Perfect Standardized Tests...Horrible Essays, problem??

Rhapsody_in_Green
Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:16:10 +0000

RSI is very unlikely, just to warn you. You need a really really exceptional science and math background to have much of a chance. I’ve heard that the average age for RSI kids to take Calc BC is 10th grade, and my experience would seem to confirm that, just to give you a rough idea of its competitiveness. Most people there also have some pretty substantial state or national awards by the time they apply. It’s still certainly worth applying, but you want to make sure you spend a lot of time on your essays to really convey a strong passion for science and research. There’s a certain amount of luck to it, too, because donors will sometimes sponsor people from one particular state, or something like that.

Aside from that, don’t retake the SATs. You already have a 36 ACT and 2300 SAT. There is absolutely no point in wasting another Saturday testing again. Skip the retest and just spend the time on your essays. It will make a vastly greater difference. Expand your list a little, too. You’ll probably be fine with BU, but throw on a state school just in case. Trim down on the top schools a little bit. I understand being unsure which one you want to go to, but if you really are a poor writer, you’ll be hurting your chances at all of them by splitting up your essay time between a bunch of schools, and application fees are not fun.