Hi guys,
I’m looking to apply to Stanford and Columbia.
GPA: 4.0
EC’s: Insane
Recommendations: 10/10
Test scores: ACT 21- Taken in 2009
What are your guys scores? How bad is this going to ruin my chances?
If this question isn’t a joke, of course you will need to retake them.
Why would it be a joke? Do you know what non traditional means?
You still have to meet the same requirements, like a recent ACT. Are you a “non-traditional” tech billionaire or an Olympian?
-
These schools state specifically that there are no “set” scores. A.K.A “Holistic” approach to every application.
-
They recognize non-traditional students and old tests literally state that scores are not a valid indicator of academic success after a period of 5 years or more. Mine is closing on 10 years.
-
My EC’s, Essay, and Supplements are insanely good. I’m not going to list them because that would take too long. I have 6 different hooks an admission officer could choose from.
-
Start-up CEO’s, and athletics are a dime a dozen at places like Stanford. You must stand out!!
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
Regardless of whether the college would accept such an old score, the score itself is too low to be helpful in the admissions process.
Stanford admits few transfers; they only admitted 42 transfer applicants last year for a 2.1% acceptance rate. Of those, assume a good chunk of them were recruited athletes. The acceptance rate for someone with a 21 ACT score is <1%.
https://admission.stanford.edu/apply/selection/profile16.html#transfers
Now you may very well have other wonderful things going for you. but you have not shared them. You asked specifically about your ACT score, so the answer specifically addresses said score.
No it doesn’t. I asked what other people’s scores were. I also asked for specifics are “how bad” my chances would be.
You answered my question. The previous comments DID NOT.
This is suppose to be a discussion for Non-traditional students will similar problems to mine.
Being athlete has nothing to do with anything I’ve said. It’s a non-issue.
You know your chances at Stanford and Columbia.
I did apply to several UC campuses. (UCLA, San Diego, Santa Barbara) Obviously Stanford and Columbia will be my reach schools.
They were also the only campuses that required I send in test scores.
I figure it’s better to send in a super old score that clearly states it’s a poor indicator of current success, than to retake a test and take a chance of receiving sub par scores.
Say I retake and get a 32.
Now my score can’t be disregarded at all. It is what it is.
What do you guys think is the best option?
Standardized test scores expire after 5 years. You must retake them if required for transter.
Stanford already emailed me and said they will accept scores over 5 years. I don’t have to retest.
Hence this thread.
You won’t get in with that score. Spend your money on a new ACT test, don’t waste your money applying with a 21.
You don’t have to retest but it’s in your interest to, since you can’t get into Stanford with a 21 regardless of anything else. So, prep, retake, and send. The new score should be higher and then the rest of your application will come into play.
Seriously guys. Retesting has already been covered in this thread.
If you can’t add anything constructive to this, don’t comment.
You’re wasting my time and yours.
You are wasting Stanford’s and Columbia’s time. We told you that you will not be admitted with a 21 ACT. There is nothing constructive to add.
Again, what did I just say?
You seriously need to get a grip and move on.
I’m not sure this thread is getting anywhere. The consensus is that the schools you have listed are long-shots if you need to provide your ACT score. The top schools take very few transfers and cherry-pick the applicants they feel are best fits for the school. It is highly unlikely that any ECs, essays etc. could compensate for your ACT unless you have some kind of a hook (ex. recruited athlete, child of a huge donor, bringing some positive notoriety to a school due to fame etc.). Even in a holistic review, academics are a priority.
If you want to apply to these schools then by all means go for it. But also be sure to also apply to match and safety schools that appear affordable and that you woudl be happy to attend
If you are an older applicant (since you took ACT in 2009) you should consider the School of General Studies at Columbia. https://gs.columbia.edu/program-overview
This thread isn’t getging anywhere because it’s the same information repeated a dozen times.
You should probably actually read it before commenting.
I did – but thanks – I’m sure your attitude will get you far.