Sat-GPA Disconnect

BAfromBC
Sat, 24 May 2008 05:01:25 +0000

To the OP: Curious…Have you discussed your D’s situation with her GC or another close advisor at her HS? Also, I think you should look at your school’s profile before you decide that she has a big/impactful disconnect. There are lots of kids with ADHD and related issues–these are generally mitigating circumstances. I do not think your D’s case is so unusual that it would be viewed as a tremendous negative. I don’t think anyone will think she is an underachiever.

Also, lots of kids have clear strengths and it doesn’t harm them in the admissions process. Though my D had high SATs and a high GPA, etc., there was a noticeable disparity between her CR/W and M scores; she was never tops in math-science and worked hard for low A’s in those subjects but breezed through her humanities/social sciences winning many academic awards in those areas. We didn’t worry about her lower math score–she only took the SAT once and she only took the minimum required 2 SAT II’s. She focused on her strengths. This did not hurt her in what they call the “holistic” approach–she was accepted early at one of the very-top LACs. Her BFF, a supremely talented writer, had very poor math scores (and nearly failed math) and stellar CR/W scores–a 250+ point disparity. She, too, was admitted early to a great LAC. Our kids have much more to offer than test scores.

Don’t despair.

Your D seemingly has good verbal/writing skills which will help her with her applications. Writing the essays is one of the biggest challenges. At small LACs, the essays truly count and could be a deciding factor in whether an admissions counselor fights for your admission at committee. A lot of what goes on is purely subjective and if they instinctively “like” you it can’t hurt.

IMO, it seems as though fit is a biggger issue for your D. Maybe you should speak with people at the colleges your D is looking at (if you haven’t already) with regard to accommodations for ADHD, etc. and ask how these types of students perform and what support there is for them. There are many LACs where a quirky kid can find a niche.

GPA and scores will come into play for merit money, but you don’t specify if this is a consideration. If it is then another go round couldn’t hurt–if scores don’t improve you don’t have to report them. Supposedly, math is the easiest score to raise even if you are math-challenged–check the SAT forum for strategic advice.

Good luck to you and your D.