Has anyone applied and been accepted w/o SAT scores?

PMcMScot · 03-02-2008, 04:12 PM

My D is one of those kids for whom the SAT simply is not going to reflect her real academic abilities. She's got a 3.5 + GPA in a rigorous IB program. She's an outstanding writer, and she's a kid who will have lop-sided math vs. verbal scores on the SAT (she's taking it for the first time in May). I'm expecting them to be really lop-sided (especially given her two prior PSAT scores), because she simply doesn't have a brain for math.

She loves, loves, loves Drew. It's been her first choice since we visited last fall. She's thinking strongly about not sending her SAT scores, and she does have quite a few graded papers she can submit. She's working with her teachers now, asking them to be very detailed in their comments when they grade papers.

But I'm concerned that there may be a bias against kids without SAT scores. I know that the admissions office says this is not the case but, still....

Can someone who's gone the no-SAT route -- and been accepted -- share their experience here? Even better would be if you got merit money!

Thanks!

Kindred · 03-02-2008, 06:19 PM

I didn't submit my SAT's and was awarded merit aid. No math brain here, either!
I've stayed on the Dean's list for the 3 semesters I've been at Drew so we're building a legacy for others who choose not to disclose scores that don't reflect real ability in the classroom, where it counts.
It's a great place and I've easily built close relationships with many professors.
I think my math skills have actually improved because of their encouragement.
I have more confidence with subjects I wished to avoid (but couldn't !) like statistics.

Debruns · 03-02-2008, 06:36 PM

Kindred, my son goes there and has met at least one person that didn't submit scores (although that ususally isn't a topic of conversation) He also found that certain subjects he thought he would hate, he liked, and I think that is in part because of the close relationships with the professors and the attention you receive. They don't coddle, but you can't say most professors aren't there for you.
I am glad to hear you received merit aid as well, I was wondering how the SAT optional would effect that.
I hope you continue to enjoy your years there.

PMcMScot · 03-02-2008, 10:09 PM

Thanks, Kindred! Your answer is what I hoped to hear.

How many papers did you send in with your application?

Kindred · 03-03-2008, 10:06 AM

I'm not sure what you mean by papers. I provided admissions with all of the paperwork that they required. My FAFSA, high school records, letters of recommendation, etc.

Debruns · 03-03-2008, 07:25 PM

I think she means the graded paper SAT optional schools usually ask for.

abrcrmbiesmartie · 03-03-2008, 10:34 PM

I have been accepted without SAT scores being submitted.
Not only was I accepted, but I received their Presidential Scholarship of 21,000 per year.

Debruns · 03-04-2008, 05:25 AM

That's a great reward and your are from the area also. You must have pretty impressive stats and recs. Congrats!

PMcMScot · 03-04-2008, 11:05 AM

Good answers so far.

Debruns...In lieu of SAT scores, Drew wants applicants to send in graded HS papers, essays and analysis. It doesn't specify how many, so I was wondering how many you submitted. Maybe you didn't send any?

Debruns · 03-04-2008, 05:38 PM

My son sent his scores but they suggested an English essay and another subject if you wanted too. My son did send one to another school and it was his Junior year paper for English with grade and comments on it. I think 3 would be a fine, but I would ask. Some schools say 1 graded paper but 2 or 3 might give a better picture.

cadbury · 03-05-2008, 05:07 PM

Greetings.

I think the requirement is for one graded paper with comments. But I'd send a quick note to Admissions to be sure. We found the Admissions and Financial Aid people at Drew to be very helpful.

PMcMScot · 03-06-2008, 12:46 AM

Thanks, everyone! My d called admissions about another issue and said the person she spoke with was very friendly and helpful.

abrcrmbiesmartie · 03-06-2008, 08:58 PM

Thank you very much Debruns
BTW, what I did was send in one paper, it was from my AP Lit course, about 10 or so pages, with comments and a description of the assignment.

Debruns · 03-07-2008, 05:18 AM

That's what my son did for the paper he submitted somewhere else. It's a good one to use for wriitng abililty and he had a hard "red pen" teacher, but she was fair.
Good luck wherever you choose to go.