Chances!?

Colleges & Universities Vassar College
1

<p>About Me
I am interested in double majoring in Humanities (history, philosophy, literature, art, music, etc.) and French. I’m interested in doing an Independent Major. Even if the Independent Major is not possible, I could always major in a specific subject within the humanities.
I feel a little uncomfortable attesting to my own personal character to online strangers, however I guess I’ll have to deal with it! I have been told by my teachers that I have great character. Furthermore, teachers have told me I am a quirky and bright individual who any school would be lucky to have. I’ve also been told if I can demonstrate my personality in my applications and interviews, then my chances of going to a top school will be good. I have done a lot with my ECs and outside interests and they all connect to what I am interested in (at least I think so).
I appreciate any insight/help I can get. If there are any schools, helpful information, etc. you would like to recommend, please feel free! And thank you so much</p>

<p>Stats:

  • Male
  • Suburb of Boston, MA
  • Rising senior
  • my high school sends some grads to top schools (depends on what you consider “some” and what you consider "top schools) … including Boston College, Boston University, Oberlin, Occidental College, Cornell, Tufts, Swarthmore, Wellesley, etc.
  • GPA: 93.3 unweighted / ??? weighted
  • class rank: 47/386 = 12.2% (will most likely be in the top 11 or 10% next year, maybe better)
  • 1980 on SATS… CR/M/W 660/610/710
  • taking SAT IIs in English & French as well as the ACTs in the fall</p>

<p>ECS:

  • Amnesty International
  • National Honor Society
  • Philosophy Club
  • Select Choir
  • Future Teachers of America</p>

<p>Outside Interests:

  • Regional Select Choir
  • Foreign exchange: 2 weeks in France
  • award-winning photography for Enterprise Bank
  • writing and photography are published in school’s literary magazine
  • piano lessons
  • peaceful protest in Boston (“The Rescue”)
  • Schools for Schools organization
  • member of a group dedicated to bringing free, safe fun to the city of Boston</p>

<p>Scholastic Honors:

  • Honors Award (“summa cum laude”)
  • 6 student recognition awards</p>

<p>Leadership:
I’m one of the most active members in my Amnesty International Club, I am a volunteer French teacher, and next year I will hopefully be Chief Editor of my school’s writing center program that helps students with their essays. Unfortunately for me, the activities that I do have little “leadership positions”. I do what I like, though.</p>

<p>Volunteer Services:

  • teaching French to elementary school students (80+ hours)
  • National Honor Society English tutor (? hours)
  • Writing Center program (? hours)
  • Community Day
  • this summer I am volunteering at a French library in Boston</p>

<p>Employment:

  • nothing so far… I’m trying to find something!</p>

<p>Oh, and by the way: Vassar is my first choice school!</p>

2

<p>:( fail 10char</p>

3

<p>Who can know for sure these days? Just apply and hope for the best! And if Vassar is your first choice, apply early. Good luck!</p>

4

<p>Thank you! :smiley: I am considering applying ED</p>

5

<p>Well, I would definitely recommend applying early decision. You’re EC’s are excellent. Your SAT is low for vassar (with a mid range of 2050–2250). Your grades seem to be right where they should be (although I’m not as familiar with the 100 point system verses 4.0). I would suggest studying over the summer and retaking the SAT. Even a twenty point bump to 2000 will make a difference psychologically. Or maybe you’ll have a better fit with the ACT, which you’re already planning on taking.<br>
You’ve mentioned staying true to your personality, and I believe that that’s the best strategy. Write an essay that’s unique and says who you are. The “your space” option is also a great way to showcase individuality and talents that won’t necessarily come across in a standard app.<br>
Good luck, I hope you make it!</p>

6

<p>Thank you very much!</p>

<p>I want to re-take the SATs, but first I must take the SAT IIs. I will take the SAT IIs in OCtober, and I will retake the SATs in November and hopefully score a bit higher. I understand what you’re saying completely about the 2000 making a difference at least psychologically :stuck_out_tongue: Actually, I would be so happy to get a 2050 or something. I am going to buy an SAT book in August and study it throughout the fall till SATs. </p>

<p>As for my GPA, my school says my GPA is approximately a 3.8. And a side note about my class rank. Our class ranks are influenced only by the difficulty of the classes we take. This year I will be taking twice as many APs as I took last year, so I expect to be in at least the top 10% next year. Of course, one can never be sure.</p>

<p>Thank you for your encouragement! I really hope I make it :)</p>

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<p>I retook the SAT and it was a world of difference, if that helps… :-)</p>

8

<p>Thank you :slight_smile: I think if I study then I can get a slightly higher score. I only studied for the math section of this test (I thought I was going to get a 500 or lower), and that seemed to help. Now if I study for all of the components again, maybe I can score higher! </p>

<p>I hope being male and applying ED will help my chances :P</p>