My Kid Got a 35 on the ACT

Off Topic
21

[quote]Headhunter wrote:

[quote]NAUn wrote:

[quote]Headhunter wrote:

[quote]JK29 wrote:
That’s awesome, where is He/She applying? Career goals?

[quote]Headhunter wrote:
Not a Pol/World Issue but I’ll put it here anyway.

That is all.[/quote]
[/quote]

He wants to go to M.I.T., with the United States Naval Academy as a backup.

I like the second one because its free. :slight_smile:
[/quote]

MIT undergrad is ridiculously competitive. I’m sure you’ve heard it all already, but there are many perfect SAT/ACT, 4.0 high school students who do not make it into MIT, and I’m not really convinced it’s a bad thing. I think it’s easier to differentiate yourself in college and you can go to a top level grad school much more easily than in undergrad.

I guess what I’m saying is I hope he understand that this gives him a solid shot, but he should also realize that not getting into MIT is in no way a statement about his potential. There are some high schools that churn out MIT students though. If there are many people in his school going there he has a much better chance it appears.

Those sound like really boring schools though, guess you gave him the old HH treatment proper. Just kidding, I’ve met a lot of MIT people in grad school and most of them are as cool as you could expect for someone from MIT :wink:
[/quote]

Yes, I know – only 15% of those with a 35 or 36 get admitted. They superscore so he’ll have a 36 for MIT and Navy, not that there’s much diff. He wants to be an engineer.

Great kid btw – working on Eagle Scout too. Very nice young man.
[/quote]

Make sure he has solid math skills before applying to any top engineering school like MIT, Caltech, and CMU (CMU’s rankings have slid a bit in recent years, but in my day it was comparable to MIT and others). Calculus in high school is not technically required, but virtually no one gets into engineering programs at schools like this without a series of A’s in a bunch of elective high school math classes, as well as other advanced classes. A lot of different extracurricular activities is also a must. A 4.0 and 36 ACT is not nearly good enough.

22

What does he want to do career wise?

23

[quote]Headhunter wrote:

[quote]Cr Powerlinate wrote:
What is his subscore breakdown? This will tell you more about his potential to get into MIT, especially if Math was his (relatively) weaker section. Getting an aggregate 34 on the quantitative sections versus 36 aggregate on the qualitative appears weaker to MIT/Caltech admissions than the reverse. They also place particular focus on GPA, course selection and extracurricular activities.

Regardless, assuming his fitness and GPA is in check, he’s on the right for USNA. Although I’d be remiss if I didn’t suggest USMA instead.

[/quote]

English 36, Math 35, Reading 34, Science 36. They superscore and he got a 36 in Reading on the other time he took the test, so he’ll have a 36 for them.

He needs a ‘hook’ to get in there, like volunteering a soup kitchen or similar.
[/quote]

One of MIT’s big brags is (or was many moons ago when I went there) was being a National Merit Scholar because they like to say they have more NMS than anyone ---- I was one, and I am sure that is what made me stand out.

Also, they used to weigh the SAT more than the ACT. Regardless, they like to see good performance on all test to demonstrate it was not a fluke.

GPA is very important. Much more than course selection. It’s (shock, at MIT) plugged into a formula, and you either make the cut to look at or don’t. GPA is not nearly as important as ACT/SAT. It changes every year, but it’s like 2(ACT) + 3(GPA on a 4.0 scale).

Extra curriculas can be really anything, but need to show an interest, not resume building. They just need to exist.

Eagle Scout is great. Couple it with outward bound, rock climbing, outside things like that.

Here is the real tip: it’s 100% horny geek chicks who are on the admissions committee, so they look for things to get “hot” guys on campus, which is not known for studs. (Not kidding.)

