So the common app has the additional info section where you can talk about anything not reflected in the application (basically a personal statement). Is it bad to talk about how your test scores are not a representation of who you are and that your transcript is a better representation? I ask because I feel like that would be trying to make excuses.
It would sound like an accuse to me. Every student will say that. Good news is you can test again but not fix GPA or rigor as a senior. What are your stats?
That’s not what the “additional info” box is for.
If there’s a real discrepancy between yourbtrst scores and your grades+ course rigor, apply to test optional schools.
How low are these test scores anyway?
Have had low test scores on previous standardized testing, or was this a new thing for you? Consistent top grades in demanding classes coupled with surprisingly low standardized test scores can be a red flag for a number of things including processing difficulties along the dyslexia line, and anxieties related to testing. Go have a chat with your counselor about this. Those would be things that you would want to get a handle on before starting
college.
Not the way you stated it. But, if there are specific reasons why (for example, if you are diagnosed with dyslexia, or if your dog died the night before you took the SAT, or something other than “this test score isn’t fair”) and it’s not repeating something already mentioned elsewhere on your application, you can consider mentioning it.
Double check what you want to say with a teacher or guidance counselor, though. It’s pretty easy to make an excuse for a bad test score that makes things worse instead of better.
I’m not sending my ACT but I have a superscored 1420 on the SAT. It’s not like it’s horrible, but I’m applying to Duke, Notre Dame, and Vandy (amongst others) so it could be better.
I’m not too hot about retesting because I have very little time for prep (with school and EC’s), would rather not pay for another test, and the only schools that would get them at this point would be Duke and Vandy since I’m applying EA to everything else on my list.
I actually feel really good about my application. I like my essay(s) and my recommenders will write great recs.
It’s not the end of the world if I don’t get into Duke, Vandy, or Notre Dame. I was just wondering if I could talk about test scores like that with them. Thank you for your responses!
No, don’t. First, beause 1420 is not bad. Second, because you don’t have a good reason. Third, because if you truly don’t like that score, retake - mentioning you know it’s not good enough yet not doing anything about it doesn’t paint the picture of yourself you want for top colleges.
Keep in mind that Vandy likes very high scores - more of the 1500 variety. 1420 is average for Duke and Notre Dame.
What are your matches? Your two affordable safeties?
Matches:
GT
UGA
USCarolina Honors College
Safeties:
Berry College
College of Charleston
Not sure I’d put GT as match. At least high match. Getting more competitive by the year.
Yeah GT is a high match for me. I do have the advantage of being in-state so it’s a little easier. Not expecting an automatic in by any means
GT and USC Honors are automatic reaches. (USC Honors is one of the most selective Honors colleges in the country, as I’m sure you’ve noticed due to the long application).
UGA is a good match, apply to Honors (your SAT is a bit low for UGA Honors but a strong secondary record is most important).
Apply to College of Charleston Honors, it’s a low match to safety for you and better than CoC without Honors.
What about Elon, what does the NPC say? Is Berry affordable (they don’t meet need but have merit)?
I do not think you can talk about it in the essay and I do not think your high school counselor will help you in that either. The score might be low for your reaches but it is actually a “good” score, I think about 96% for the percentiles that SAT just released. It will come out bad or at best not helpful to you. The only think you can do is work at the rest of your application and try to really stress your strong points so the adcom will have reasons to admit you. You can not “sell” something you do not have or keep talking about it. Don’t bring focus on your score. What do you have to “sell”? What makes you tick? What do you think makes you a strong candidate? For example, are you great at projects? Are you a great presenter/communicator? What’s your strength? That’s what you need to bring up and if you have extra to write, use the essay for that. What’s the point to talk about the stuff you do not have?
Of course make sure you apply to schools that your SAT puts you in a good place for admissions and that you afford before focusing on the reaches.
@MYOS1634 Thank you for your input. Yes I am applying to honors for UGA and for CofC and I knew USC would be troublesome as far as the honors college goes. My school is pretty good about sending kids to USC honors so I’m not totally worried, but yes I understand I might not get in and that’s ok
Berry is affordable and I really like it so it’s a good option.
I thought about Elon. It was on my radar for a while. Unfortunately I am/was unable to visit there and didn’t feel comfortable applying to a school I wasn’t super familiar with.
@am9799 Thank you so much those are very helpful questions!
Grades are more important than test scores. Your SAT score is fine, especially if those colleges accept superscores.