How I Got Into Top Universities with a Low SAT Score (Stanford, USC, Johns Hopkins, NYU, and more)

Summary

In this video, Naja shares her experience of getting into top universities like Stanford despite having a low SAT score. She explains that test scores are not the most important part of an application, especially with the rise of test-optional policies. Naja offers valuable advice using the acronym PPT—Passion, Personality, and Theme—stressing the importance of showcasing what makes you unique through your extracurriculars, essays, and personal stories. Her message is clear: colleges want well-rounded, authentic individuals, not just high test scores, so focus on presenting your true self in your application.

Takeaways

• 😀 Naja got into top universities, including Stanford, with a lower-than-average SAT score (1340), particularly struggling with math (590).
• 😀 Test scores, while important, are not the most decisive factor in college admissions—especially now with schools making them optional.
• 😀 Naja advises students not to stress too much about SAT scores; holistic admissions look at the full application, not just test scores.
• 😀 Using QuestBridge, Naja had to submit all her SAT scores, including the lower ones, but still gained admission to competitive universities.
• 😀 Passion is a key element in a strong application. It’s essential to demonstrate genuine interest and commitment to extracurricular activities or causes.
• 😀 Personality is equally important; your application should showcase who you are as a person, not just as a student with grades and scores.
• 😀 A cohesive theme throughout the application, tying together passions, activities, and essays, helps create a more compelling narrative.
• 😀 Naja's acronym for a strong application is 'PPT'—Passion, Personality, and Theme—highlighting the importance of these factors in the admissions process.
• 😀 Even with low test scores, a well-rounded application that showcases your unique personality, experiences, and future goals can make a difference.
• 😀 The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many schools making standardized testing optional, reducing the emphasis on SAT/ACT scores in admissions.
• 😀 To stand out, don’t just reiterate achievements; tell your story and show how you’ve grown from your experiences, making your application more human.

Q & A

How did Naja get into top universities like Stanford with a low SAT score?

Naja got into top universities despite a low SAT score by focusing on other aspects of her application, including her extracurriculars, essays, and personal story. She believes that SAT scores are not as important as people think, especially since many schools have become test-optional.

What was Naja's SAT score, and how does it compare to the average for schools like Stanford?

Naja’s highest SAT score was 1340, with a 750 in reading and 590 in math. The average SAT score for admitted students at Stanford is about 1500, with the 25th percentile being around 1440. Naja’s score was significantly lower than the average, particularly in math.

Why does Naja emphasize that SAT scores don't matter as much as people think?

Naja emphasizes that SAT scores don't matter as much because schools are increasingly moving towards test-optional admissions policies, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift means that other parts of an application—such as extracurricular activities, essays, and personal statements—hold more weight.

What does Naja suggest is more important than SAT scores in a college application?

Naja suggests that passion, personality, and having a central theme in your application are more important than SAT scores. She believes showing what you’re passionate about, demonstrating your personality, and having a clear, consistent theme throughout your application can make a strong impression.

What does the acronym PPT stand for, and how does it relate to creating a strong college application?

The acronym PPT stands for Passion, Personality, and Theme. Naja uses this to describe the key ingredients of a standout application. Passion refers to showing what you care about, Personality is about making your application engaging and true to yourself, and Theme means having a central focus or goal that ties everything in your application together.

How can students show their passion in their college application?

Students can show their passion through their extracurricular activities, essays, and personal statements. It’s important to show that they care deeply about something, whether it's a cause, a field of study, or a particular hobby. This passion can also help them stand out if it aligns with their future goals.

What is the role of personality in a college application, according to Naja?

Naja believes that personality plays a crucial role in making an application stand out. Admissions officers read many applications, and they want to feel like they’re getting to know a real person. Applicants should showcase their true selves, share personal stories, and express what makes them unique beyond just grades and test scores.

Why is it important to have a clear theme in your college application?

A clear theme helps tie the different parts of your application together, giving admissions officers a coherent view of who you are and what you want to achieve. A theme also makes it easier for them to understand your motivations and how your experiences connect to your future goals.

What did Naja mean by saying that you should ‘put it all out there’ in your application?

Naja means that applicants should be honest and open in their applications. Instead of trying to present a perfect image, they should share their true experiences, struggles, and growth. This authenticity can help admissions officers connect with the applicant on a personal level.

What advice does Naja give to students who may not have high test scores?

Naja advises students with low test scores not to worry too much, especially with the growing number of test-optional schools. Instead, they should focus on making the rest of their application as strong as possible—particularly their extracurriculars, essays, and the personality they convey in their application.