<p>SO, I got rejected from a large state university and was wondering what I should say in the letter. Basically, this school was my first choice and an excellent match for my interests(biology). I know this sounds trite, but my stats didn’t do me much justice when I applied. My low sat math probably hurt me the most. However, I took the sat and act over the course of the last two months and now my test scores are probably in the top 30-25% for that school–most importantly, math scores increased significantly. The adcoms are aware of my 31 on the math section of the act but the oct SAT will only be available this thursday. Also, I am oos, which greatly diminishes my chances of being accepted.</p>
<p>I know I should mention that my sat score went up, but what else should I include without sounding too hackeneyed or suppliant. I had no regrets about my application and haven’t done anything grand sice I got the decision so I am not really sure how I should word the letter.</p>
<p>You should send in your new score and ask that your application be reconsidered in light of these improved scores. However, do not pin your hopes too high. They may not wish to reconsider. So use the new score to apply to other schools. Many have excellent bio departments.</p>
<p>Thanks. I was under the impression that I would have to make a whole case about my being worthy of an acceptance. In other words, they don’t expect a short essay restating that the school is my first choice and that I have the ability/determination to excel as a student there?</p>
<p>Well, if you think it was your scores that kept you out, then you can ask to reconsider, while also making the case that your GPA, ECs, and whatever else you can bring to bear, show that you have the ability and determination to succeed. All this can be stated in a cover letter enclosing a copy of your new scores (but remember to have the official scores sent separately).</p>
<p>As I said, though, you need to cover your bases by applying to other schools as well.</p>
<p>Mark19. An egg in the hand… I really hope your scores have gone up - but since you do not have them yet, you might want to wait and see. Hard as it may be to fathom, sometimes kid’s scores actually go DOWN. My son is also hoping that his scores went up on the October test, but he is not telling everyone that he did better on it; that is information that he (and you) do not have yet. Just a word of caution from an old lady… ;)</p>
<p>many many many schools have great biology depts
for instance- at western washington university- they have a bio teacher who went to Yale for undergrad & went on to get a PHd
at Evergreen state college they have amarine science instructor who did his undergrad at Reed and went on to get a Phd at U delaware
bio is pretty much a basic dept like english.
You may also have a more satisfying experience attending a smaller school that doesn’t use bio as a big weed out class for premed</p>
I’m just cautioning you that since SAT scores are not yet out, this is information you don’t yet have. From the way you have posted, it does sound like I am “telling you something you don’t know.”</p>
and went on to get a Phd at U delaware