24

[quote]Jewbacca wrote:

[quote]Headhunter wrote:

[quote]Cr Powerlinate wrote:
What is his subscore breakdown? This will tell you more about his potential to get into MIT, especially if Math was his (relatively) weaker section. Getting an aggregate 34 on the quantitative sections versus 36 aggregate on the qualitative appears weaker to MIT/Caltech admissions than the reverse. They also place particular focus on GPA, course selection and extracurricular activities.

Regardless, assuming his fitness and GPA is in check, he’s on the right for USNA. Although I’d be remiss if I didn’t suggest USMA instead.

[/quote]

English 36, Math 35, Reading 34, Science 36. They superscore and he got a 36 in Reading on the other time he took the test, so he’ll have a 36 for them.

He needs a ‘hook’ to get in there, like volunteering a soup kitchen or similar.
[/quote]

One of MIT’s big brags is (or was many moons ago when I went there) was being a National Merit Scholar because they like to say they have more NMS than anyone ---- I was one, and I am sure that is what made me stand out.

Also, they used to weigh the SAT more than the ACT. Regardless, they like to see good performance on all test to demonstrate it was not a fluke.

GPA is very important. Much more than course selection. It’s (shock, at MIT) plugged into a formula, and you either make the cut to look at or don’t. GPA is not nearly as important as ACT/SAT. It changes every year, but it’s like 2(ACT) + 3(GPA on a 4.0 scale).

Extra curriculas can be really anything, but need to show an interest, not resume building. They just need to exist.

Eagle Scout is great. Couple it with outward bound, rock climbing, outside things like that.

Here is the real tip: it’s 100% horny geek chicks who are on the admissions committee, so they look for things to get “hot” guys on campus, which is not known for studs. (Not kidding.)[/quote]

You seem extremely knowledgable so I hate to question your facts but i’m pretty sure GPA is pretty much the number one priority for every single college.

25

[quote]Headhunter wrote:

[quote]Cr Powerlinate wrote:
What is his subscore breakdown? This will tell you more about his potential to get into MIT, especially if Math was his (relatively) weaker section. Getting an aggregate 34 on the quantitative sections versus 36 aggregate on the qualitative appears weaker to MIT/Caltech admissions than the reverse. They also place particular focus on GPA, course selection and extracurricular activities.

Regardless, assuming his fitness and GPA is in check, he’s on the right for USNA. Although I’d be remiss if I didn’t suggest USMA instead.

[/quote]

English 36, Math 35, Reading 34, Science 36. They superscore and he got a 36 in Reading on the other time he took the test, so he’ll have a 36 for them.

He needs a ‘hook’ to get in there, like volunteering a soup kitchen or similar.
[/quote]

I assume your kid is a junior? Tell him to get started on that hook now, because to be honest it’s pretty late already. Getting into Ivy Leagues/Prestigious Universities practically begins at conception.

26

Congrats! Even if he doesn’t get in to MIT he can get in anywhere. My daughter got a 32 and it opened a lot of doors for her, even with a average GPA.
Way to go!

27

Also, depending on what state you live in can help with admissions. If you’re from a small unpopulated state your chances improve.
Or if you’re Pacific Islander…

28

[quote]Jewbacca wrote:

[quote]Headhunter wrote:

[quote]Cr Powerlinate wrote:
What is his subscore breakdown? This will tell you more about his potential to get into MIT, especially if Math was his (relatively) weaker section. Getting an aggregate 34 on the quantitative sections versus 36 aggregate on the qualitative appears weaker to MIT/Caltech admissions than the reverse. They also place particular focus on GPA, course selection and extracurricular activities.

Regardless, assuming his fitness and GPA is in check, he’s on the right for USNA. Although I’d be remiss if I didn’t suggest USMA instead.

[/quote]

English 36, Math 35, Reading 34, Science 36. They superscore and he got a 36 in Reading on the other time he took the test, so he’ll have a 36 for them.

He needs a ‘hook’ to get in there, like volunteering a soup kitchen or similar.
[/quote]

One of MIT’s big brags is (or was many moons ago when I went there) was being a National Merit Scholar because they like to say they have more NMS than anyone ---- I was one, and I am sure that is what made me stand out.

