Admissions

I would like to add Ashley for those students that have learning disabilites or test anxiety, there are options for extended test time available. They should speak with their guidance counselors prior to scheduling their exams.
Also, SHU does prefer to have SAT or ACT scores for new freshmen. However, we do have a Write Option available. Students can contact the Admissions Office to determine if they are eligible for this option.

Ashley, don't forget to mention the importance of letters of reference.

If an application includes reference letters from employers, community leaders, and coaches, I'm certainly willing to use them to help me gauge an applicant's maturity and character, but if the application doesn't include a positive letter from someone who's familiar with the applicant's educational record, then the test scores become that much more important.

Taking the SATs is like a right-of-passage, and can be a factor in two similar students for a competitive college. I personally don't think they should be optional. The ACTs are designed much differently than the SATs, and can help balance the scores. But I'm a person who likes to focus more on the character and potential a student has.

Downingtown has an award called the Whippet Pride Award, which is given to 25 of our 400+ seniors. These recipients are not chosen based on academic achievement, SAT scores, athletic ability, or even contributions to after school activities. Rather, it's given to those who have quietly done what is asked of them, and been excellent rolemodels based on their character, and nothing else. Each receipient must have been nominated by two teachers, and approved by every teacher and administrative officer. Getting nominated is an honor within itself, so imagine my surprise when I was a recipient! Not the Valedictorian, not the NHS chairpeople, but 25 of us who have found other ways to shine.

THAT'S the thing that matters to me. I don't care if I'm Valdedictorian or not--I'm ME. So many other things can be taught, but character is learned and difficult to change.

I loved Seton Hill because it took such a close look at my essay and letters of recommendation (like Professor Jerz mentioned). Grades and SAT scores have nothing to do with who I am.

Keep the SATs because they do count (besides, if I suffered through it, then my underclassmen friends should have to, too!), they do matter. But they should, in no way, be one of the major deciding factors.

Becca...are you punning or is there a spelling gaffe in "right of passage'...normally the expression is "rite of passage"? In either case, SAT scores and grades, indeed, have something to do with who a student is, but , as you suggest, they have less significance than letters of recommendation or personal essays might. A written passage, even when frought with deception or florid phrasing, ends up revealing the writer's character.

The list of extracurriculars can also show who a student is and what is important to them. For me, volunteering with the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society and for other smaller organizations is extremely important to me. I love helping my community and the people around me. Also, there are no classes for technical theatre or theatre design in my school, but if one takes a look at my extracurriculars list they would see that I have participated, back stage, in every production at my high school since my freshman year.