Blackbird1

Here's a summary of my stats:

-Male from Arkansas
Class rank: Top 25% (public high school; 600 kids)
Unweighted GPA: 3.10
Weighted GPA: 3.20
3 AP's taken (scored a 4 on the AP Stat exam); taken honors math courses since the 8th grade
SAT: 2020 (1360/1600)
EC's: I was in a few clubs (held no positions though, lol), played high school baseball, spent a lot of time taking care of my special needs little brother, babysitting, a little volunteer work, no work experience (I couldn't get a job because of my little brother).

__________________________________________________ _____

Their acceptance rate last year was 42% (and since I'm applying early decision, my chances go up a little), so it isn't incredibly selective, but, I hear, that number is decreasing every year. My SAT is right on the median, but my grades are in the bottom 10%.

My EC's definitely don't make me stand out (although taking care of my little brother might be a decent boost)......but I am a male from Arkansas; Grinnell is 54% female (do they care about their male-female balance?), and I'm sure they're looking for more representation from the South (...but just to make sure, lol, are they?). So I think those two facts should significantly increase my chances.

So here is my question. How good of an essay will I have to write in order to have over a 33% chance at getting accepted? The only reason I quantified my question is because when people give answers like, "You have decent chances", or "You have great chances," it is impossible to know precisely what they mean because terms like 'decent' and 'great' are subjective and obviously mean different things to everyone.

...Do I have over a 33% chance with an average essay, will it have to be amazing, or will I not have over a 33% chance even with one of their better essays?

Sorry for the length of this thread, but thanks a lot for the replies.

ColdWind

I stopped reading when I scanned "male from Arkansas" & 1360/1600 SAT. You are in.

Blackbird1

"I stopped reading when I scanned "male from Arkansas" & 1360/1600 SAT. You are in."

------------

LOL.

But did you also scan my horrible GPA and below average EC's?

ColdWind

Nope. Didn't need to. And I still don't need to. Although you may want to tailor your profile to fit the school:

Male from Arkansas, 1360/1600 SAT, willing to study for four years in the middle of a cornfield.

P.S. Don't mix this up with your NYU app.

Blackbird1

Are you sure about this? Are you sure Grinnell desperately wants more rep. from the south as well as more males?

I mean, lol, I was originally asking how amazing my essay would have to be in order for me to have a mere shot at getting in...but you think I'm essentially guaranteed?


I just saw your edit, lol.

Blackbird1

"Grinnel dont worry about it"

-------

I just noticed this post, but I can't tell what you mean by it...

Blackbird1

I'm guessing you think NYU would also be a good fit for me?

SmallCollegesFTW

Gosh, the second I posted a 32 ACT (converts to a ~2160 SAT) and a 3.6W/4.2UW gpa, top 20% everyone me it was a big reach. Does arkansas really have that much weight (i doubt it does)

Btw, based on your stats, I would say its a reach

Blackbird1

That's kind of what I'm thinking...but I think it is a huge advantage.

SmallCollegesFTW

according to the common data set for grinnell it is considered but not important

Rainmaker

You're correct, you'll need a great essay to get into Grinnell. They're acceptance rate last year was actually around 25%. The figure you're talking about, near 50%, was two years ago. They're getting more and more attention now because of their high endowment and merit aid. You definitely have a shot, and if you're interested in Grinnell, definitely apply ED, but make sure your application comes with a superb essay.

Blackbird1

25%....much lower.

So you think it's a match/reach with a really good essay?

Blackbird1

bump for more opininos