SATII's are optional, so can sending mediocre scores negatively affect my chances?

KevRus · 11-02-2009, 02:19 AM

I mean, if SATII scores are optional, can they negatively affect your admission chances? My scores are all VERY mediocre (very high 600s), and I'm starting to wonder if I should have sent them at all.

I talked to an adcom at USC, where SATII's are also optional, and they told me that they cannot negatively impact your chances because of this (which is why they recommend sending them). I just wanted to see if it's the same with Stanford.

Thanks!

NJDS · 11-03-2009, 09:19 AM

i dont know
i think if u have the option of sending them, u may not want to send them if you yourself dont consider them good.
but then again, its really their opinion of "good" that matters.

just my opinion

sfg2014 · 11-03-2009, 02:39 PM

I don't think they could negatively affect you if they're optional.

Let's say you and another student hypothetically have the exact same application, but you sent your SATIIs and he didn't. An adcom could logically make the assumption that he did worse than you because he was afraid to send them. Or, if he didn't take them at all, you're the one showing initiative. Of course, if you both got a total 900 on the SAT and have a 1.2 GPA, it doesn't matter.

KevRus · 11-06-2009, 11:33 AM

Do you think Stanford would consider my scores from tomorrow's test if I rushed them? The website says October is the last acceptable test date for the SAT, but, well, what if I just sent them anyways? :P

itsme123 · 11-06-2009, 11:44 AM

don't rush; save $$. just send them in. it takes a while for tehm to start processing.

KevRus · 11-06-2009, 12:19 PM

But will they consider the scores?

Orvent · 11-07-2009, 09:42 AM

If you read the Stanford Website they say that they will certainly review any SAT scores from later dates if they make it to their offices on time. However, they will not delay your application review to wait for the scores. So there is no harm in trying to get them sent. Just make sure that on the test you selected the option to have the test sent to Stanford. You don't have time to wait and see if you want to send your new scores.

KevRus · 11-07-2009, 03:11 PM

^Thanks for the reply. I did see that line on the website about all scores received being considered, but I wasn't sure because it directly conflicts with the little chart of deadlines they have, which clearly states October as being the "Last acceptable SAT date" for SCEA. :/ I guess I'll just send them anyways!

I feel confident about my app, but my SATII's are my weak point. I don't know why - I did fine on all of my APs. Good thing they're optional? Maybe? I'm not sure what that even means, honestly. I hope I didn't make a mistake by sending them in the first place.