<p>“Do they all have one recurring quality or characteristic?”</p>
<p>In short: not really. They’re all female (“at the time of application,” if you want to get really technical). That’s about it. But then, even schools that seem more easily ‘categorizable’ aren’t homogenous. Not every single CMC student came straight from mock trial, debate, or student government. </p>
<p>Scripps, like any LAC, looks for highly qualified students who fit with the school (and, as such, are likely to stay and to thrive). How you can determine whether or not you “fit” is anyone’s guess, but Scripps is a small enough school, with a sufficiently self-selected applicant pool, that if you’re interested enough to be asking this question in the first place, you probably do! </p>
<p>One of my friends was editor of her high school yearbook, one was a world-class Irish dancer, one was a competitive dancer and dance teacher, one was a national-level figure skater and coach, many were international students (or US residents who had grown up abroad), one spent a gap year as a professional ballerina, one was an actress, one had sailed around the world, a few had spent time studying abroad (Austria, Spain, Germany, and New Zealand), one spent a gap year volunteering at an orphanage in Africa, a few were accomplished musicians (voice, piano, clarinet, bagpipes), a few had been valedictorians, one was a world-class equestrian, one single-handedly raised $55k for CF research, one spoke 5 languages fluently, one was a certified EMT…plenty were ‘regular’ high-achievers: NHS, honor rolls, community service, maybe a high school sport or music group. One was the only student in her public high school to attend college out of state, another was one of two students in her [huge] high school to attend private college. One spent high school working at McDonald’s, one worked on her family farm, one worked at Marie Callendar’s. Not all had straight A’s, not all had had AP classes available to them. Of the very, very few people whose SAT scores I knew, they ranged from the mid-1300’s to the mid-1500’s (this was before the days of the Writing portion). One could tell the color of an M&M by taste alone (until blue) and one could do the splits 5 ways (including up against a doorway)–and yes, these facts were included in their applications and shared at Matriculation. Some people had obvious hooks, but plenty–as at any school–relied solely on hard work in school, standardly available ECs, and strong applications. When I applied, there was a “Why Scripps?” essay, which, if it still exists, I suggest taking very seriously. </p>
<p>I know that the above list isn’t helpful in demonstrating homogeneity, but that’s kind of the point. After four years at the school, I really can’t get much more specific in terms of what you should highlight, other than the semi-obvious: what you’re passionate about, what you do best, what you’re most dedicated to, and what you’re proudest of (none of which are necessarily the same). The more of you that comes through in the application (and hopefully interview), the better. For one accepted applicant, her message might be “I have stellar grades, stellar scores, unbelievable involvement, and published research.” For another, it might be “I worked hard at my suburban high school, got involved in the clubs that interested me, and I really, really love Scripps.” There’s no formula other than perhaps doing your best and showing interest (hardly unique to Scripps).</p>
<p>In fairness, I know that the above–however true–isn’t very helpful to you (though it could serve to make you feel rather ‘liberated,’ it probably just adds to your confusion). So, in an effort to help explain what “fitting in” at Scripps might mean, I would say that a few things do stand out as qualities or activities that Scripps really values or hopes to instill in its students: service work, global consciousness, independence, and interdisciplinality. The student body is fairly political (and while it’s also quite liberal, I certainly know outspoken representatives from both major parties) and the most popular majors are Studio Art, English, Politics, Psychology, and Biology. Feminism and environmentalism are ‘hot topics,’ as are issues of race, class, and culture. Certainly, however, not all of these are easy to demonstrate in an application, and doing so is no prerequisite for admission.</p>
<p>Finally, from the Admissions page of the (newly redone, apparently!) Scripps website: “It’s a little tough to describe a ‘typical’ Scripps student…except to say that she’s not exactly typical. Scripps students are creative, multi-talented, and pursue topics and activities that make them curious. They have a sense of creativity about how they approach their studies–a sense of educational adventure. At Scripps you learn the world doesn’t compartmentalize information and events into categories such as ‘art’ or ‘politics’ or ‘science.’ We encourage you, as we do every student, to find your voice, to grow and stretch yourself in every way.”</p>
<p>Probably much longer and much less hopeful than you were hoping for…sorry! If you have more specific concerns, it might help guide replies. </p>
<p>Good luck :)</p>