About buzzard Expertise Experienced college admissions professional who has assisted hundreds of students and their families in finding the right college. Choosing a college is not a game that only a few people can win; there is no universal handfull of "best" colleges. It is possible for everyone to find a college that is the right fit for them.
Experience 10 years as a college admissions counselor; 12 years working for a national association of college admissions counselors; two children of my own in college Frequently teach "How to Choose Your College" programs.
Question i really want to go to the college of charleston in south carolina, but i am afraid that maybe my SAT scores along with other admission criteria, may not be of their standards. i have had a steady B average all four years of high school, roughly a 3.4 GPA, and had taken some tough courses also, not too many honors or AP, but challenging none the less. i have been very active in playing the violin for 9 years, and have participated in a few other extra-curriculars as well. i am semi-active in the community and have volunteered sparatically throughout high school. i work 60 hours a week during the summer at a single lifeguard pool. and had my first job when i was 12. i consider myself a pretty average college applicant, but one thing has really altered my chances, my SAT scores. i got a 570 on verbal and a 430 on math, combined for a disgraceful 1050. everytime i fill out an application, i look at the contents and feel unsatisfied and dont think that they will accept me. i applied for early admission to the university of delaware, but was rejected. i later found out that my high school guidence councelor never sent out my SAT scores. i really like what i have seen in the college of charleston and want to know if there is a chance of me being accepted.
thanks, ashley
p.s. i plan to take the SAT's one more time as a last effort to raise my score.
Answer Hmmmmm - Many thoughts in no particular order...
Taking the SATs one more time and getting a similiar score will confirm that the original less than stellar (but not disgraceful!) score was accurate, which is not what you want to do. Before you take it again, consider a prep course or some structured prep workl on your own. The test results should show you where you need to improve the most.
Consider the ACT. Some people feel it is easier to score well on it. Many people think that by evaluating beyond verbal and math they give a wider range of student a better showing. Test prep books (probably availabe in your school library will give you practice tests and you can see how you might do.
Have a chat with Charleston. Arrange for an interview and bring all of your paperwork with you. Stress in any essay or letter accompanying yoru application how very much CHarleston is your first choice. Aside from those pesky scores, you have an impressive record and sound like the well rounded kind of student any college shoud be proud to admit. Some colleges have become cautious about accepting too many students whio consider the school a second or third choice. They want more students who really want to be there.
Schools regard the SAT differently. At some, it is the magic number that decides all. At others, it's a helpful indicator, but not the bottom line. Do you know how CoC regards them? It's OK to ask!
FYI - a small but growing number of colleges are dropping standardized test scores as a requirement as more and more schools are learning that they do not predict academic success at their school.
I would not hazard a guess as to your likelyhood of acceptance - colleges all do these things so differently...
Worse case scenario, should it happen... try and figure out all of the things you like about CoC, and then go to your guidance counselor or even an admissions rep from CoC and say "I really liked your school but yo won't accept me... what colleges do you know of that are similiar to you in the followinig ways... " College reps know their competition very well and, believe it or not, they are in the business of of helping students find their best fit college rather than just grabbing bodies. They could be a great resource!
This is not sour grapes! But think about it - if this or any other college is unable to see what a great student you are and what a contribuition you could make to their college becasue of one test score taken on one Saturday morning - do you really want to attend a school that doesn't see your big picture? Chances are they don't see a lot of big pictures... Or, if they are right, and you would really struggle there academically, then please trust me, you will be far happier somewhere where you can work hard and really learn and enjoy the experience.
