<p>My child is a NMSF and applying to a selective college. Child has discovered that 5 peers from HS have also applied to same school. The college is BY FAR my child's first choice. They applicants (all applied EA) all have 33-35 ACT's, great EC's, some excel in sports, some have legacy status. However, my child is only one that is a NMSF - and designated school as 1st choice on NM application. Also, only one that took SAT (due to NM requirement) and scored a 1500/2260. How much of a "tipping point" is NMSF for a college that is looking at many equally qualified students? </p>
<p>The selective college is not an Ivy, and as far as I know does not have any quotas per HS (per their admissions office). I have counseled my child that colleges are building a class, and any decision can't be taken personally. I firmly believe it will all work out in the end, but would love to give some ray of hope to my kid who thinks "I'm not going to get in".</p>
<p>*
However, my child is only one that is a NMSF - and designated school as 1st choice on NM application. Also, only one that took SAT (due to NM requirement) and scored a 1500/2260. How much of a “tipping point” is NMSF for a college that is looking at many equally qualified students? </p>
<p>…but would love to give some ray of hope to my kid who thinks “I’m not going to get in”. *</p>
<p>Being a NMF might be a help if that schools likes to report how many NMFs it has. As for naming that school “#1,” I doubt that the admissions office will be aware/care about that unless the schools gives NMFs a scholarship. (Does it?)</p>
<p>All you can do is tell your child that he has a very good chance…as good as anyone else at his school. And, as you said, the college doesn’t limit its acceptances from any particular school.</p>
<p>But, also, since it is a very selective school, you have to help your child prepare for rejection. You say that this school is “by far” the first choice. That’s risky. Your child needs to find another school that he will like almost as well…just in case.</p>
<p>Bugaboo - Based upon your mention of your student’s top choice in another thread, here are the school’s ratings of the importance that they place on various admissions criteria:</p>
<p>(Academic Criteria): (Importance)
Rigor of Secondary School Record: Very important
Class Rank: Important
Academic GPA: Important
Standardized Test Scores: Important
Application Essay: Important
Recommendation(s): Important</p>
<p>(Non-Academic Criteria): (Importance)
Interview: Not Considered
Extracurricular Activities: Important
Talent / Ability: Important
Character / Personal Qualities: Important
First Generation: Considered
Alumni/ AE Relation: Important
Geographical Residence: Not Considered
State Residency: Not Considered
Religious Affiliation / Commitment: Considered
Racial / Ethnic Status: Considered
Volunteer Work: Important
Work Experience: Considered
Level of applicant’s interest: Considered</p>
<p>Note that at this level of university, there are many NMFs - it’s not that unusual a qualification. However, 1500 / 2260 is around their 75th percentile. I’d be certain that all volunteer work is well-documented and that supplemental materials are submitted to support the claim of any special talent or ability. And then, the chances look pretty good . . . but of course, no guarantees.</p>
<p>*Happy to see Marquette! One of my kid’s favorites too. Took a “detour” to Milwaukee this summer while in Chicago. My high stat, overachieving kid loved it.</p>
<p>…Her college list has changed, and she realized now she really does want catholic/engineering. **
** *</p>
<p>Bugaboo…Are you concerned about being admitted to Marquette? If so, your D will certainly get accepted.</p>
<p>The way I see it NMSF is nice as a line item under honors, but if it is the only thing there it wont help much at all. A NMSF student should be a great student, with good grades, obviously great test scores, but we know that is not enough. They also need ECs, and maybe some other honors. If NM were the only thing of note on a students app, then they are going to look like that did not live up to their potential. If it is one of many things, then it sort of gets dwarfed. </p>
<p>It sounds like your D has a lot going for her, and will be competitive at any college. Beyond that it is all a coin toss! I think the most supportive thing is helping her find several good colleges she loves! Good luck!</p>
