I am currently a freshman at Franklin & Marshall College and while I have formed close relationships with my professors, I am extremely dissatisfied with the social atmosphere of the school. Despite espousing a commitment to diversity, the school is dominated by white, wealthy and athletic individuals who ostracize students who do not fit into this demographic. The school has attempted to combat this; however, the students who perpetuate this do not attend a single diversity panel or event so the problem is not truly being addressed. There have been numerous incidents this academic year that have been motivated by racism, and I do not see an end in sight. Additionally, while most students are academically inclined, I haven’t found the intellectual atmosphere that I originally sought in a prospective college. Most students are only interested in discussing intellectual topics when they are in the classroom or in the presence of a professor. While I have met a few students who are genuinely nice, well-rounded and intellectual, they are far and few. I cannot bear to imagine myself continuing at a school that is structured to exclusively benefit a select group of privileged individuals. In fact, I feel completely miserable now.
I applied to Wesleyan last year as a Regular Decision candidate, and was rejected. I do not know if I should apply for the fall semester or the spring semester, as my GPA this semester is only a 3.0. My high school GPA was a 4.0., but I did not attend an academically reputable high school. If I am able to get all A’s this coming semester, my GPA should be significantly higher, which I suppose would improve my chances for spring admission. I am heavily involved in various organizations, clubs and faculty-student committees. I have attained leadership positions and have also won department awards for my writing. I also know that my professors would write wonderful letters of recommendation for me and I am seeking an internship at a well respected publishing firm in NYC for the summer. I am interested in studying Cognitive Science, Psychology and Creative Writing, so I know that I would most certainly benefit from Wesleyan’s open curriculum. Do you think I have a shot at admission? Also, do you think I should apply for the fall or spring semester, considering my GPA?
Thank you!