mitul63

Well, I am an international student living in Japan (lived here all my life) but South Asian. I've been feeling nervous for the past few weeks about my Smith College application, so I would appreciate it if any of you could chance me.

I've had a bunch of problems during high school (which my counselor will explain in the rec) so my gpa right now is 3.45. The past two semesters I've been working really hard (my improvement is clearly shown on my transcript) to raise my poor gpa but this semester I had a extremely high fever during my AP calc AB exam and did extremely bad on my exam. Moreover, my school's math department is extremely tough---even with a C you can get a 5 on the AP exam. However, I got a C- for the semester and I am afraid this could lower my chances of getting admitted

Also, I speak five languages in total with English being my third language. Even though English is my third language, I decided to challenge myself by taking the toughest English courses available at school.

GPA: 3.45
SAT Score: 1900 (650 Math, 640 Writing, 610 Reading)
ACT Score: 26 (27 English, 27 Math, 30 Science, 21 Reading)

Extracurriculars and Awards:
Choir- 3 Years (Two Silver Awards in a District Wide Competition)
Debate- 2 years (JV first year and Varsity second year)
Community Service/Work Experience----Worked as an Assistant English teacher at a local english-speaking kindergarten (200 hours total)
Philippines Relief Organization (4 years)
6 Seasons of Sports Management (over 300 hours of experience)

Honors/AP Classes:
AP US History (Score: 4)
AP Biology (Score: 4)
AP Macroeconomics (Score: 5)
AP Japanese (Score: 5)
AP English Language and Composition (Score: 3---but I tried at least)

This year I am taking,
AP Calculus AB
AP Chemistry
AP Physics B
AP Environmental Science
AP English Language and Literature


Common Application Essay: How I want to become a doctor so that I can give free medical care to those who cannot afford the fees back in my country (Bangladesh)

I've also done the optional interview with an alumna (who was extremely nice) and I believe it went well.


I absolutely love Smith College and I regret not applying for Early Decision because I know that this is the college I want to go to.

CarolynB

I'm no admissions officer but I think you have a reasonable to good chance of being accepted; you have lots of strengths with so many challenging AP courses, a pretty solid GPA, reasonable SATs and ACT considering English is not your native language, and solid extra-curriculars. And you mentioned your grades have also improved which is a plus. Has your guidance counselor explained just how tough the math department is as well as your fever during your calc AP exam?

mitul63

My counselor is extremely unhelpful. I've asked her to explain some things and she was like I don't need to do that, they'll know if they see the school report (school statistics). However, the alumna who interviewed me was extremely nice and I emailed her to ask what I can do to explain my grade and she forwarded the email to the admissions office for me. I'm extremely grateful to her.

Thank you for your feedback.

CarolynB

I'm glad the alumna was helpful in getting the information to the admissions office for you; it sounds like that's the best you can do with an unsupportive counselor. You didn't mention anything about your teacher recommendations. Do you feel they are strong? Perhaps your teachers are providing some of that information in their recommendations.

mitul63

My teacher recommendations, I would say, are pretty good. I got one recommendation from my chemistry teacher who also happened to be my debate coach, and he said he would talk about how good a debater I am and such. My other recommendation I got from my 11th grade English teacher. I think they're pretty good.

SmithieandProud

There's a portion on the application where you can provide other information, so that would be a good place to write your explanation. and it's good you had a good interview, as the interviewer will probably write about your personal journey in her report.

mitul63

SmithieandProud, I already submitted my application before any of this happened with Calculus (the grades came out afterwards) so I couldn't include any of that in the additional information box

And yes, I'm also glad I had a good interview SmithieandProud, what do you believe my chances are, given these information?