<p>I was wondering if any current Wellesley students could give me their impressions about admissions and the alternative applicant? To make a very long story short, I attended an alternative hs, out of personal necessity. While there I received a strong education, however due to the school's size, had to outsource for certain subjects (therefore, 3.9 GPA at Harvard Extension School, and courses elsewhere). I am a musician (French horn, New England Conservatory Preparatory School) and scored highly on my standardized tests. I am applying during my post-graduate year and have been fortunate enough to intern in the offices of several prominent elected officials. My whole trajectory has been different, but in reality, I am a highly motivated, high achieving girl who would probably flourish in the Wellesley environment.
My school did not have grades, only written evaluations. Is Wellesley a school likely to embrace a candidate who's risen above adversity and who, on paper, looks somewhat different?
Thanks so much for all you responses!</p>
<p>froghorn,</p>
<p>Wellesley's application review process is holistic, meaning they take everything into consideration, including what was available in your high school and how you have worked within and outside of the system if you had to. The board, and especially the admission counselors, have read hundreds/thousands of applications, including many who have studied at nontraditional/alternative high schools. So it would follow that your experience wouldn't be something completely brand new to them.</p>
<p>My advice: don't worry that you went to a different type of high school. If you include in your app how you've been able to work around that and have succeeded in spite of it, then you should be ok.</p>
<p>:) Thanks so much!</p>