<p>I want to preface this request by asking that this request not splinter into another Affirmative Action thread. I'm asking those in the CC community who would be in the know. I didn't attend college, nor his mom, much less graduate, so in trying to be a somewhat competent advisor/advocate for my S in the process, it is a little more challenging.</p>
<p>As opposed to giving exact numbers, suffice it to say that my S GPA is solid, with several honors and AP classes, anticipate great rec's and EC's. (although not too many, demonstrate a passion and consistancy for his interests). He attends a well regarded private independent day school that doesn't rank. He is extremely proficient in Spanish and has taken Japanese at the local university. After comparing his standardized test scores, he is among the top 1-2% AA test takers nationally. Assuming that 2/3 of these are AA females, puts him among just several hundred AA males. Coincidentally, he is considering several schools that happen to offer both, his projected major(s) East Asian studies, Japanese, Arabic and an emphasis in recruiting minorities.</p>
<p>Several of the schools under consideration are Middlebury, Bates, Macalester, Amherst, and Wisconsin. I will say that his scores/GPA would put him in at the very least, the 50th percentile for all incoming students at these schools as well. My initial strategy was to take a more shotgun approach and to have him apply to as many as 10-12 schools. The rationale being that F/A is a significant concern and many of the other schools on his list are selective as well (he has 2 safeties at state U and another). Given the information presented, should he limit the number of schools under consideration as his chances for admission may be greater due to the relatively few number of minorities that may be under consideration for admission? </p>
<p>Any perspective, experiences and constructive advice would be greatly appreciated.Thanks.</p>
<p>Here is some additional info.
If he has a safety that he loves, he can limit his applications to schools that he is truly interested in. Will he need financial aid? If he does, he can consider schools that only give need-based aid such as HYP which all have excellent programs in the fields he is interested in. If you think he may not qualify for need-based aid or might be "gapped" (in other words, the amount offered is less than what he would need to make it financially feasible), consider schools that are more likely to give merit aid. I note that except for Wisconsin, all the schools on his list are LACs. He should consider adding Swarthmore and Williams. I'd suggest Chicago, Northwestern and WashU, also.</p>
<p>He need not apply to all of these. I am merely suggesting at this point that he consider them.</p>
<p>Given the seemingly preference for LAC's on your list, you may wish to look into Harverford, which like Amherst, is part of a college consortium that allows students to take courses at colleges within a consortium if they are not offered on campus. For Haverford, the consortium includes BMC, Swarthmore and U Penn. </p>
<p>Is your son going to diversity weekend at Amherst? </p>
<p>In response to your question of enlarging your list, I would think that would not be necessary as your list already emcompasses a range of selectivity. I would presume that the LAC's on your list will meet full need. Good luck and have a happy journey.</p>
<p>I go to Bates and I know they're definitely trying to up their minority enrollment by a LOT. This year's class is the most diverse I've ever seen, and I think it'll keep growing that way, so I'd say he's got a fairly good shot here, if his test scores etc are up to par. Good luck, and I hope to see him wandering around campus next year!</p>
<p>Considered Conn but his spanish teacher is a Midd alum and his GC recommended Bates recently, so they seem to be overlaps. Swarthmore, didn't have the Japanese/Arabic component, but was considered. Haven't researched Wesleyan enough yet.
