What are my chances?

UrsaMajoric
Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:03:12 +0000

Alexxis, a couple of thoughts…

First, the SAT scores. Georgetown doesn’t take the writing portion, so only the CR and Math are relevant. The middle 50% range for last year was CR: 640-740 and Math: 650-750, so you are at the moment at the low end. Not to worry - my son did the same as you - took the SAT’s for the first time as a junior and did about where you did (and his PSAT was a bit lower than yours), and by his third (and final) try with a little practice behind him ended up at 1510 for the two sections. So, keep it up. (Oh, he got accepted EA last month.) But don’t just start studying and practicing ten days before the tests - the point is that SAT scores are of comparable importance to your grades, so - if you figure you’ll spend close to 1500 - 2000 hours* on studying and homework during your high school days, isn’t it worth putting in at least 40 on the SAT?

Second, everyone is busy but, like it or not, your competitors are still finding times to do leadership type EC’s. Clubs alone aren’t weighed that highly, unless you can find a club where you organize something and/or have a titled leadership role. The problem is that other kids in your school are also posturing for college apps, so you can’t just waltz in now and expect to be named president of the club come next fall, in most cases. But, there’s always room for worker bees, so if you have a passion for a particular type of event and can get three or four other members of the group to follow your lead, maybe you can make something of it. For example, anyone can join the school’s Red Cross Club, but maybe you can be the one to be named Blood Drive coordinator and get a donation event or two scheduled at your school, then report on your college apps that you’re responsible for 400 pints of blood being donated, or whatever. Just make sure it’s something you can generate a passion about.

Maybe your concertmistress role will help - perhaps you can lead a drive to help play concerts at senior citizens centers or teach kids in poorer areas. But, be careful, you don’t want to be perceived as someone who only does music and fencing related activities.

The colleges’ concern is not just that you’re willing to put in hours on clubs - instead, the focus is whether or not you’re the sort of person who can lead and motivate others to put in hours to improve your school and community. It’s tough for shy people, but top colleges want kids who add something to the fabric of their student body.




The “1500 to 2000 hours” figure, is, admittedly, pulled out of my … posterior. But you get the point.