Don't Lose Hope!

Quirindongo
Mon, 27 Sep 2010 01:45:39 +0000

I’m posting this because no one did it for me last year.

I’m currently a freshman at Bowdoin and I never thought I could get in. My SATs were a 1990 and I sent them. My GPA coming from a public school that doesn’t rank was a 3.4. My school is notorious for having a rigorous curriculum and outstanding students (Ivies almost every year). I had a couple ECs, but not too many, but I was extremely passionate about every one of them (awards, outside of school work, etc). My essay juxtaposed thanksgiving on my mom’s side of the family versus my dad’s side.

If you want to get into Bowdoin (or any other small LAC) qualified or not:


Interview is an absolute must. If campus is absolutely not possible, then alumni.


NOTES:

a. The admissions staff cares very much about you as a person. They want to talk to you, and not necessarily about all the wonderful things you’ve done. They want to get to know you and your personality. Even going just shows that you care.

b. Make sure you know the school and that YOU WANT TO GO THERE before you interview. Don’t worry too much about what they will ask you, because knowing about yourself and being honest is all you should need to know. I made a list of things that I did in high school and read it over before interviewing, and this helped me learn about myself and allowed me to draw on these things when questions arose.

c. Don’t worry if you don’t get to talk about your awesome service trip, there are many ways to let them know this kind of information. Let the interview flow naturally. In my interview at Colby I talked about organic gardening, my counselor’s trip to Ireland, and Maine.

d. Come prepared with questions, when they ask you at the end of the interview, they don’t expect you to say “not really”. The questions shouldn’t be about statistics, or information readily available on the website. Ask questions that relate to your personal situation.

e. Don’t look too dingy, but dress like yourself (comfortably). If its an outfit you wouldn’t want to wear to school or probably won’t wear again, you may be trying too hard.


Email professors/counselors


Don’t make them frivolous, but if you have a question, ask it. Any inquiries will almost always be passed on to your counselor and this shows interest.


That being said, be GENUINE.


NOTES:

a. Think about all the amazing kids that the admissions staff deals with. Even if you don’t have the goods on your resume, you can stand out by being honest and genuine. During my interview the interviewer (senior student) asked me if I could say something in French (very friendly, not like a test), so I did. I ended the sentence with the word eclectic, but said “and I don’t know how to say eclectic in French” and we shared a laugh.

b. They don’t expect you to be perfect, they want potential that can grow at Bowdoin.

c. Be honest. My second essay explained that I knew my grades weren’t extraordinary, but convinced them that I belonged at Bowdoin for a multitude of reasons. You can’t doubt yourself.


Thank them for everything


Handwritten notes preferably, for school events, interviews, information sessions, etc. Emails will work for tour guides (make sure you ask for them!). This all goes into your file and makes an impression on your counselor, just remember rule #3. This ensures that they will recognize your name, and be able to put a personality and face with your application during the final review.


Push yourself like you have never before.


I am a very shy person. Be the most outgoing you can be when you walk into admissions offices, interviews, info sessions, etc. This goes a long way. Take time to write your essays, and don’t be too clich