<p>My son is a senior this year and is currently deciding where to apply ED1. He has narrowed down to Carleton and Middlebury. He would be a top swimming recruit at both. Some times for reference are 59 100 Breast, 2:08 200 Breast, and 22.2 50 Free. His ACT is a 31 and his grades are on an upward trend at one of the top private schools in the Midwest (these schools are well aware of its reputation). He was below a 3.0 freshmen and sophomore year, but bounced back junior and senior year posting a 3.4 and a 3.8 in that order. He has taken the hardest classes possible and has proven that he can be competitive in the pool and in school. My question is: how would he do on an admissions stand point if he gets a lot of coach support as well in Early Decision specifically? Some extracurriculars to mention are varsity tennis since 7th grade (captain 12th), varstiy swimming since 7th grade (captain 11th and 12th), Band since 9th grade, multiple service leaderships positions, tutor, etc. He would be committed to either, but wants to be sure he'll have a good shot admissions wise. Any response or message would be appreciated. </p>
<p>Looks like he’s fishing in the right pond. He’d be a good fit at breaststroke at Midd. and might be able to score some points in the NESCAC Champs for them. ACT is pretty good and good to see his GPA is improving. As to your question on his chances of being admitted with coach support - there is only one person that can give him a meaningful answer. His name is Bob and this is his phone number: 802.443.5010. Good luck.</p>
<p>Agree totally with Varska. My son is on the team at Midd and loves everything about it
Reach out to coach ASAP. He is extremely easy to talk with and will be very honest with his opinion
You will not know unless you ask
Good luck</p>
<p>OPHSuperfan,</p>
<p>Based your S times I would expect strong support from both coaches. How did his pre-read go?</p>
<p>@Swimkidsdad His pre-read came back unlikely, but that was without his senior grades. He has great coaches and school counselors who can help highlight that. He’s retaking the ACT in October as well. </p>
<p>His ACT is not the problem. It’s those darn grades that can’t be changed. Better get straight As and have a letter of rec that explicitly addresses the issue, and if there was a reason, explains it. DS also should insist on an interview and explain his new, improved motivation.
I suggest St Olaf and Macalaster as safeties.
Carleton has ED2 if Midd doesn’t fly.</p>
<p>I also want to note that fab test scores and poor or indifferent grades are a red flag to the adcoms. It shows the student has higher priorities than learning. Theses are the students that can crack a C without trying and therefore have plenty of time to get into trouble, creating all kinds of difficulties on campus.</p>