mia12

So, I'm a rising senior...

Female, white, first generation college student but had 2 older sisters who did/are attending

School: Public, not great in terms of rep, ghetto

Rank: 1 out of 369

SAT: 700 math (710 the first time), 680 CR, 670 Writing with a 8 essay = 2050

ACT: 32 composite (29-math, 35-writing, 30-science, 32-reading, 10-essay, 33 Writing composite) will retake

SAT IIs - yet to take...

GPA W: 4.6875 out of 5 (but impossible to get a five because regular classes are required for graduation)
GPA UNW: 3.8 or 4.0 (matters how you see it - 3.8 if 100-97 = 4.0; 96-93 = 3.6; 92 - 90 = 3.1 OR 4.0 = A, 3.0 = B, ect... 96.54 out of 100)

Schedules:

Freshman: Pre-AP (PAP) English, PAP World Geography, PAP Algebra 2, PAP Geometry, Intro to Health Science Technology, PAP Biology, (.5 semester) keyboarding, (.5 semester) beginning BCIS 1 (computer), Spanish 2

Sophomore: AP World History (3 on AP exam), PAP English, PAP Pre-Cal, Dance, BIMM (computer), PAP Spanish 3, PAP Chemistry, (.5 semester) nutrition and food science, (.5 semester) child development

Junior: AP Chem (1 on AP exam - will cancel), AP Cal AB (3), AP US History (4), AP English Lang (3), (.5 semester) AP US Government (4), communication applications (speech, .5 semester), PAP Physics, PAP Computer Science, Health Science Technology 1

Senior: AP Statistics, AP English Lit, AP Macro/Micro Eco, Theatre, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, off-campus (will be taking AP Pyschology online b/c not offered at school), another off-campus for one semester, PE the second

EC's:
NO SPORTS OR MUSIC (how much will that hurt?)
Debate - 4 years: 9 - Treasure, 10 - VP, 11 & 12 - Pres
Highest Award - 3rd at a City Debate, 1st Top Speaker at a city debate
Won various awards at the local levels

National Honor Society - 3 years
11 - Treasurer, 12 - President

Math Club
11 - Treasurer, 12 - President

In various other clubs, no positions or awards won

Volunteer:
Tutor, Clean-Up, Library, Caroling at Hospital

Significant Summers:

summer after 10th - Constitutional Academy, received college credit in Political Science from Ashland, grade was a A-

summer after 11th - tutoring, interning with mayoral candidate (can count as volunteer hours as well)

Possible majors: neuroscience, theatre

I know Bowdoin is all about the passions, involvement, athletics... how likely do you think I am to get in when my scores only reflect that of an average somewhat well-rounded student? Any advice for me or something I can do my senior year before I apply?

Thanks

bluepurple

you have a good shot; I am puzzled as for why do you want to cancel your 1 on your AP Chem score? If you do not want colleges to see that score, then you just don't write it on their applications!

penelopepitstop

Your grades are within range, but your SAT scores are a little low. If you think you can improve them, go ahead and take the SATs again. If you are hestitent, don't send your SATs - send the ACTs instead. The 32 on the ACTs is within range. And with the ACTs, you have no need to take the SAT II. Bowdoin is a test-optional school anyway.

The rest is a toss up. Being white and female doesn't help you, being a 1st gen college student does. Bowdoin is kind of an outdoorsy place and the kids who go there are pretty Type-A. Most students are involved with some sport, if only at the rec level. But if you were really committed to Debate, you were good at it, and that shows up in your app and your interview, I don't think the lack of sports or art will be an issue.

Good luck.

mia12

thanks guys!

mantori.suzuki

If you're deciding between theatre and neuroscience, then you are for all practical purposes undecided.

mia12

mantori.suzuki:

I do not understand why you would say I am undecided, for all practical purposes. Bowdoin actually has students major in neuroscience and minor and theatre, advertising those students in their brochures. It is possible for a student to be interested in two completely unrelated fields. That, in no way, means they are undecided. They might be indecisive, but I hear double majors are quite common, especially at schools like the University of Rochester (students can triple-major and still graduate in four years).

From my reply, you can clearly see I resent your answer. Not only did you not chance me, you put forth an assumption that has absolutely zero substance. However, I strongly doubt you would agree. After all, my reply is obviously written from a practical stance.

mantori.suzuki

1. Your chances are good, although you should take the SAT again if possible, in order to get solidly into the upper 50% range for Bowdoin students.

2. You haven't decided what you want to major in yet, so you are undecided. This will have no bearing on your admission. Relax.

sara12

I think you have a good chance, but get your SAT scores up if you want a better chance. Your ECs are good. Don't worry too much about not having sports or music. Admissions officers are looking for a well-rounded class, but a well-"lopsided" student. I think your AP scores, though you have two fours, aren't going to boost you up a ton. A lot of Bowdoin students get fours and fives. Still, you're taking APs in subjects you don't want to major in, which is beneficial