What School Is Right for You?
Advice from experts on the college search
I have 1580 on my SATs, have a 3.6 grade point average in a very competitive high school and am enrolled in five advanced placement courses. Are the very selective colleges going to accept me? Colleges and universities with 20 percent or lower acceptance rates turn down many, many students with your credentials. To assess your chances, you need to think in terms of how you will stack up against the entire applicant pool at a given college--and that is not always easy to do, particularly since in any given year, schools are seeking to fill particular niches in a class and it is hard to know what those niches are and whether you fill the bill. That is why it is important to apply to backup schools. And remember that some colleges consider geographical distribution in selecting a class, so try not to limit your choices geographically.
Are certain extracurricular activities favored by highly selective colleges? Don't spend four years in high school trying to second-guess what colleges may want. Let your interests be your guide. Get involved in something you feel passionate about. Commitment, leadership and success in what you do are what matter most to colleges.
My SAT and ACT scores are not very high. Should I take the tests over? Every college uses scores differently. Schools such as Bates, Bowdoin and Lafayette give you the option of not submitting your scores. Some state schools, community colleges and even private colleges rely solely on your academic work. Many "Big 10" schools use a formula that weights grades two thirds and test scores one third. If you have doubts about your junior year scores, read all summer, take a test prep course if you can afford it, then retest in October. You have absolutely nothing to lose by following this path.
How can I enhance my chances at a highly selective college if my test scores are not impressive--SAT I 1110, ACT 27--but I have taken rigorous courses and earned A's and have been a leader in extracurricular activities? Take the SAT II tests. There are a number of tests from which to choose--and you can suppress those scores you do not like and just release your best ones. Colleges notice high SATII results; they demonstrate your knowledge of subject matter. Also take AP tests, ideally one or two in your junior year. Scores of 4 or 5 will grab the attention of schools and show them you can succeed in college. Perhaps take a course at a local college. An impressive recommendation from a professor will enhance your application. And remember that in filling out applications, strong, well-written essays will help convey your strengths.
I had a 2.3 in ninth grade, but every year since then my GPA has improved and I have taken more demanding courses. Will colleges care? Yes! Such a record indicates academic growth and discovery. Experience has taught many admissions officers that you are a good risk. However, some colleges use a formula that combines overall GPA and/or class rank with test scores; in that case, you will be at a disadvantage. Before applying, ask the admissions office how you will be treated.
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