<p>I think with Carleton, it is a case of “to thine own self be true”. They don’t seem to care what it is you do, but that you are committed to something you love. So they are looking more for someone who is really involved in something, who is bright and does well at school and on tests, but isn’t doing these things to get into any particular college. Such a kid will wake up one day and say, “oh, gee, Carleton looks cool and like it might fit me” not a kid who tries to fit Carleton. Statistically, I agree they are all over the place. My daughter, who was admitted but will not attend, dedicated hours and hours to her art and did virtually nothing at high school outside of the classroom. She was near the top of her class, had a 32 ACT and was a strong and quirky writer. She had some interest from the coach in her sport, but she didn’t follow up so I doubt it helped. I would say, just follow what you are interested in and do well in school, and don’t worry too much about the tests–above a certain level, it won’t exclude you.</p>