Smith, Mt. Holyoke, Bates

Chance Me / Match Me
1

<p>I like all three of these colleges, but my guidance counselor encourages me to have only one “reach” school. Bates, Mt. Holyoke, Smith—at which do you think I have the most robust chances?</p>

<p>**Gender: F
State: Tennessee
Income: Low
Race: White</p>

<p>GPA Unweighted: 3.29
Honors Credits: 1
AP Credits: 0
Years of Math: 4 (Foundations II, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II)
Years of English: 4
Years of Science: 3 (Life Science, Biology, Chemistry)
Years of Latin: 2
Years of Social Studies: 3
Notable Electives: Creative Writing, Study of Shakespeare, Drama, Advanced Art, Film Studies, and Public Speaking</p>

<p>Senior Course Load: Special Ed, Special Ed, English IV, Algebra II, Civics, Advanced Art, Film Studies, Study of Shakespeare </p>

<p>ACT Composite Score: 29
ACT Verbal: 35
ACT Math: 18</p>

<p>Extracurriculars: Creative Writing Club, Literary Magazine, Science Olympiad, Gay-Straight Alliance</p>

<p>Quirks working for me:
I am a gifted person with autism.
I have exceptional essay-writing ability
Many of my teachers like me a great deal and are willing to write stellar recommendations.
I am a nationally published poet.
I am an advocate for students with autism spectrum disorders (I go to conferences, give speeches and presentations, host nature walks for autistic children, etc.)
I can mention that I’ve read roughly 450 books—most of them classics or nonfiction—in the past four years. </p>

<p>Quirks working against me:
I am a gifted person with autism; admissions officers might worry about whether I could handle college.
I lack work experience.
I have changed high schools three times.
I may not interview well **</p>

<p>Thank you all.</p>

2

<p>Come on guys. Sorry if I sound cocky in any way. Please “chance” me. I have some other schools that aren’t reaches.</p>

3

<p>The full list:</p>

<p>Agnes Scott College (match; they recruited me)
Sweet Briar College (match)
Hiram College (match)
Hendrix College (low reach)
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (safety)</p>

<p>[…]</p>

<p>Mt. Holyoke College (?)
Bates College (?)
Smith College (?)</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the chance! I really appreciate your suggestions.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, I’m not too familiar with these schools ): However, I don’t think autism is a “quirk” against you; since you’ve been successful it works to your advantage.</p>

5

<p>It’s expected that you don’t know much about Smith and Mt. Holyoke—they’re women’s colleges. As for my chancing you, I’m always happy to be of service.</p>

<p>Thank you for your comments about autism/Asperger’s. You’re right about it working to my advantage. It has granted me some unusual talents and a passion for helping others, and I hope that college admissions officers understand that every triumph starts with a challenge. But what a challenge! Sometimes I feel like I can’t do anything right. Did you know that I’m the only person in my special education program who is going to college at all?</p>

6

<p>if i knew any of those schools I’d chance you… but good luck regardless, it must take alot of courage to go into such a social setting with autism.</p>

7

<p>Shameless Bump.</p>

8

<p>I am very unfamiliar with these colleges, but appreciate the chance for my friend.! You scored a 35 on the ACT verbal, which is a HUGE accomplishment. I think being autistic and your impressive English abilities will be a huge positive.</p>

9

<p>I’m not too familiar with the women’s colleges, but you coud definately use autism to your advantage. It doesn’t seem like it’s hindered you much…</p>

10

<p>Well, it’s kept me out of AP classes, which is, according to that recruiter from Haverford, a HUGE hindrance. Using a disadvantage to your advantage in college admissions is not as simple as it sounds.</p>

<p>I thank everyone for their input, but could someone who knows women’s colleges gage me for Mount Holyoke? I’m worried.</p>

11

<p>Well, I’d recommend taking the Literature SAT II to demonstrate your verbal abilities.</p>

<p>an ACT 29 is a good score, and autism counts for diversity, right?</p>