how exactly difficult is it to get into carleton? really...................

starbucks08
Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:03:37 +0000

Hi. I still can’t figure out this whole self-selection thing.
How exactly hard is it to get into Carleton??? I know that is a rather subjective thing depending on the credentials of each applicant, but I’m asking in rather terms of… comparisons to other school’s selectivity.
It’s my impression that a lot of SUPER SMART kids turn down ivies and uchicago-likes to go to Carleton. But the admission rate is still 30% which is still a bit bigger than say Middlebury or Wesleyan. Looking at the calibre of its rigorous academics and high intellectuality, I feel as if Carleton should be wayyyyy up there… at least past Wesleyan… but for some reason, it’s still less selective?
Does self-selection imply that only smart kids who are particularly attracted to that distinctive intellectual atmosphere of Carleton apply? Could that mean the whole applicant pool in general for Carleton are smarter than average? For instance, you know how kids who do not even stand a chance will throw in an application to Harvard just for the sake of it. That doesn’t really happen at Carleton. I really hope someone can understand what I’m trying to say…

ALSO, does it help if you are an international applicant when you are applying? My bf wants to know, and he’s from singapore. It seems like Carleton’s been really trying to improve its diversity and the number of foreign applicants is increasing every year. So could his foreign status help him? I’m trying to convince him to apply with me…

Please, please, please, someone reply…thank you