Colleges of Distinction

So you’ve picked a dream college—it has the reputation you want, your parents love it, and the programs are a great match for you. The only problem is, their average SAT or ACT scores are much higher than your own. Is there any hope?

Sizing up the college

First of all, how do you size up a college by its scores? Let’s say you have decided that are interested in a college that says it has a “middle 50%” range of 1280 to 1400 on the SAT. Half of their applicants scored in this range. This tells you that their “middle point” (or median) is 1340—halfway between those two numbers. It also tells you that 25% of the enrolled class scored above 1400 and 25% scored below 1280. Let’s also say they tell you that they typically admit about 35% of all applicants and that 80% of the enrolling freshmen ranked in the Top 10% of their high school class. 

Now, how do you compare to this profile? Let’s say you had an SAT score of 1220, which was based on two test times where you scored 530 VSAT and 670 MSAT and then 550 VSAT and 640MSAT—your best combined score is 1220. This is below their “middle point.” It is also significantly below the top 25%. Can you still get in?

The answer is, maybe. Do you have credentials you have that are realistically are higher than the vast majority of their applicant pool? In order for the school to accept you, they will have to turn down students who have equaled your high school class performance, and who have outscored you on the national standardized tests. Here are some factors that might weigh in your favor:

1. You have exceptional grades and are you ranked at the very top of your class. (That means the top 1-3%, not just in the top 10%. Remember, you need to be extraordinary, not just very good.)
2. You have taken a remarkable curriculum that distinguishes your preparation or has developed unique academic talents. Be sure to discuss these special classes or experiences in your application.
3. You have special artistic, athletic, leadership talents that distinguished you in high school and will contribute at the highest level to their campus culture. Coaches from the college or the directors of the artistic groups may be able to evaluate your relative talent in these areas. Again, it is not enough to have participated—did you truly excel?
4. Your family has a special relationship with the college. This typically has some pull but don’t count on it being the major reason for your admission. Family ties such as a parent being a graduate have a small but positive impact on your chances.
5. You represent a unique element of diversity that the college has espoused a desire to attract, and you do this in a significant way. This could include socio-economic, gender, religious, ethnic/racial or geographical factors.
6. You have overcome remarkable challenges in your life that the majority of applicants to this school have not faced. For example, are you a first-generation college student attending a high school where few students go on to college? Such an environment may have “deflated” your test scores and you will likely perform higher than most students with your scores due to your determination and character).

If you can’t identify that any of these factors apply to you then it is unlikely that you will  be chosen for admission. It is okay to apply, but don’t get your heart set on getting admitted. You should want the admissions committee to be fair. If other students have stronger overall credentials than you in academics then you should expect they will gain the admission decision.

A different approach

Instead of getting upset that your top choice will reject you, why not seriously investigate the alternatives? Most high school seniors are getting pushed to apply to colleges that are above their academic profile because of an excessive need by the student, parent, or high school to seek prestige over reality. In other words, is your “dream school” really the one for you—or is it just the one that sounds prestigious? Remember getting into your DREAM school can be a nightmare if you really would be more comfortable at a school where your academic efforts place you more in the middle or the top of the class. 

Try to identify at least one or two colleges where your grades and test scores place you in the top 25% of the enrolled class and at least one or two colleges where your academic numbers place you in the middle 50%. Get excited about these colleges—don’t view them as consolation prizes.  There are many excellent colleges with unique programs out there; the point is to find a choice that fits you, not simply to find the one that is the most “prestigious.”

The fact is, whatever school you go to will be your home and place of work for four years. You will have to keep up with your peer students and you will also want to live a balanced life where you can develop your interests and relationships. So RELAX! Pick a college that will both challenge you and at the same time give you comfort and support. If you are a positive person you will take the best options available to you and turn them to your advantage.