| naturally massachusetts is also the state from which the most students apply. i worked at the bowdoin admissions office as a student and i remember that when the acceptance rate was around 25% the massachusetts rate was at least 10 percentage points lower. this isn't to frighten you, but rather to encourage you to do as well as you can on your APs, and boost your SATs. also, it will be to your benefit to talk about what your passions in your admissions essay. is there anything that you are particularly passionate about? or is there a hobby in which you excel more than your other activities? remember your passion doesn't have to be selfless (so you don't necessarily want to write about your mentorship role unless it's truly your passion) but it should suggest an energy of interest that goes beyond mere competitiveness. |