Rhon.

Hey all,

So, I recently realized just how badly I'd like to get into a really great liberal arts school. I'm from Canada (Vancouver, BC), and we don't use the 4.0 GPA system; instead, we use percentages. When I 'converted' my marks to the 4.0 scale, I was shocked - my grades are TERRIBLE. Absolutely horrid. I'd love to get into Bowdoin/Bard/Bates, but I need to be realistic ... I don't really know much about the American school system, so I really need some advice.

Basic info:
- female
- filipino
- first generation college student
- I attend a public school

I was in an accelerated academics program from grade 8 - 10.

Grade 10 schedule:
Financial Accounting 11 - 87%
Chemistry 11 - 81%
French - 92%
Band - 89%
English Enriched - 97%
Math - 70%
Social Studies - 92%
Planning (it's a graduation requirement course in Canada) 94%
Orchestra (I take this as an extra course after school) - 84%
... 3.3 GPA ...?

Grade 11 schedule:
Chemistry 12 - 70%
English Enriched - 93%
French - 83%
Band - 92%
Eng. Literature 12 - 81%
Math - 67% (Good God, I hate math)
Social Studies - 96%
... this turns out to be a 2.8 GPA ...? (FML.FML.FML)

My Grade 12 schedule is going to look something like this:
AP English
French
Math
Writing
Psychology/Social Justice
History
Band
Economics
... besides math, I'm pretty sure that I will be getting at least 90% for all of the courses.

I don't plan on taking the SATs, as the math portion will make it impossible for me to get a decent mark. (That's why I'd like to apply to SAT-optional schools). I'm thinking about taking the SAT subject test for English literature and possibly French (unlikely, though). I'll be taking the AP tests for English and English literature.

ECs:
- Graduation Committee president
- Key Club member
- writer for the school paper
- During the school year, I volunteer as a piano teacher at the local elementary schools every week
- camp counsellor
- various other events (Children's festivals, conventions, etc.)
- I have a part time job as a cashier and server
- I've worked as a teacher's assistant for elementary summer school

MUSIC:
- Band - flute section leader
- Orchestra - violin for 3 years
- Classical Guitar - 3 years
- Classical Piano - 10 years ... Royal Conservatory of Music exams (includes practical, theory and music history) - for my Grade 9 exam (there are only 10 grades in the RCM), I finished within the top 10% of all Canadians
... I plan on submitting the Arts Supplement. Will this help my chances?

Finally, I'm a participant of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Basically, the program has three levels: bronze, silver and gold - I will be receiving my gold award this fall. It takes roughly one year, usually longer, to complete each stage of the award. There are four portions which must be completed: Skill, Physical Activity, Volunteering, Expedition.

The program's significant in that it requires consistent dedication to each section - ie: you must volunteer weekly throughout the year. This should show admissions that I'm a dedicated, hardworking individual, no? I plan to use my experiences with the program for my essays.

Basically, I'm really going to be relying on my extra curriculars and my teacher recommendations. Would an interview, considering my lackluster grades, be a huge help?

I'd really appreciate some advice.

THANKS!

newport28

Not realistic...I'm afraid , in these hightly competive schools

iceikle252

you'll never know if you don't try...i don't want to give you the impression that you are a shoe-in, but Bates really tries to look at the entire individual. A great interview, some awesome extracurriculars, a true passion for your interests as reflected in your activities and college essay could make and admissions counselor take a second look at your application. I encourage you to up the anti on your Senior year schedule, Bates places a lot of emphasis on the rigor of your academics--not just because they want to see you worked hard in high school, but because you won't survive here if you aren't capable of the workload.

Cermi

Probably some mistake. I think your GPA in 10th grade is like 3.5 which means that all other are probably a bit higher.

Unfortunately, it's still not much.

OldbatesieDoc

I think you should try the ACT, because if you do well, it will give you more credibility. Why not Oberlin, with all your music. I also think you are a better match for Bard than Bates. First generation, and being from Canada might help.
You never know til you try, but I think it is a long shot. Why don't you look at a less competitive LAC, like St Olaf in MN. They love music and community service...Juniata in PA also could be a match.