Also, they used to weigh the SAT more than the ACT. Regardless, they like to see good performance on all test to demonstrate it was not a fluke.

GPA is very important. Much more than course selection. It’s (shock, at MIT) plugged into a formula, and you either make the cut to look at or don’t. GPA is not nearly as important as ACT/SAT. It changes every year, but it’s like 2(ACT) + 3(GPA on a 4.0 scale).

Extra curriculas can be really anything, but need to show an interest, not resume building. They just need to exist.

Eagle Scout is great. Couple it with outward bound, rock climbing, outside things like that.

Here is the real tip: it’s 100% horny geek chicks who are on the admissions committee, so they look for things to get “hot” guys on campus, which is not known for studs. (Not kidding.)[/quote]

4.2 on a 4.3 max, with Calc I and Calc II next year as a Junior. He can take the Calcs for free at the uni where my wife teaches.

He’s very athletic and not geeky at all. Did Crew but had to stop to work on Eagle.

This is good stuff that you and everyone is telling me. TY EVERYONE!!

29

[quote]strangemeadow wrote:
Congrats! Even if he doesn’t get in to MIT he can get in anywhere. My daughter got a 32 and it opened a lot of doors for her, even with a average GPA.
Way to go![/quote]

I had a 32 and a stellar GPA and got a full ride academic scholarship to OSU. I think it was because of my pre-SAT scores though.

Congrats on a smart kid.

I also read a study on undergrad sexual behavior at MIT. What you would expect and a lot of male nerds, so the few alpha nerds will have their pick of lot.

30

[quote]Vanagandr wrote:

[quote]Jewbacca wrote:

[quote]Headhunter wrote:

[quote]Cr Powerlinate wrote:
What is his subscore breakdown? This will tell you more about his potential to get into MIT, especially if Math was his (relatively) weaker section. Getting an aggregate 34 on the quantitative sections versus 36 aggregate on the qualitative appears weaker to MIT/Caltech admissions than the reverse. They also place particular focus on GPA, course selection and extracurricular activities.

Regardless, assuming his fitness and GPA is in check, he’s on the right for USNA. Although I’d be remiss if I didn’t suggest USMA instead.

[/quote]

English 36, Math 35, Reading 34, Science 36. They superscore and he got a 36 in Reading on the other time he took the test, so he’ll have a 36 for them.

He needs a ‘hook’ to get in there, like volunteering a soup kitchen or similar.
[/quote]

One of MIT’s big brags is (or was many moons ago when I went there) was being a National Merit Scholar because they like to say they have more NMS than anyone ---- I was one, and I am sure that is what made me stand out.

Also, they used to weigh the SAT more than the ACT. Regardless, they like to see good performance on all test to demonstrate it was not a fluke.

GPA is very important. Much more than course selection. It’s (shock, at MIT) plugged into a formula, and you either make the cut to look at or don’t. GPA is not nearly as important as ACT/SAT. It changes every year, but it’s like 2(ACT) + 3(GPA on a 4.0 scale).

Extra curriculas can be really anything, but need to show an interest, not resume building. They just need to exist.

Eagle Scout is great. Couple it with outward bound, rock climbing, outside things like that.

Here is the real tip: it’s 100% horny geek chicks who are on the admissions committee, so they look for things to get “hot” guys on campus, which is not known for studs. (Not kidding.)[/quote]

You seem extremely knowledgable so I hate to question your facts but i’m pretty sure GPA is pretty much the number one priority for every single college.
[/quote]

GPA is generally the primary consideration but it varies depending on the school. I had a sub-3.5 and got into a top 5/10 school but was rejected from multiple schools in the top 20 that weighted GPA more highly. The college forums (which become obnoxious reading quite rapidly) have exhaustive profiles on each school.

