Can I get into Bryn Mawr?

Irishdoctor
Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:14:04 +0000

I think your chances are very good. The Bryn Mawr acceptance rate is 50%. This is not a reflection on the quality of the college–it is an excellent school–but in part reflects a high degree of ‘self-selection’, by which I mean that the pool of applicants consists of bright young women who are interested in an all-women’s college.

Your grades are excellent. I think you should prepare for the ACT but a 31 or 32 should be fine. Consider self-study for additional APs if you feel you need more, possibly World Geography and Comparative government. Start early on your essays and have them reviewed by your counsellor and English teacher. In the essays be yourself but try to be a little different. For example, don’t write about the person you admire the most (unless directed to do so). Write about something you’ve experienced living in a rural area or participating in 4H or one of your other activities.

Visit Bryn Mawr and take a tour. It’s a stunningly beautiful campus. Demonstrate interest in the college and in specific programs. Learn about the college and its partners in the ‘Quaker Consortium’. Make sure it’s a good fit. For example, you should be aware that it is a very liberal college and not especially tolerant of those with more conservative views. However, don’t succumb to stereotypes. See if your counsellor or the local library has copies of the Princeton Review and The Insider’s Guide to Colleges.

If you are accepted be sure to attend the admitted students preview session and spend the night with Bryn Mawr students and other prospective students. In fairness I have to say that my daughter did this and discovered that Bryn Mawr was not a good fit, so she turned down a very nice scholarship. Fortunately, she attended another college’s session and found that she fit in there well. Ultimately, you want to have a choice so that you can go with your gut feeling.

Having a choice means considering other colleges, so you should look at schools that have characteristics similar to those that have attracted you to Bryn Mawr.

Good luck.