proof is that it requires a lower gpa to graduate with honors) and as such students who love the challenge of the material decide to partake in it. The slightly lower gpa does end up being a by product, even in high school for some people. It shouldn't be a problem, especially since it shows that you're not scared to take an academic risk :-)

AJ1018 · 04-30-2006, 08:27 PM

Thank you for all the replies...how does Colgate use AP scores in terms of admissions? Are they looked at? Will an AP score below 4 (or even 5) hurt me?

mhc48 · 04-30-2006, 08:37 PM

I don't know how or if they are considered, but I do know several people who got less than a four on more than one test and were accepted.

Hansel · 04-30-2006, 09:10 PM

Colleges would perfer you take the test and get a 3 than not take it. I think it would only be a problem if you got a 2 or 3 on the test but showed that you'd gotten straight A+'s in the class, they'd probably figure you are a poor test taker or your class was soft.

ridethecliche · 04-30-2006, 09:40 PM

Having a soft class isn't helpful in admissions. It shows the class as a fluff class, which doesn't accurately display difficulty.

AJ1018 · 05-05-2006, 12:46 PM

Thanks for everyone's help....New question, will it look bad if I do not submit my AP test scores? Is there a way in which I could only submit the ones I choose? For example, rather than having the College Board submit them, could I just fill the ones I want to submit out somewhere on the application? Thanks in advance!

P.S. took AP English language on Monday, AP US today (friday), english went better than expected, US went worst....this is not good because I had some of the highest grades in the US class and trust me, it was not a fluff class. I hope colleges see that. SATs tomorrow, woo hoo...

Hansel · 05-05-2006, 03:02 PM

Yes, on the common App, and probably on colleges' specifc application there is a place to record what AP tests you took and an "optional" blank to record score, so you don't have to record it.
Also, there is a way to block an certain AP test score on your score report. It is another way for college board to get money. I believe that it cost $10 to cover up a score. So your AP score report would just not list it. However, i am not sure how to go about doing this.