<p>Great story and helpful advice catpb. We are in a similar situation – extremely high stats student who needs scholarship assistance to make St. Olaf and similar schools a reality. (According to FAFSA and Profile, we don’t have any need at this point, though that will likely change when D2 heads to college.) I do think that “the letter” provided a good tool for my daughter in looking at her school list–all seniors need some way of winnowing their list. The Buntrock letter made my daughter realize that she wants to attend a school where they are excited about what she brings to the school. She isn’t interested in a school where she is in the “second” pool. So though we won’t be making a call to St. Olaf to try to negotiate support similar to the Buntrock – it would be unfair to negotiate resources away that could go to other kids who DO still love St. Olaf – I think that your advice is good advice for students who still have St. Olaf at the top of their list despite the Buntrock letter. </p>
<p>Though it is clear that the Buntrock isn’t all about stats, test scores and activities, the prior threads show that St. Olaf passes over some kids for the Buntrock who are at the very top of their applicant pool. (Maybe this is a Tufts syndrome thing, maybe they have other priorities – it is certainly their right to choose who they wish to interview.) However, it doesn’t make sense to alienate some of their strongest candidates before admissions decisions even come out. I do think that St. Olaf would be well advised to take a look at the text of the letter and consider revising it – it isn’t even really necessary to send the letter at all – but it definitely shouldn’t read “you aren’t in our top 200, but don’t worry we may have some money left for you.” Thanks for sharing your experience, encouragement and helpful advice.</p>