NationStates Jolt Archive

Okay, it's time for my to start looking at colleges. The money is an important factor, but obviously not the only one. I plan to maor in public policy. My GPA is a 3.5, 3.6. I am the second in my History and English classes, near the top in science, but mathematics is my weak point. I excell in the liberal arts area,science requires more study but it's not extemely difficult. My fear is that on the SAT and ACT my math will destroy me. In applications it will overshadow my other achievements. I am looking at George Mason University, University of Virginia, and College of William and Mary. What do you think of my situation? I need some advice on what I should do. (aside from more studying.)Are my aspirations too high?

I am looking at George Mason University, University of Virginia, and College of William and Mary
You know, Jon Stewart went to William and Mary :D

Doesn't sound like you're aiming too high. Have some safety schools (lesser choices that would still be acceptable if you don't make it into your top choices).

If you haven't taken the SAT/ACT yet, its not too late to bone up. There is a wealth of preparatory material out there, and drilling yourself in timed conditions on key math operations can make a difference. You may not make the highest percentile, but every point you don't lose helps you.

I used to proctor standardized tests, and, barring clinical anxiety issues or things of that nature, you can really help yourself out by taking practice tests under timed conditions.

If not, you can always do a South Park style "academic training montage"...

SAT/ACT scores really do not have that much of an impact. Schools understand that some people don't test well, etc. At most, the scores are counted as equal weight to the other requirements.

If not, you can always do a South Park style "academic training montage"...

It's gonna take a montage. :D

When you say math is your "weak" point, how weak? If you're reasonably firm on algebra, geometry, trig, etc, you should be okay. As long as you have a fair amount of coursework that shows you can at least be functional in quantative analysis, it shouldn't sink you automaticalloy. I doubt they expect you to be Gauss for a public policy major.

Do you think you've got a shot at 50th percentile on the math sections? You might not feel very strong in math, but there could be an ocean of your classmates out there who're a lot worse...

SAT/ACT scores really do not have that much of an impact. Schools understand that some people don't test well, etc. At most, the scores are counted as equal weight to the other requirements.
I don't know where you are from, but the SAT/ACT makes or breaks you here.

I don't know where you are from, but the SAT/ACT makes or breaks you here.
I'm in Boston. SAT and ACT are being looked at less and less, not to mention it is only one aspect. there are still grades, extra curricular, reccomendations, effort, all that fun shit that schools look at.

Neo-K, come to MSU!!!

:fluffle:

You know, Jon Stewart went to William and Mary :D
Well, there went what little respect I had for William and Mary College. Heh!

If money is an issue, there are a number of good State-supported schools in most states. If you live in VA, it would probably be easier to handle the tuition at the U. of Virginia. In North Carolina, in-State students get a sizable reduction in tuition as opposed to out-of-State students.

-snip-
My math scores have usually been average, never below, rarely above. The 'C' range. I take the ACT and SAT this year.

study, and have a back up plan. That's the best advice I can give. If your test score is too low then re-test. Standardized tests are easy to beat, you just have to know how they work and have confidence in that knowledge. The essay portion is what's difficult, but if you say you have strength there you should be fine.

I'm in Boston. SAT and ACT are being looked at less and less, not to mention it is only one aspect. there are still grades, extra curricular, reccomendations, effort, all that fun shit that schools look at.
Fun stuff like race.

Fun stuff like race.
If only I were a gay, African-American Native Cherokee, female.