Chances at Bowdoin pls;

beatfreaks · 07-20-2009, 02:03 PM

Hey everyone. I am new, but I know how the forum works, particularly this section of the forum. So anyone who chances me here, I PROMISE I will chance back. You can search my 3 or 4 posts and they are somewhat detailed, not 2 words or one liners.

So on to me. I go to a school in the heart of Wall Street, NY. The concentration and emphasis is on Economics and Finance. I am a rising Senior and there aren't many kids in my grade. Here are my stats:

Race/Gender: African American/Male
EFC: 0; Family Income: Less than $20,000
W: 90.40
UW: Unknown (haven't asked)
Rank: 21/121 (Has changed because a lot of juniors in my garde slacked; I will move up by next year); Top 15%

Now I warn you....these scores are HORRID.
SAT I: CR (460); M (550); W (470) 1010/1480
SAT II: Bio E (470); History (560)
ACT: 20
(You're damn right I'm taking the ACT and SAT over this fall LOL)

Courseload: By Senior Year, 5 AP's: 3 Junior Year; 2 Senior Year
-AP US History, AP English Comp, AP Biology - Junior Year
-AP English Literature, AP European History - Senior Year
*Scores come in 2 weeks

Senior Schedule:
AP English Literature
AP European History
Physics (I got offered AP Chem, should I take it?)
Pre-Calc
Health
Gym
Banking and Credit/College Writing (Each is 1 semester)

E.C:
100 Hours Community Service (9)
120 Hours Unpaid Internship (10)
Member if Academy of Finance (11)
Internship at Deutsche Bank (11)
Member of National Honors Society (11)
Member of LPP (11)
SAT Kaplan Prep Courses (11)
Quality of Life participant; Borough of Manhattan Finalist (10)
Downtown After 3 - Computer Lab (9)
Yearbook (12 - anticipated)

beatfreaks · 07-20-2009, 04:05 PM

Please - Bump

bluepurple · 07-21-2009, 09:17 AM

Being an african american improves your chances dramatically at any school; I would like to see your stats improve though.

penelopepitstop · 07-21-2009, 05:03 PM

No reason why you shouldn't apply. You have things in your favor and some weaknesses where you can improve. Your weighted GPA is good, not great. Your test scores are not indicative of your good GPA, so if they don't dramatically improve on the next round, I'd simply not send them. Bowdoin is a test-optional school and failure to send SATs or ACTs won't hurt your chances.

As was stated, being urban, male and of a minority background helps you at elite LACs. If you are also a 1st gen college student, that helps too. Finally, if Bowdoin is definitely your school, apply ED 1, which will help some more. Your family income shouldn't matter. Bowdoin is need blind and the decision on your app is made before it ever gets to FA.

However, my recommendation would also be to apply for as many third-party scholarships as you are eligible for. The reason is this - most colleges' endowments got hammered by the economic downturn. Bowdoin is serious about their commitment to meeting full demonstrated need, and they're need-blind, but numbers are numbers. Being a finance kid, I'm sure you get it.