980 SAT score and rejected from all EA colleges?

[Anonymous]

DC will be a first generation college student. She's very intelligent, but a horrible test taker. She's taken AP English both junior and senior years as well as AP Calculus and Psychology. She's struggled with those courses getting C's, but otherwise her academic record is about a B average. She's depressed because she got 3 rejection letters already from good schools and her peers normally attend schools like UMD and one of the ivies. Community College isn't an option for her as she doesn't drive and we're not near transit. She's applied to the other state schools, but she's afraid of not being as successful as her peers because of her struggle with tests and school work. Any suggestions? I don't know how to help as I'm not familiar with college at all.

[Anonymous]

College is important, but As aren't that important. You won't believe it to hear it in a place like DC where the grade grubbers and gunners and over-achievers flock in droves, but in most places C students do just fine. They're probably not going to law school or med school or any of the other paper samurai professions, but there are a ton of careers where creativity and good people skills and tolerance for risk and ability to work hard matter more than academics. C students don't do things a certain way just because that's the way Daddy did it. C students don't have anything to lose by taking risks.

She'll be great, if she wants to be great.

(And you might want to think about buying her a cheap car. Community college is way cheaper than even state school and will save you a LOT of money on her first two years. It will also give her some room to experiment with classes and course loads in a low risk environment.)

[Anonymous]

Another vote for community college. It's a great way for a bad test taker to get into a reputable state university. You should definitely check out what the transfer rules are for your local community college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another vote for community college. It's a great way for a bad test taker to get into a reputable state university. You should definitely check out what the transfer rules are for your local community college.

And one more vote. Also, consider colleges like Bowie State University which would probably do a conditional admit. I agree with PP that this could open the door to UMCP or other comparable colleges. Your DD just needs to make the grade and show she can do the work.

[Anonymous]

While not totally inclusive, here're some colleges that accept B/B- students. I suggest you do not wait and contact schools ASAP for admittance. Colleges are already finalizing seats for the fall semester.

http://www.collegexpress.com/lists/list/colleges-for-the-b-b-student-with-average-scores/683/

[Anonymous]

Here's a list of colleges that do not require the SAT for admittance.

http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC will be a first generation college student. She's very intelligent, but a horrible test taker. She's taken AP English both junior and senior years as well as AP Calculus and Psychology. She's struggled with those courses getting C's, but otherwise her academic record is about a B average. She's depressed because she got 3 rejection letters already from good schools and her peers normally attend schools like UMD and one of the ivies. Community College isn't an option for her as she doesn't drive and we're not near transit. She's applied to the other state schools, but she's afraid of not being as successful as her peers because of her struggle with tests and school work. Any suggestions? I don't know how to help as I'm not familiar with college at all.

George Mason University is on several list describing credentials like your DD. You should call their admissions office and talk with them.

There is good information in all the posts.

http://collegeapps.about.com/od/choosingacollege/tp/great-schools-low-sat-scores.htm

[Anonymous]

Did she apply to any safe schools?

[Anonymous]

If transportation is the only issue, community colleges can be an option. Here's a list of CC with dorms.

http://www.collegexpress.com/lists/list/community-colleges-with-on-campus-housing/697/

[Anonymous]

You don't have a college degree OP?

She needs to write excellent essays especially about being first generation. What makes her unique, why the grades are what they are and how she will stay competitive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another vote for community college. It's a great way for a bad test taker to get into a reputable state university. You should definitely check out what the transfer rules are for your local community college.

And one more vote. Also, consider colleges like Bowie State University which would probably do a conditional admit. I agree with PP that this could open the door to UMCP or other comparable colleges. Your DD just needs to make the grade and show she can do the work.

She applied to Bowie and 2 other HBCU as well as Towson.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You don't have a college degree OP?

She needs to write excellent essays especially about being first generation. What makes her unique, why the grades are what they are and how she will stay competitive.

No. She was born a month after I graduated high school so I didn't go to college. Neither did her father.

[Anonymous]

You and her need to get connected to an organization that mentors 1st generation kids ASAP.

Call the guidance counselor / college counselor tomorrow and set-up an appointment.

Ask their recommendations on what colleges work best for children who are not strong test takers. You do not want to go out of state or private until she is comfortable with what she needs to do to be successful in college.

It might be worht tking a gap year - and start planning for that right now!

[Anonymous]

Have her school counselor contact Collegiate Directions Inc. and call yourself, too. The nonprofit's mission is to mentor first-generation-to-college students through the college application process and beyond starting with test prep, financial aid counseling, college visits, essay help, etc. It's a fantastic organization that has a number of partner schools in MD and one in DC. I think they work through schools, not directly with individuals, which is why I suggested involving your school counselor, but I could be wrong.

FWIW, I tested poorly on the SAT and brought up my scores by 250 points just by practicing breathing techniques. Test taking does not come naturally to many students, and simple test prep (not the expensive branded kind but good old-fashioned practice tests, meditation, positive thinking, etc.) can go a long way.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You and her need to get connected to an organization that mentors 1st generation kids ASAP.

Call the guidance counselor / college counselor tomorrow and set-up an appointment.

Ask their recommendations on what colleges work best for children who are not strong test takers. You do not want to go out of state or private until she is comfortable with what she needs to do to be successful in college.

It might be worht tking a gap year - and start planning for that right now!

It seems like the counselor is pushing towards HBCU. She wants to attend one to have a different experience from high school. I'll be happy wherever she ends up.