National Merit doesn’t matter as much anymore these days, as the application pool has improved a great deal. Further, state universities offer better deals for NMS these days, which has seen a corresponding shift in the number of NMS who decide not to attend Ivy Leauge or other top institutions. (Full tuition at a large number.)

Course selection may not have impacted application success in the 80s or 90s but they now pay particular attention, especially MIT and Caltech, if a student has taken higher level maths such as linear algebra, differential equations, analysis etc.

As for the comment about needing to plan from conception for a top university, I managed to get into a top 5 university both in the UK and the US without helicopter parenting or a 15 page resume. It is entirely possible - especially with hard work, realistic expectations and a positive attitude.

31

[quote]Jewbacca wrote:

Here is the real tip: it’s 100% horny geek chicks who are on the admissions committee, so they look for things to get “hot” guys on campus, which is not known for studs. (Not kidding.)[/quote]

There’s probably some truth to this. My high school’s GPA system is too goofy to explain here, but mine would correlate to around a 4.01/4. Besides that and a high SAT score, I didn’t have anything on my resume except for football, powerlifting, and being on the math and robotics team, which were not time-consuming. Knew some kids there that must’ve had a coach whispering in Admissions’ ear because they had a rough time in basic freshman classes.

That being said, the female population was sorely lacking in looks compared to most other schools. I walk around the Arizona State campus here and wonder if I made the right choice. LOL

32

[quote]Pigeon wrote:

[quote]Jewbacca wrote:

Here is the real tip: it’s 100% horny geek chicks who are on the admissions committee, so they look for things to get “hot” guys on campus, which is not known for studs. (Not kidding.)[/quote]

There’s probably some truth to this. My high school’s GPA system is too goofy to explain here, but mine would correlate to around a 4.01/4. Besides that and a high SAT score, I didn’t have anything on my resume except for football, powerlifting, and being on the math and robotics team, which were not time-consuming. Knew some kids there that must’ve had a coach whispering in Admissions’ ear because they had a rough time in basic freshman classes.

That being said, the female population was sorely lacking in looks compared to most other schools. I walk around the Arizona State campus here and wonder if I made the right choice. LOL[/quote]

I got my PhD from Carnegie Mellon, another top school, and now teach at Pitt, which is practically right across the street and the general physical attractiveness and sheer number of women at Pitt is a complete 180 from what CMU is like. Top schools just do not seem to attract too many beautiful women for some reason.

33

I’m sure the girls say the same about the men of these fine institutions! Fortunately, Boston University was in long walking distance from campus.

34

We also hired a “college admissions advisor” as our daughter went to 3 different high schools, 2 were abroad (moves/work), has average grades, is caucasian, and we don’t qualify for financial aid. She isn’t athletically inclined, just a regular girl. This makes it tough to get into some schools. The saving grace was she is an excellent writer (essays were about high schools and moving/explaining) and at the time we were in a small unpopulated state.

35

[quote]Vanagandr wrote:
You seem extremely knowledgable so I hate to question your facts but i’m pretty sure GPA is pretty much the number one priority for every single college.
[/quote]

Nope.* GPA varies greatly from school-to-school and course-track-to-course track. As a result, the standardized test is the king.

  • The exception are certain state schools and areas where affirmative action is deemed illegal discrimination. The schools get around discriminating against Asians, Jewish people, and Whites (who, as a group, have higher standardized test scores) by weighting GPA higher or doing things like auto-admiting the top 10% of all public schoools — theory being the minorities tend to group themselves together and compete against each other for class rank.
36

[quote]Headhunter wrote:
Not a Pol/World Issue but I’ll put it here anyway.

That is all.[/quote]

I know I give you a lot of shit in PWI (most of it deserved, lol) but congrats to your kid, that is one hell of an achievement.

37

[quote]Headhunter wrote:

[quote]JK29 wrote:
That’s awesome, where is He/She applying? Career goals?

[quote]Headhunter wrote:
Not a Pol/World Issue but I’ll put it here anyway.

