<p>My D1 scored a low 600’s on the SAT math section. Its not her strength. CR and Writing? 760. I believe in the left brain and right brain differences. Its patently RIDICULOUS schools expect kids to be perfect in both sections and strong on both. She did just fine in math classes and college core requirements…and once done, said, “never again…I’m not an engineer or computer geek…” </p>
<p>Focus on what you are good at. Do your best in everything else and move on.</p>
<p>Kenyon is particularly strong in English, by the way. But yes, they reject women all the time because of the ‘sheer number of applications’ . </p>
<p>Don’t try to overanalyze admissions. You can’t even rationalize most of what they do. There are stories every year at every school…“how did YOU get in?” “I can’t believe they waitlisted YOU!” Its a capricious and sometimes arbitrary and very quirky process. They aren’t even consistent on the days they review applications. If you get reviewed on Monday you might get in, but on Tuesday maybe not. Forgettaboutit!</p>
<p>You can’t “game” the system. Make your applications, reach-match-safety and cross your fingers. Make sure ALL your applications are to schools where you can be happy and thrive. Embrace your match and safety schools. If a reach takes you, congrats. Otherwise, move on.</p>
<p>You are the person you are inside irrespective of where you go to college. Its an important step in your life. But once you move in and get started, all this will seem so silly and irrelevant. (it is!) Unless of course, you obsess about it while you are at some school and then live this transferitis nightmare making everyone else miserable too. </p>
<p>Kids who are at school with my D1 went through this…some had transferitis and 90% stayed. Those that stayed are happy and thriving (Dean’s List!). </p>
<p>Whether its Scripps, UDel, Kenyon, Swarthmore, Northwestern…name a school…you are still the same person and will be fine. Enjoy life. Be grateful for what you have and who accepts you. And don’t hang out with status and prestige obsessed people. In my view, they are superficial and a real downer. Not “real friends.”</p>