Getting into college with a low SAT score can be difficult, and having a low GPA doesn’t help. Madison was an Oak Park High School student who had failed several classes. She had to be proactive with online classes and attending summer school to bring her GPA up. Her efforts got her a passable GPA, but just barely. She also had low SAT scores.
An accomplished pianist, Madison dreamed of performing and composing music — not going to college would threaten those dreams. We helped build a good college list filled with great music schools that would help her have the music career she dreamed of. She wrote a great college essay and together we put together an application package that showed all of Madison’s strengths. She applied to 13 schools, and was admitted to 8! Unfortunately,one of her rejections was from Sonoma State, which was her first choice.
Just because getting into college with a low SAT score is difficult doesn’t mean that we gave up. I continued to work with Madison to help her present herself in a competitive light to Sonoma State. Our efforts paid off, and Madison was admitted shortly thereafter! Her father let us know how happy he was about the outcome.
“When my wife first suggested that we hire Magellan for our daughter’s college counseling needs, I was a little skeptical. Was this a necessity? Having worked with Debbie and the Magellan team, the answer is a resounding YES. The college application process can be daunting, confusing, and at times overwhelming. Magellan took the pressure off of us and beautifully navigated every step. Debbie truly got to know our daughter as a person and learned about her ambitions and life goals. This personal investment led to incredible suggestions for universities that would best meet her needs. Our daughter was accepted to all her top choices and we couldn’t be happier. We strongly recommend Magellan to anyone with college-bound kids.” — Matt
As with college itself, persistence pays off. The college application process is, in many ways, about creating a complete picture of a student. Good admissions officers look at more than just the grades and test scores. They look at how well their college can help a student reach their full potential, and how a student can help the college become a better place, too.
Getting into college with a low SAT score is difficult. But when the college essay and entire application is created purposefully, great things can happen.
At Magellan College Counseling, we prepare our students for every part of the college application process. Are you or your child having a tough time applying to college? Contact us and let’s see how we can help.