How GOOD does an Upward trend have to be?

ksarmand
Tue, 02 Nov 2010 04:38:32 +0000

First, this:



…I am applying to all midwest schools so I don’t think I need to give the SATs any thought.



False. I would recommend that you take both and submit the better score, if there is still time to do so. While the ACT is more frequently taken in the midwest, schools are generally willing to accept both. While a 27 is a decent score, if you can do better on the SAT, why not give it a shot?

And if money is an objection, do look into fee waivers.

As for your question on how good an upward trend “has to be,” there is no definitive answer for that. Your marked display of improvement, along with your dedication to your academic efforts, will most likely benefit you in the sense that your GPA will be viewed more favorably than one that dramatically decreased. Other than that, though, I have no way of providing an assessment of your situation, and I highly doubt that anyone on this board does either.