<p>Hey y'all, I'm african american female (parents were born in Africa)
I have a 3.5 gpa
I've taken 7 AP classes an Honors Psychology class and 14 college prep classes dring high school mostly B's and C's a couple of A's</p>
<p>I've taken the SAT once and I got a 1690 I plan to take it again.</p>
<p>I've also been in Choir (JV and Varsity level) the choirs I've been in won top rating in our region. I also partcipate in UIL competitions as a soloist and receive 1's. Ihave also participated in 2 school musicals (they're huge in our town)</p>
<p>I have also been president of a Nigerian ethnic group for youth for two years. I've also volunteered at my local church for four years as a summer counselor for VBS (Vacation Bible School). And I've also been a volunteer at a library for two years.
I am also a Member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. I'm ranked 200/1008 (top 20%?)
I've also been doing some individual research on the Yoruba, Igbo, and Urhobo tribes of Nigeria for a year.</p>
<p>Do you guys think I have a chance if I write amazing essays and bring my "specialness" up front?</p>
<p>Definitely highlight what makes you special in your essays. What is your special passion/background/experience that makes you stand out. </p>
<p>Think about doing an interview, either on campus or with an alum in your area (it doesn't make that much of a difference which one you choose). That will give you a chance to talk about your research in more detail, to underscore your passion for Smith, etc and add an extra piece of info to your application.</p>
<p>thanks. on my essay i wrote about being caught between two cultures. will that help? I live in texas so i am unsure about the whole interview thing.</p>
<p>Call the admissions office to set up an interview. There are lots of alums in Texas and if they don't live near you or can't travel to you then they can interview you over the phone. The interviews are optional, but they give you extra time and space to make your on paper accomplishments come alive. In your case I would definitely recommend it.</p>
<p>thanks SmithieandProud. I was also wonder if you could tell me anything about Smith that would help me in the application process. Does submitting SAT scores help an application?
Oh, I almost forgot, is the financial aid at smith good?
My parents pretty much refused to help pay except for travel expenses and personal supplies.</p>
<p>Submitting SAT scores can help your application if they're very high, but they are not emphasized as much as your transcript, that's the number one thing. If yours are exceptional or for example, you're not in a fourth year of math but your scores show that you have high mathematical aptitude, then you can submit them. But if they're just okay, they don't help or hurt you. </p>
<p>Transcript doesn't mean just grades by the way, but how have you challenged yourself academically, what kinds of choices did you make about your courses, etc. That's considered alongside your extra-currics, essays, and so on. The whole process is very holistic, but transcript is very important. </p>
<p>Financial aid is great at Smith for some people and not so great for other people. It depends on your parents income, other assets, etc and is decided using the FAFSA and the College Board economic PROFILE as well as Smith's own equation. Financial aid is almost always a mix of loans, grants, work study, and family contribution, but what the mix is depends on your personal situation. Your family will likely have to contribute something, so you'll have to work that out with your parents or your bank when you receive your aid offer. </p>
<p>Generally, Smith's aid is pretty good, and comparable to it's peer institutions, but it's individually assessed, so it's essentially impossible to know in advance.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone for answering my questions. I sent my application for Smith 4 days ago. My essay was pretty decent I think. I know its kinda late to ask for people to read my essay, but if anyone woud be willing to read it and tell me what you think, that would just be the greatest:)!</p>
<p>hey im a reg decision 2012 and i submitted my sat scores which were 1850 i think, but i also sent in my act scores which were better and i took 2 subject test and got good scores on them...but still</p>
<p>hey everyone. my parents refused to sign the early decision form. they don't want me to leave texas. the problem is that i sent every other part of the whole application under early decision. they also said that they would not support me so basicly? i am on my own. can someone tell me generally what the graduation debt is. and if i were to switch to regular decision would my chance of admittance be shot? and can someone tell me about discounted flights for students? i am not trying to sound whiny, i just really need a lot of help :(</p>
<p>Well, unfortunately your financial aid is always calculated with regard to your family income, unless you are legally independent from your parents, over the age of 24, or a military veteran or you have children. Smith's policy is to meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need, but the family or the student is expected to bear some of the cost. How much depends on the parent's income and assets, even if they aren't willing to contribute that's how your contribution will be tabulated. </p>
<p>Switching to RD won't kill your chances of admittance. Just call the admissions office and tell them you've changed your mind and you want to apply for regular decision instead of ED. Perhaps your parents will soften their attitude given time and a chance to look at and compare aid packages from different schools?</p>
<p>I sent out my early decision materials sunday and got an email from Smith confirming that my app was sent. At the bottom of the email it said to notify Smith immediately if you changed your mind about ED but put it on your app. So call admissions ASAP. Hope that helps!</p>