Apologies if I’ve missed this- has she tried the ACT? And does she have insights into the AP Psych 3??? Not to say it isn’t a respectable score, but given sky high grades across the board, I’m wondering why her test scores don’t reflect sky high performance…
I think Brown is a waste of time (sorry to be blunt) even though she’s got a very interesting profile. I think all the suggestions of Catholic colleges are definite possibilities. Agree that Mt Holyoke is more realistic than Wellesley.
Can you suggest to her a timed ACT (in a room with the door closed) to see if that lifts her score into a different place? Will give her more options.
Have you looked at Colby or Vassar- not sure at 2:45 to 3:15 from Boston if the distance is too far.
Why these two (with an Italian major).
Many on here say Vassar is similar to Wes but their non test submitters are well under half whereas Wes is much higher.
Colby also has a high rate of non test submitters.
So if she is seeking the more prominent names, might these be a better fit, at least admission wise ? Or at least worth investigating ?
Did you ever check Wheaton ?
I do think the no test score and APs that aren’t high will hurt at the favorites - Amherst, Wes, etc. Plus the running away from hard classes in STEM was evident, at least in your initial
description. A test score is a more objective validator to subjective GPAs so if you have nothing …
Take the shots but make sure she’s visiting all schools - because it’s far from certain she’ll end up at one if her top few choices.
Don’t report 4’s to Amherst (top choice ED1) or Wesleyan (her ED2 choice)? Thoughts on Wesleyan chances? We know both are reaches. Back up plans with safeties in place. Need to research Wheaton more! We considered Vassar, she’s not a fan for whatever reason.
She hasn’t tried ACT. We will consider, thank you. Yes, straight A’s across the board and I’m not sure why AP tests don’t reflect that (two 3’s). However, aren’t 4’s enough for some of the LAC’s (Amherst and Wesleyan???). I know it’s competitive… but with her chosen major and interesting application, I think it’s worth the shot. Brown is out. We both agree on that.
Also Amherst released its supplemental essays. She’s a great writer and one of the prompts she feels passionate about. I’m hearing essays are an impactful part of application. And although it’s seemingly random with who gets in and doesn’t, I’ve heard essays can sometimes give you the boost you need. I believe her essays will be one of the strongest part of her application. GPA, yes. Test optional, not good. Essays, very hopeful.
Her senior year schedule includes APES and AP Stats. Additionally AP Art, AP Gov, AP Lit… no AP Italian offered so she’s taking a self study Italian online at Wellesley. Additionally an Italian internship with her high school. She may not be STEM, but APES and Stats? Better chances? I realize it’s not Calc or physics…
Many schools don’t use AP test scores in the admission process. These 4’s will not strengthen her application, and there is a chance they could weaken the app/be viewed negatively. Most likely case is they are a neutral. So, even counselors will disagree on what to recommend here. What does your D think? Has she asked her HS counselor?
As long as you have sure things she likes, it’s always worth a shot.
There can be a few reasons for the low scores - not a good test taker. My guess though since it’s rampant - no offense to yours because my kids had the same - grade inflation.
So when a school is test optional, what are they seeing to validate the grades ? Could be rank …one public we applied to wanted AP a graded writing sample. I would not submit the APs to Amherst - that’s me. They don’t grant AP credit - just placement - from what I’m reading. It doesn’t add to her candidacy.
That and the running from STEM. APES and Stats are fine - they’re not considered rigorous but you can’t force a student into what they’re not strong in but yes they are more soft ball.
If you apply to Amherst and Wes and she loves Brown, if she has the capacity (time) to do so and can handle rejection, then I would. Why ? You cannot get in if you don’t try - and we are not AdComs. But if I had to guess, she won’t get into to Amherst, Wes, or Brown. It’s why I suggested the schools like Colby (another elite) with far less test submitters.
In the end, if she finds one she really likes that’s not tippy top, then you’re in great shape - like Wheaton.
That’s the most important school on the list - not Amherst. Amherst is a lottery ticket. Wheaton (or another) is the likely source.
That said, glad she’s got passion for the Amherst essay. You never know if you don’t try.
Correct. Anxious kid. Not great at tests. Thank you for honest feedback and that’s neat to consider brown? I mean why not. Undecided on that one. But it’s interesting to see what people think on CC. Older D at holy cross worked out very well. Hoping for another similar situation. Younger D doesn’t like HC. Oh geez. Ha! As of right now ED 1 Amherst, ED 2 Wesleyan… we shall see. Thank you everyone.
One thing is that when you reach high, just make sure the student can handle rejection. Some can’t. Then best not to apply to so many. Have you looked at Colby ?
With income under $80k, you have a risk at a Wheaton that they get low but not low enough. That’s another risk.
Has anyone mentioned Connecticut College ? They meet need - and are less competitive than Wes and Amherst admission wise.
We aren’t counting on Amherst. It’s a reach for sure. Wesleyan, same thing. She’s prepared for rejections from both, but worth trying, per her guidance counselor. Long shot though.
I’ve been running NPC’s on all schools. With HC, the financial aid received was exactly matched with NPC. Hoping for similar luck. State schools are all in the mix, UMASS, Westfield State (not mentioned), etc.
Well, I agree about leaving out the 3s. I don’t remember exactly, but as of the beginning of senior year, it was probably two 4s and three 5s? She took more APs senior year, which is why I don’t remember exactly which scores she reported to colleges.