Askatasuna

Hi everyone... I recently applied to Kenyon as a (potential) transfer international student from a very small (less than 500 students) private school. I've read old threads but haven't found a lot of info from accepted students. I just want to know if you think I could do something to improve my chances..Here's my info:

-Current GPA: 4.0, unweighted.
-Credits: 40 at time of transfer (10 semester courses total). I'm a freshman but I'm taking an overload course each semester to improve my chances. I have A+ in each one so far.
-SATs: 1930 composite. I know it's not high enough but I've only taken it once so maybe I should take it again to improve my chances?
-SAT Subject Tests: 790 Italian, 650 Biology E, 650 Literature
-Rec letters: A superb one and a good one.
-My school transcripts have narrative evaluations in addition to grades, and mine have been pretty good so far.
-ECs: Co-founded an NGO on my senior year of HS, and helped run it for over 2 years. We did social work in indigenous communities.
Co-founded a theatre company and ran it for a couple years, toured Europe with it.
Toured a few states with a Biodiesel Bus giving workshops and conferences in Universities.
Worked in an Animal Sanctuary in CA doing advocacy for animal rights
President of the Spanish Club at my current school.
Assistant director, stage manager and actrees in performances at my current school.

Here's the catch: I'm 21 and I'm a freshman. I graduated in 2008 but decided to not go to school because of my involvement with the NGO, the theatre company and various other projects. I'm worried that my lack of academics could be a problem. I also applied for financial aid and I know that it's limited for international students. Also, my school is veeery small and not prestigious, although somewhat known because of its "non-traditional teaching". I took no APs because they don't have that in my country. And my HS GPA is very bad since, as I said, I did not care about going to college back then. On the bright side, my app essays are pretty good and well-written, I think. I have not interviewed yet and I don't know if that would improve my chances. Any advise? Moral support? Please be honest...

xAx

Askatasuna

Hey people. I could use some help here... I had an interview at Oberlin today and it got me more confused than I was before coming. I am mostly looking for academic rigour/quality and a student body seriously committed to their schoolwork. I don't really care about the social scene, city surroundings or weather if those 2 requirements are met.
So far, I am under the impression that the students at Reed are more legitimate than those at Oberlin, who seem to be somewhat more hipster-ish. I don't want to judge yet though, since my experience here has not been long enough to do so accurately. I talked to a teacher here today and he said Kenyon is more conservative than Oberlin, and that the academics are easier.
I also applied to Grinnell, Sarah Lawrence and Amherst but haven't visited any of them. Any input? Differences, things I should take into account?

pxb595

I don't think that's quiet right re Kenyon. It's not a conservative student body. But it is less self consciously bizarre than Oberlin or Reed. The result I think is a happier more well adjusted student body at Kenyon. But it's not less intellectual nor is it easier than Oberlin (Reed may be more over the top than both Oberlin or Kenyon on the rigor to the point of absurdity front - but I don't think that's a particularly good thing frankly).

Askatasuna

Hi pxb595. Thanks for your answer. I'm glad to hear that Kenyon is not easier than the other schools, as it was one of my worries. I know that the social life might be different due to the presence of frats and the stronger emphasis on sports. Regardless of students' interests, I'm looking for a place where they're serious about their schoolwork and where I can feel intellectually stimulated and challenged by my peers.