Has anyone else had it with Georgetown?

[Anonymous]

Of course it's a great school, in a great location - yes. But it is not QUITE the amazing educational experience that their demanding standards would seem to indicate.
Mine would have loved to apply. But between the restrictive application policy (which is truly awful given the very difficult cycles these kids are facing) and their demands for all test scores - my kids have had it. Both have what it takes to succeed there. But my first and now my second are not willing to ruin what was left of HS to get there. Straight As in AP courses not enough for you? Opting for mental health over College Board nonsense by skipping a few AP exams? Please. My next one feels the same way. These two are great students - never had anything less than an A or A-, fantastic ECs that reflect their commitment to serving others for years, stellar LORs, tons of the R word - RIGOR. Not pointy for Ivies. But they are out - of the G-town rat race. And no - that's not a Georgetown troll talking - it's an honest frustration for their policies.

[Anonymous]

What do you mean, they demand all test scores? How would they know you took them? If they want kids to take an SAT test, sure, then you give them the score. But how would they know you took it several times - can you just ask the College Board to disclose just the one you prefer? Same for AP exams: can you just release the scores that reflect well on you?

[Anonymous]

OP here. Georgetown requires students report every score from every SAT, ACT or AP exam that they ever sat for, in an official report.
Their prerogative.
Restrictive REA is truly awful on so many levels.
Their prerogative.
Helps make the decision easy

[Anonymous]

Not the school for your DC.

[Anonymous]

My DS didn't apply, mostly because he thought he wouldn't get in, but the hoops they make you jump through are enough to scare you away unless you are truly committed.

[Anonymous]

Yup. Hoy-out

[Anonymous]

What do you have to hide? they want to weed out students like your DC ..

[Anonymous]

My kids don’t/didn’t have any interest in applying to Gtown. But I don’t get the issue, OP. I’d argue that disclosing all test scores, instead of cherry picking, shows a better representation of what a student is capable of and helps drives down the rat race of sitting for the SAT 3 times. Also, TEA is no different than ED which plenty of colleges offer. The impression I get from their requirements is that Gtown wants students who truly want them, which *should* make the process more reliable for all (they aren’t getting applicants who just want to check the box on applying to lots if ivies/ivy-adjacents or who throw in an application because they can check another box on Common App).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What do you mean, they demand all test scores? How would they know you took them? If they want kids to take an SAT test, sure, then you give them the score. But how would they know you took it several times - can you just ask the College Board to disclose just the one you prefer? Same for AP exams: can you just release the scores that reflect well on you?

NP here. They require you send all. You would be lying on your application if you did not. Personally, I think all colleges should require that. There is a big difference between a kid who takes the SAT 23 times (I saw a kid’s post on Reddit who said he did this) to get to a 1600 and a kid who takes it once or twice. The scores are inflated, which increases pressure, because of this nonsense. Let’s make people show what’s going on behind the curtain so all of the insanity is exposed and the colleges can see what they are really getting.

It sounded like OP’s concern was more about AP exams, though.

[Anonymous]

Nothing to hide at all. All best. One's at a wonderful school with less restrictive policies but better ranked than G-town. The other will undoubtedly find their place too. Lazy? Well I guess when I post snark I will receive it. I realize I am venting so I apologize for any offense. Anyone living through the 2021 and 2022 cycle will understand that it was hard on all students. They will all find their place, and I wish you all the best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do you mean, they demand all test scores? How would they know you took them? If they want kids to take an SAT test, sure, then you give them the score. But how would they know you took it several times - can you just ask the College Board to disclose just the one you prefer? Same for AP exams: can you just release the scores that reflect well on you?

NP here. They require you send all. You would be lying on your application if you did not. Personally, I think all colleges should require that. There is a big difference between a kid who takes the SAT 23 times (I saw a kid’s post on Reddit who said he did this) to get to a 1600 and a kid who takes it once or twice. The scores are inflated, which increases pressure, because of this nonsense. Let’s make people show what’s going on behind the curtain so all of the insanity is exposed and the colleges can see what they are really getting.

It sounded like OP’s concern was more about AP exams, though.

I agree with you. No problem with sending all scores, I understand that and actually agree with that for sure. I do have a problem with APs. The classes are supposed to be taught in a consistent manner, but they are not. Mine have had to self-prep for AP exams because the course work did not prepare them. Mine made strategic decisions to take some but not all AP exams because of this. Even when their teachers expressed surprise, bc they were among the very top students in the class. For those who are willing to do what it takes, honestly I wish them the best. Mine have made their choices to preserve their health while still excelling in classes. All best.

[Anonymous]

Oh well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids don’t/didn’t have any interest in applying to Gtown. But I don’t get the issue, OP. I’d argue that disclosing all test scores, instead of cherry picking, shows a better representation of what a student is capable of and helps drives down the rat race of sitting for the SAT 3 times. Also, TEA is no different than ED which plenty of colleges offer. The impression I get from their requirements is that Gtown wants students who truly want them, which *should* make the process more reliable for all (they aren’t getting applicants who just want to check the box on applying to lots if ivies/ivy-adjacents or who throw in an application because they can check another box on Common App).

Yup I understand.
REA however is quite different than ED.

[Anonymous]

OP, the school has its requirements, including not using the common app. If that is too much for your kid(s) then it isn't the right school for them.

Even with these requirements, there are thousands of applicants and an admission rate in the single digits (school of foreign service) and lower double digits (the College)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nothing to hide at all. All best. One's at a wonderful school with less restrictive policies but better ranked than G-town. The other will undoubtedly find their place too. Lazy? Well I guess when I post snark I will receive it. I realize I am venting so I apologize for any offense. Anyone living through the 2021 and 2022 cycle will understand that it was hard on all students. They will all find their place, and I wish you all the best.

It was hard on all students not just yours OP. Your kids will find their place, and if somewhere that "emphasizes" tests isn't their place, so be it. There are plenty of great colleges out there.