Improved Scores on SAT/ACT

xiggi
Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:34:27 +0000

Srobin, considering that the 32 ACT will be --at best-- neutral at the reaches and matches. This score, albeit very competitive on a national basis, will merely keep your son “in the running” with probably 50% of the applicants.

Since most schools you listed rely on an extensive holistic approach, your son will need a very strong application that encompasses a very high ranking, almost perfect HS grades, and very strong ECs, and at least ONE impressive angle. Simply stated, if all the statistics are very good but not superlative, the chances at schools that are high reaches will not be good and iffy at the high matches.

Unfortunately, when it comes to successful applications at the most selective schools, the days of the very bright and well-rounded kids are long gone.

PS Please take a look at the explosion of applications at Tulane and increases at Vanderbilt. The “match” schools from a decade ago, or even 3-4 years ago, have become a lot more competitive. This said, if a clear choice can be made for an Early Decision, your chances improve DRASTICALLY, especially at schools such as Duke that have found it extremely difficult to raise their volume of ED applicants.