<p>Well - my son's early decision application is in a Amherst, and we just finished a second school visit over Thanksgiving (my first; he and my wife's second). What a NICE PLACE.</p>
<p>Hoping for the best for him ... he's worked his rear off since 8th grade. </p>
<p>Any supporting or "face reality" thoughts either way while we wait would be appreciated. </p>
<p>SATs V740, M710, W720; SATIIs Literature 770, Math 1 740</p>
<p>Very active in Drama and music (bassoon), studied abroad in Hiroshima summer 2011, 5 years Japanese language study (since 8th grade), active in School Levy advocacy for the school, and keeping the Japanese language program when for 2 years the school board attempted to fold it. </p>
<p>He's not a legacy -- we're midwesterners. We're also not Japanese ;-)</p>
<p>Figure he as as good a chance as any ... though this school is really his first choice. </p>
<p>Well, I’ll give you a quick reality check. The vast majority of applicants with your DS’s stats will be rejected. The vast majority with stronger stats will also be rejected. I’d put his scores at a bit below median and you don’t give us class rank.</p>
<p>Coming from Missouri will help. Beyond that I’d consider an SAT retake as chances go way up if he has 750 per section. Than I’d add several more great little LACs because there are many similar, slightly less selective schools.</p>
<p>ah well — $60 to apply … all things considered better odds than the lottery and a better payout if he gets lucky. Life is a crap shoot … at least we tried.</p>
<p>Too bad on the very small selection … but my kid’s got 5 years Japanese language study, 2 months helping teach English to Japanese middle schoolers in Japan, National Merit semifinalist (I know - so do all applicants here), and heavy involvement in youth symphony (bassoon) and drama. </p>
<p>I’d put a more positive spin on it. Yes, Amherst is hard to get into, but your son is certainly a viable candidate with an interesting background. Amherst is very proud of its historical ties to Japan, so that’s a plus for him. Nobody here can tell you his chances. You’ve got less than a month to wait and then you’ll know for sure.</p>
<p>I would agree that some LAC will be lucky to have him, and if you’re looking for other LACs with good Japanese studies and music, consider Oberlin.</p>
<p>Good Luck to you son! My son, now a Junior at Amherst, had very similiar stats, was 14 out of 650, had a 4.2 GPA and his main EC was Drama/Theatre (very active all 4 years of HS). He was admitted Early Decision. I think your son has a great chance — don’t stress over the naysayers. He’s got great stats.</p>
<p>My son worked in the Admission Offices this summer giving tours and sitting in on Information sessions. He saw all kinds of stuff and heard all types of questions! The Dean, Katherine Fretwell told him she remembers his admission essays and could clearly recall loving his writing and thoughts. I thought that was very telling 3 years after his admission! They are not just looking for just great stats – they are looking for a student who shines in their essays and recommendations. They want a well-rounded student who will contribute to the college environment in many (and possibly unique) ways.</p>
<p>Please keep up posted on how it all works out!</p>
<p>I didn’t mean to imply he wouldn’t get in! But as a college counselor up until last June, I’ve come to believe it is best for parents to fully internalize that most highly qualified candidates are turned away by top colleges.</p>
<p>I can’t tell you how many horrified calls I’ve received over the years, but they picked up to an unimaginable pace in the last 3 years. There wasn’t much I could say, these parents had amazingly wonderful, qualified, accomplished, deserving kids who were not finding seats at colleges they would have been shoo ins at even 5 years ago.</p>
<p>Schools like Amherst that were well kept secrets largely attracting prep
shool grads have been “found” by kids all over the world. </p>
<p>So I don’t want to take anything away from your wonderful son, but he will be no less wonderful no matter where he end up.</p>
<p>No bad feelings either way to anyone … its hard not getting stressed or your kid.</p>
<p>One more question … I’ve heard that submitting a short resume’ with the applicaiton could be of benefit. Would this have carried any weight at Amherst - or rather - do they even look at resume’s if they are submitted with an application?</p>
<p>My son’s counselor and a friend who is a counselor enciurage the resume’. Not sure if this is overkill or seen by the admissions people as fluff, and ignored.</p>