Chance me please!!! (YALE SCEA)

momrath
Wed, 21 Nov 2007 05:34:36 +0000

I’m asking the OP to retake it, cos I think it would improve his chances for Ivies.

That’s the part that I think is misleading. The OP has an unsual background, excellent grades and rank and (it seems) strong ECs. If Yale or any other super selective accepts him, it will be because of what he has to offer to the school, not because of his SATs – even if he improves them. On the other hand if he is rejected with a 1510 he would most likely be rejected with a 1600.

How do I know this? Not surprisingly I don’t! I was mostly just reacting to the OP’s comment that his SATs are “dreadful.” They absolutely are not. He has a lot of very positive points and if he were to present himself effectively he has as good a shot to get into any college in America as he would with perfect scores.

Perfect or close to perfect scores cancompensate for weakness in other areas – e.g., inconsistent grades or middling rank. But since the OP is covered by excellent grades and #1 rank, he doesn’t need the extra score boost.

I do agree, however, that every applicant should give the process your best shot and if retaking will make him feel more confident, then he should do so. I’m all for less to worry about.