Thanks for the input.</p>
<p>Correction on the "Swatties." They DO have the Japanese language. Don't recall how they fell from consideration.</p>
<p>I agree with the suggestion that you check out WashU. The classes in the humanities/language area are LAC sized and offer very close contact with professors. (As a result, my soph S recently applied for (at prof's urging) and received a paid research assignment to work with his Italian studies prof.)</p>
<p>Suggestion, with the list of LAC's of interest: Look also at Oberlin College, including its East Asian Studies department and housing option for anyone interested in same. Cooperative Housing/Eating options as well (OSCA) save families money, because students cook together and maintain their own dorms. If they prefer the regular dorm and cafeteria approach, that's also available.</p>
<p>FIrst in the nation to admit AA's, and a long history of progressive action. </p>
<p>Music conservatory, including the first college conservatory to offer Jazz Studies includes veteran musicians in American jazz. Even if one isn't a musician, it's unique to be at a college where other people are training to become the nation's symphony musicians.</p>
<p>Based on 30 years of sporadic, nonscientific observation, an African American male with high test scores in the top half of his class at a well-regarded private school has a very good chance of getting into any top LAC, and really any top university. Not a shoo-in at Harvard, certainly, but there's no need to apply to 10 LACs simply to assure admission to one or two of them.</p>
<p>Five or six schools he really, really likes (with State U. as the ultimate financial safety) is probably plenty to assure a choice at the end of the day and some competition on the financial aid front. I would note, however, that Amherst is very small and very popular; that's the only school on your list where I would have any doubt. If you pick a few more LACs, having another relatively large one, like Wesleyan or Oberlin, is probably a good idea.</p>
<p>jazzymom, his first name is Ervin so that might help a bit lol!</p>
<p>Swarthmore may get a reconsider. He may have changed his mind after looking at the scattergrams from his school, don't really recall. All but one of the Ohio LAC's are out of consideration cause there giving him some love, but kind of wants out of Ohio. Only OSU remains of the state schools. He really loves Seattle, first plane trip about 2 years ago and likes the campus and the diversity, especially the Asian population. Bloomington is OK, but would choose OSU over IU.</p>
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Five or six schools he really, really likes (with State U. as the ultimate financial safety) is probably plenty to assure a choice at the end of the day and some competition on the financial aid front.
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<p>That's what his GC initially was leaning towards, but his schoolmates have been getting waitlisted and outright rejected from schools that previously had been admitting these types of students. This has made his GC more cautious even with his minority status being factored in. After reading some of the posts in the FA threads, some schools vary in their merit based FA awards. Since financial considerations are so different, it is hard to determine why some students with exceptional grades/scores got little or no merit aid. If my S or GC could predetermine in some manner his odds so to speak, he would narrow significantly some schools from consideration. Hence, part of the reason for this thread.</p>
<p>Does he need money? If so, that might influence his list. He might compose a list with an East Asian Studies/Big Money Possibility emphasis.</p>
<p>East Asian studies is a specialized interest. His best bet is to open up the course offering on school websites. He should see a ton of courses that make him think he won't have enough time to take all of them. Larger universities will have much larger offerings--they will have graduate school offerings as well. His instinct to go to either coast seems right on target. USC has a stated focus on the Pacific Rim. For an OOS Ohio kid, UW might not be as affordable as other schools. If he thinks about BU, he should apply to the University Professor's program. That would be an incredible experience. </p>
<p>It occurs to me that he may need to filter his analysis of his school's scattergrams--through a lense of URM. Hopefully his GC can hlep him do that? If not, post potential lists on CC and get additional feedback on likelies.</p>
<p>His specialized interests should help distinguish his app. Adcom appreciates the segment of students who know what they want to do when they get to university. Less handholding.</p>
<p>Sounds like Middlebury would be a good fit. I think he'll get in there, and should give the school serious consideration, especially considering the strength of the language and international studies programs. Good luck to him!</p>
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If he thinks about BU, he should apply to the University Professor's program. That would be an incredible experience.
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<p>Are you referring to Boston U? If so, under consideration. As far as looking at scattergrams through the lens of an URM, there are only 7 AA in his graduating class unfortunately, and none to our knowledge have or are considering the type of schools he's considering. Maybe only 2-3 in the last 3 years, so it's hard to make a comparison of other URM's using that data. He will apply to USC.</p>
<p>It's not the other kids in his class who matter on a scattergram--it's the top AA students who graduated in the last five years. It's worth asking the GC about their acceptance history at his favorite schools.</p>
<p>BU is Boston University. Whoops. I see BU is phasing out it's Professor's program in favor of a new honor's program. Too bad. Neat program.</p>