How important are test scores?

Sue22
Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:39:39 +0000

You may want to consider looking at test-optional schools.

[SAT/ACT Optional 4-Year Universities | FairTest](ACT/SAT Optional List - Fairtest)

One school you might like is Bates College in Lewiston, ME. It has a lower acceptance rate that Grinnel but is truly score-optional, meaning admissions really doesn’t penalize you for not reporting scores. Bates also seems like it would fit you well. It’s a small, fairly liberal D3 school with very strong med school placement and an active Outing Club (2nd oldest in the nation). Bates definitely values scholar-athletes.

As to the ADD/SAT dilemma-some kids do better with extra time but others can’t sustain the required attention over a long period and find that extra time on standardized tests only exacerbates the problem. SDonCC is right that you’ll have a hard time getting extra time on the SAT at the last minute if you haven’t had formal accommodations in high school.

Grinnel’s a great school. Good luck!