Did you try the SAT?
Sounds like ED to Wellesley is a solid idea. And I think they will be lucky to have you…
I took the SAT Freshman year. I don’t remember my exact score, but I do know it was less than my first ACT test. I am more apprehensive about taking the SAT now that it is fully digital. I find my reading comprehension is worse when looking at passages on a screen, though I do know that the reading is easier now, as they only show you short paragraphs instead of actual full-length passages (which is a bit ridiculous, in my opinion). If the ACT does not release more testing dates beyond the July one, then maybe I should look into taking the SAT. I know it has more testing date options.
Just thirding that among more Likely options, Gettysburg has a relatively robust Art & Art History department:
https://www.gettysburg.edu/academic-programs/art-and-art-history/
It is also relatively close to DC which of course is a fantastic art city.
1 Like
You can apply ED to Wellesley but TO which will hurt. But your math is too low. 59% submitted tests last year.
But if it’s your 100% top choice, why not ?
Saying maybe you should ED somewhere else to be practical makes no sense - why ED at all if you don’t have a favorite? You don’t have to ED. Most don’t.
You’re worthy of trying. You have a tough profile to read. Anything is possible but you need insurance - hence ‘safety’ for you schools.
Hopefully you won’t need them. I don’t think you will but we’ve seen kids shut out and just want to ensure it doesn’t happen to you.
A 32 ACT is 97th percentile. I would submit that anywhere. There is no way this student gets turned down anywhere because her ACT is “only” a 32 and telling her to go TO anywhere just bad advice IMO. She may get rejected but that won’t be the reason.
11 Likes
My concern is the 25.
Some schools look at the overall #. Some look at sections.
Wellesley is a 33/35 split and math is 29 on the 25 percentile.
So the student is far below in math (vs the 25th percentile) and below the 25th percentile overall.
It’s just an opinion. No one truly knows but I would not submit to Wellesley.
One needs to see the policy for each school - superscoring or not (not sure how many times OP has tested) and if the schools look at the individual sections.
1 Like
Do they consider the prospective major when looking at subject ACT scores? I know a 25 on Math is pretty bad, but does a 36 on English and Reading not mean a bit more for someone interested in the humanities?
1 Like
Some might! Yale and Dartmouth arguably implied they cared more about Math subscores for STEM intenders. But it is hard to know how far that would extend, since they still want kids who will thrive in all their classes including outside their majors.
So I would not personally discourage you from submitting your scores to Reaches, but I agree you might want to be careful to make sure to have solid Likelies and Targets where that is very unlikely to be an issue.
2 Likes
School dependent.
Some argue not to submit a score under the 50th percentile if unhooked.
While your score is excellent, it is under the 25th percentile. Others can say a 32 won’t hurt and I sort of don’t disagree in theory but if you read on this board historically, most seem to use the 25/75s and not even the 25 split for unhooked but higher.
You can always ask an AO what they think. Unfortunately most will give you a generic answer such as if you believe it strengthens your application, submit, etc.
But some, I believe BU is one as an example, will give you guidance.
Whatever you decide go with it. Worst that happens is you get rejected. Not a big deal. It’s why you apply to multiple schools.
1 Like
Does completing high school while dealing with an autoimmune disease count as a hook? Or is it only first-generation, legacy, or athlete? I have also heard that being an artist can function similarly to being an athlete in the college admissions process, albeit on a lesser scale. I am planning to submit an arts supplement.
I think you are overthinking.
The overarching message is to add two safeties. They are insurance. Hopefully you don’t need them but just in case.
There are so many great LACs - you will find two that fit.
I don’t think medical issues are a hook but even if you had a hook, I’d still say get two safeties. It doesn’t change anything.
I wouldn’t overthink ED either. Too many think it’s a waste if you don’t get in. But it’s not. You give your best shot at your 100% top school. That 70% Wellesley turned down in ED gave their best shot. It didn’t work out. It’s ok. It’s why you apply to multiple schools.
I don’t know your health issues and it stinks you have them. I hope they’re not chronic but if they are please assure you attend school in a location where the necessary medical care is present. That may not be the case at all schools.
Add two safeties and it’ll be great. I doubt you need them but in case.
Best of luck.
4 Likes
This is great! An arts supplement can definitely help at a lot of schools.
3 Likes
You might ask your HS counselor to mention this. You can too in the additional info section, but it can be more compelling coming from your counselor.
When did you take this test? I assume before you completed algebra 2 this year? If so, that likely had something to do with the lower score (and AOs know this.) I lean towards submitting that score to Wellesley if you ED, but defer to your HS counselor. I agree with the advice to ask your AO at all your schools for direction on submitting your test score.
4 Likes
I was wondering about this. That would explain a lot.
1 Like
Another vote to submit the test score. 32 is an excellent score, and the 36 subscores are phenomenal. I am just a parent with no special knowledge, but I am pretty sure colleges can tell that this is a smart kid. And my opinion is that a lopsided score isn’t the automatic disqualifier some here seem to think it is. If one isn’t going into a STEM major, I doubt that math score is a big deal.
I have been careful with the words I chose; OP remember that most of us, even the most vociferous, are only parents with no special knowledge. We can make educated guesses, but that’s all they are.
10 Likes
Correction: A 25 on any section of the ACT is ABOVE average. Per the ACT, the average math subscore is a 19.3 and the average composite score is a 19.8.
Thus, while a 25 is not in line with the rest of your ACT subscores, a 25 in and of itself is not a bad score.
5 Likes
I may have missed it, but is there a reason OP can’t sit for the ACT in September? I too would lean towards submitting the 32, but if at all possible I would get with a math tutor over the summer and retake.
2 Likes
Just as an fyi - and I’m surprised the typical if it’s below the 25th then don’t submit (especially as unhooked) has changed - at least in this conversation - but here is the Wellesley splits:
It looks like 59% of enrolled submitted a test last year - and 33 was the 25th percentile, 34 the 50th, 35 the 75th.
Whatever OP decides is great and with a robust and varied list, there will be lots of great places.
History doesn’t change - and a FANTASTIC education could be had at many schools - whether Wellesley or, as an example of a less competitive all femaled college, Agnes Scott.
OP - stay calm - I have no doubt you’ll have some great options. Maybe not all the options - but great options.
Based on the distribution of your ACT section scores, consider designing your college application list as if your composite ACT score is a 31.
3 Likes
As another example, I view your subscores as tipping in the other (i.e. higher) direction because of the 36s on reading and English along with the 32 on your science score. Thus, I think the best advice is as follows:
1 Like