College Search Process......Then and Now

ridethewave
Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:46:19 +0000

Re: NMSF

I do not remember filling out any forms for NMF, either. Granted, that was a long time ago.

I applied to three schools, one of which was Harvard. Back then, I guess they sent brochures to the schools of students who qualified for NMSF. At any rate, the glossy crimson mailing arrived at my high school, addressed to me. I thought it was a joke, but my guidance counselor made me apply. I compare the frenzied atmosphere now to my utter cluelessness back in the day, and I still cannot believe I was accepted.

I took the SAT once (mid-700s on both parts) as well as the ACT. I had to take three achievment tests, but I cannot even remember which ones I took. I know I did not study for them and I had no idea if they were important or not. It is strange to see the proliferation of 800s now. I seem to recall that the year I graduated there were two or three students nationwide who scored 1600 on the SAT. One of those students was in my freshman class, and I remember that everyone whispered in amazement at this accomplishment.

My high school offered, I think, three AP classes. At many other area schools, the principals had not even heard of AP exams.