Any shot at all?

Gaffe
Sat, 18 Aug 2007 20:54:13 +0000

I based my rating mostly on the SAT, much less so on the non-competitive nature of the school.

Completing several AP classes is important, but scoring low on the standardized AP exam indicates that the school curriculum is not comprehensive. A 2 or a 3 means that she answered less than half the questions correctly (my estimation, since an AP score of 5 could mean getting a minimum of 70% correct). The A that she earned does not equal an A at a more competitive school; she could be putting in half the work of another student but still getting the same grade.

Yes, she has overcome many difficult obstacles in her life with a disabled mother, a father in prison, and a low income. However, this perseverance does not compensate for a low SAT score, a test that measure academic potential (not everyone agrees, but colleges use the test). It is not just about being admitted that admission officers take into consideration; an attending student should also demonstrate the ability to do well at Stanford.

Posters should know that ‘chances’ are not always correct. I base my rating on what I see, but essays (which I don’t see) and other factors such as luck may give you an acceptance.