Determining likely vs. target if TO

[Anonymous]

If a student's GPA is toward the top of the mid-50% range and applying TO, how do you think about likely vs. target? The Naviance scatterplot seems to factor in both GPA and test scores.

[Anonymous]

So, ask yourself this - what is special about your kid? If they are TO, something else needs to step up/stand out to compensate for no test score. Either the stats are near the top or????

Only you can answer that.

[Anonymous]

It depends on what type of schools your kid is applying to. Some are genuinely TO, and yes, you’d use the GPA, essays and activities list to shine.

Others prefer scores and you’ll need to be very impressive to offset that.

[Anonymous]

Look at the Common Data Set to see how many kids apply TO to the school in question, If it is a large percentage (over half), I would rely on the naviance GPA data (assuming rest of app is strong). If only a third or less get in, assume grades will have to be stronger than naviance data indicates.

Also, see what the college says about TO on their website. For example, Auburn says that less than 2% of kids get in without tests. So, that would be an unlikely TO school Jo matter what grades are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So, ask yourself this - what is special about your kid? If they are TO, something else needs to step up/stand out to compensate for no test score. Either the stats are near the top or????

Only you can answer that.

Not true at all school like Vanderbilt that takes a very large number of kids TO.

[Anonymous]

Though should add that Vandy is a reach for anyone with a 6% admit rate.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the responses. He's looking at schools that accept 60% or so. Not looking at super top schools. He's a solid A/B student with honors/AP classes (4.3W going into junior year) and good but not stellar ECs, though great summer activities that show leadership. The suggestion to look at the common data set was very helpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So, ask yourself this - what is special about your kid? If they are TO, something else needs to step up/stand out to compensate for no test score. Either the stats are near the top or????

Only you can answer that.

And what exactly is "top" if people on this forum are saying grade inflation at most high schools?

[Anonymous]

I agree with the PP that you need to check the % submitting. Generally, if his score is not high enough to submit to the school, I would not call it a safety.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If a student's GPA is toward the top of the mid-50% range and applying TO, how do you think about likely vs. target? The Naviance scatterplot seems to factor in both GPA and test scores.

Depends upon the school. If 75%+ of students are applying with test scores, then a high GPA and no test score would indicate a low SAT. So think long and hard about not submitting

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with the PP that you need to check the % submitting. Generally, if his score is not high enough to submit to the school, I would not call it a safety.

This, unless more than 50%+ of students are also NOT submitting test scores.

[Anonymous]

To consider a school a safety, wouldn’t you want GPA to be in the top 75% range if applying test optional?