is it worth applying? at all? in the slightest?

WendyWellesley13
Sun, 01 May 2016 01:22:54 +0000

If it’s your dream school, then you should apply–you don’t want to be left wondering “what if”. However, it will probably be difficult. You’ll need to do really well in your first semester next year in order to demonstrate that your grades are on an upward trend. If I were you, I’d ask for letters of recommendation from teachers who know you well and can speak to your strengths both in and out of the classroom. These letters can also put your individual circumstances in perspective for the admissions office. I believe the Wellesley application has a section to explain any mitigating circumstances in your life, so that would be the appropriate place to discuss issues that may have affected your academic performance. You should use the essays as a means of explaining why you’re a good fit for the school: What’s unique about you? How will Wellesley help you as an individual, and what will you be able to contribute in return? I would focus especially on your advocacy work, since that’s something not every applicant will have. Also make sure you request an alumnae interview early on, as many people miss the deadline.

I wish you the best of luck in applying to Wellesley! I also recommend you check out the book Colleges That Change Lives. It’s a tool I use with my own students, and the schools profiled in the book are some amazing hidden gems. If you’re particularly interested in the women’s college experience, you might also want to check out Simmons, Hollins, Meredith, and Mills.