<p>So far ACT and SAT II scores from June have been disappointing for me. I’m interested in playing a sport at UChicago or Carnegie Mellon, and I’m a rising senior. White, female,first generation. </p>
<p>I scored ANOTHER 31 on my June ACT and received poor scores on SAT IIs in subjects that I’m interested in. I want to study engineering and got a 730 on Math II and 680 on Chemistry.</p>
<p>I’m just really worried now because my test scores suck. I understand that athletics might have a slight pull at these schools, but not much. I have had positive feedback from these coaches and will attend both camps this summer. My academics are stellar (ranked first in my class at the moment and good AP scores too), but will these test scores hold me back? ):</p>
<p>The 680 is slightly low, but the 730 is good. The reality is that girls in those fields often score lower than boys. I really don’t think it’s a deal killer at all. Strengthen the other parts of your app that are within your control. You’ll be fine. :)</p>
<p>Awflapjackz - I agree with sakacar3…it is not a deal killer. Engineering schools look at Math scores first and foremost, and the tact that you are a potential femaile engineer doesn’t hurt your chances at all… 730 in Math is pretty darn good whether you are male or female. Remember most high academic schools look at your body of work not just one test.or one dimension of your academic performance. You’ve busted your tail for 3 years in high school to achieve a lot, and they will recognize that. </p>
<p>Since you’ve taken the ACT twice (with the same score) I don’t think there is any reason to take it again. I’d focus on bringing up the SAT2 subject test to improve your position. In addition, you’ve got great credentials…you will find a great school…relax. In a few months, your toughest challenge will be deciding which great school to go to. </p>
<p>PS…I was at an Ivy engineering school graduation last month…there were not a lot of females graduating in either mechanical or chemical engineering. I think you’re going to be fine. Relax and nail the test. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for both of your opinions. (: Still contemplating taking the ACT again though…</p>
<p>Any other opinions?</p>
<p>Your test scores are not low. Not at all. You can’t come here on CC and compare yourself to students because 50% of chance me posts have lies, 20% show projected information, 20% are students who brag, but end up getting rejected to top schools any way. Your test scores are amazing by national standards. Be proud of yourself. If you want to be in engineering, just prep for the physics exam and take it. Be proud of yourself. 680 isn’t low. It’s above average. Remember, if you don’t get into an elite school, it isn’t an indicator of your worth.</p>
<p>Your test scores are fine, although CMU is very competitive if you plan to play on a D3 team there, they might be begging for people like you.</p>
<p>680 is not that low. I suggest to get an idea, use the Tier One Academic Index calculator (search for it on CC) and see what tier you are in. For example, a 3.7 GPA and 2090 on the SAT and is in the top tier for Ivy League athletes, by 8 points (and most tiers are 10 point spreads, from 176 up to 210 or more).</p>
<p>I would suggest making sure you have the coach’s support at either school, and maybe add a few schools instead of completely giving up on CMU and UChicago.</p>
<p>You should be in contact with the coaches ASAP if you have not started talking to them yet.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reassurance. It’s just that I see so many talented applicants rejected from both of these schools, and I feel like being an athlete isn’t that big of a hook in my situation. I’ll be at both camps this summer, so hopefully I’ll get some answers.</p>
<p>Being an athlete is not a hook. Being a recruited athlete is a hook. Yes, camps are a great idea.</p>
<p>And being a girl in engineering is a hook. And being first-generation college is a hook. It is definitely worth a try.</p>