F&M/ Dickinson

translucent
Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:32:01 +0000

Am I wasting my time visiting/ applying to F&M, Dickinson & similar caliber schools?
I’ve asked various versions of this question before, but keep second guessing myself. I want a small LAC, in PA would be ideal. I can only afford it if I get offered merit money. I feel confident about my chances of getting offered money at Susquehanna, Lycoming, and some of the not as competitve schools. I have a chronic illness & was home sick for 8th through 10th grades. To catch up, I am attending an alternative high school program. I did 2 years of course work this past school year.
The downside is my transcript is weak. Only 2 years of a foreign language, my science classes are lacking a real lab component & there aren’t AP classes, etc. Because of my illness, I also have no EC’s to speak of. So I look at this & think I am not a very good candidate for the more competitve schools. Because money is an issue, I definitely cannot apply anywhere ED, which puts me at a further disadvantage.
The plus side is despite my setbacks I will graduate with my class next June. I have a 4.0 average. I have taken a community college class & will take 2 more senior year. I will be taking calculus. I can write a strong essay, will have great teacher recs & interview well (I think). My SATs are 2130 (680+690+760)…which considering how limited my access to instruction has been, I’m pretty happy about.
Will the admissions folks at these schools look at me as a student who has overcome some significant roadblocks and done well despite my limited opportunities or just someone whose application doesn’t measure up? Will my weak transcript mean that I will be out of the running for any merit money?

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