That is all.[/quote]
[/quote]

He wants to go to M.I.T., with the United States Naval Academy as a backup.

I like the second one because its free. :slight_smile:
[/quote]

The president/CEO of the company I work for went to both, so that is an option too.

He’s doing pretty well for himself.

edit: Also, Congrats! If I’m not mistaken, this is the second one, right?

38

[quote]Jewbacca wrote:

[quote]Vanagandr wrote:
You seem extremely knowledgable so I hate to question your facts but i’m pretty sure GPA is pretty much the number one priority for every single college.
[/quote]

Nope.* GPA varies greatly from school-to-school and course-track-to-course track. As a result, the standardized test is the king[/quote]

This, based on personal experience. My sister and I went to the same high school so it makes comparisons easy.

She was the Valedictorian and took the hardest possible course load, wrote great essays, did lots of activities (volunteer work, newspaper, yearbook, school plays, sports). She had the perfect college “resume”, except her SAT score was in the ~70th percentile.

I was not the Valedictorian, wrote horrible essays, did nothing besides play school sports. I took an easier course load, skipping a lot of honors & AP classes, didn’t take Calculus, etc. I had nothing that would make my college application stand out aside from my SAT score, which was in the 99th percentile.

I got full scholarship offers, she didn’t. She did get some partial tuition scholarships at very expensive small liberal arts schools.

GPA, activities, essays, it doesn’t mean much if you can’t get a great test score. If I have kids I’m definitely going to be pushing them to take an SAT prep class before I try to get them to take some sort of ‘resume builder’.

39

[quote]SkyzykS wrote:

[quote]Headhunter wrote:

[quote]JK29 wrote:
That’s awesome, where is He/She applying? Career goals?

[quote]Headhunter wrote:
Not a Pol/World Issue but I’ll put it here anyway.

That is all.[/quote]
[/quote]

He wants to go to M.I.T., with the United States Naval Academy as a backup.

I like the second one because its free. :slight_smile:
[/quote]

The president/CEO of the company I work for went to both, so that is an option too.

He’s doing pretty well for himself.

edit: Also, Congrats! If I’m not mistaken, this is the second one, right?
[/quote]

Yeah, the first born is a junior at Navy. He’s got a 3.9 and is somewhere in the top 100 academic. He’s planning to be a jet jockey on an aircraft carrier.

40

[quote]challer1 wrote:

[quote]Jewbacca wrote:

[quote]Vanagandr wrote:
You seem extremely knowledgable so I hate to question your facts but i’m pretty sure GPA is pretty much the number one priority for every single college.
[/quote]

Nope.* GPA varies greatly from school-to-school and course-track-to-course track. As a result, the standardized test is the king[/quote]

This, based on personal experience. My sister and I went to the same high school so it makes comparisons easy.

She was the Valedictorian and took the hardest possible course load, wrote great essays, did lots of activities (volunteer work, newspaper, yearbook, school plays, sports). She had the perfect college “resume”, except her SAT score was in the ~70th percentile.

I was not the Valedictorian, wrote horrible essays, did nothing besides play school sports. I took an easier course load, skipping a lot of honors & AP classes, didn’t take Calculus, etc. I had nothing that would make my college application stand out aside from my SAT score, which was in the 99th percentile.

I got full scholarship offers, she didn’t. She did get some partial tuition scholarships at very expensive small liberal arts schools.

GPA, activities, essays, it doesn’t mean much if you can’t get a great test score. If I have kids I’m definitely going to be pushing them to take an SAT prep class before I try to get them to take some sort of ‘resume builder’.[/quote]

There’s a website called parchment.com and if you type in your scores and GPA, they predict your chances based on 800,000 admissions/applicants. He was 99% likely to get into Air Force Academy, 95% for West Point, and 82% for Naval Academy. And as I said to him: “Son, all of those are FREE. Free, mind you.” (MIT was 27% likely). But I still think MIT is his top choice.