Acceptance Rates--Reality Check

GuiltyBystander
Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:06:29 +0000

I think a below average SAT score (i.e. people applying with scores in the 1800s) often accompanies an overall less qualified applicant (also in terms of grades, ECs etc.), although there are some notable exceptions (which constitute the 0.1 percent admitrate) of people who have an extraordinary profile otherwise.

I do think a lot of international applicants apply as long shots, just because they aren’t really familiar with the criteria US colleges expect. I, for one, are sort of a long-shot myself (I have a 2040 SAT…) but the rest of my application should be up to par. But I also know internationals (2 of the 4 I know) from my country applying with 1700 SATs and no extra-curriculars. They could account for the inflated numbers as well.