Should I Reapply to Carleton?

College Search & Lists
1

I am a senior in high school this year, and was accepted by St. Olaf and Augsburg, but rejected by Carleton. I’ve toured both campuses, and I much preferred the feel I got from Carleton, and I personally feel that I would fit in better there. (Just for some background info on me, I’m leftwing, queer, and overall someone who would be described as “quirky”)
Next year I’m going on a gap year to Norway where I’ll be going to a school called Fosen (look it up, its a super cool program) where I’ll be living on an organic farm and learning traditional handcrafts. I’ve been considering re-applying to Carleton during early decision, because they accept most of their students during that.
My question is: is it worth it to reapply? I’m very bright but due to struggles with mental illness my grades haven’t been very great (I think I have about a 3.1 gpa and failed one or two classes, though I got a 33 on the ACT). I’ve also heard that the students at Carleton tend to be kind of snooty, so I’m not sure if I should just continue with St. Olaf (or Augsburg?) or put the effort into reapplying.

Edit: I guess I should probably mention that I plan on studying English/Education, in order to become a high school English teacher

2

I think it would be unlikely to be admitted to Carleton with a 3.1 gpa. Their common data set does not give a gpa breakdown, but 71% of the entering freshmen are in the top 10% of their class and 93% are in the top quarter (19-20 common data set).

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3

For now, choose between Augsburg and St. Olaf. That way you will have a plan in place after the gap year.

While you are on your gap year you will have time to reflect on your goals. It is entirely possible that none of these three will still interest you after you have been at Fosen for a few months, and you will decide to apply to a new set of places.

Wishing you a wonderful gap experience!