<p>I am a caucasian male from the midwest (Iowa) planning to apply to several elite liberal arts schools as well as a few universities next fall. As my thread title indicated, I am most interested in Amherst and it is likely that I will apply with the november early decision pool. My achievements follow, and I would greatly appreciate opinions on how good my chances are. Also, does anyone have any advice as far as applying to other top liberal arts schools (eg-Swarthmore, Williams, Pomona)? </p>
<p>Standardized Tests</p>
<p>AP: Human Geography, Environmental Science, English Composition, European History -All 4's. I also recieved 5's on both U.S. History and Psychology.
SAT Critical Reasoning: Reading: 750 Writing:730 Math:660
Subject Tests:U.S History:770. Literature:700
Class Rank/Class Size: 3/398. GPA 4.45 Weighted/3.97 Unweighted</p>
<p>Extracurriculars/Leadership/Awards
1.Junior Class President
2.Student Government, Community Service Group Leader-11th
3.Student Advisory Board (for my class)-10th,11th,(1hr/w)
4.Student tutor to kids with learning disabilities-11th, (7hrs/w)
5.St. Lukes (local hospital) Hospice-volunteer 10th, 11th(7ths/w)
6.Committee Washington High School-Provides discussion between faculty and students-10th, 11th, (met monthly)
7.Rotary Interact (Community volunteering organization)-10th, 11th (2hr/w)
8. Won academic numerals, honors, etc whenever possible.
9. Member of National Honors Society
10. Won School Departmental award (History and Social Sciences Award) 9th, 10th, 11th
11. Represented Cedar Rapids High Schools at a local newspaper's panel discussion over optional sales tax for schools. (one time event)
12. Nominated for City Leadership Program-completed program-11th (met for one day each month)
13. JV Sports..no varsity...swimming 9th, cross country/soccer 10th
14.. All Male Hip Hop Dance Team-11th </p>
<p>SENIOR YEAR SCHEDULE
AP Literature
AP Economics (MICRRO/MACRO)
AP Calculus
AP American Gov.
AP Comparative Gov.
AP Biology </p>
<p>Thanks for your time and advice,</p>
<p>Peter</p>
<p>anbody have any advice?</p>
<p>Your class rank is wonderful and Iowa is a plus, but I would retake the SATs for a strong chance.</p>
<p>Yeah I know my SAT's aren't stellar..I just figured the rest of my app. would balance that out as well as the geographical residence.</p>
<p>Don't count on it. Retake the SATs with better prep.</p>
<p>well, the mean SAT range is: Verbal 670-780..Math 680-780..Writing 700-770.</p>
<p>yeah, but the range is pulled down by the amount of token minorities that get in each year. there's a set number of seats given to urm's in each class, so discount those applicants (many of whom are under qualfiied). as a white male, you have no advantages in applying unless you are poor. you still have a goot shot anywhere you apply though because your gpa and class rank are excellent. I f I were you, I would retake the SAT I and focus solely on the math and get it over 700. anyway, good luck.</p>
<p>for top LACs:</p>
<p>mediocre to below average SATs (as you have realized. you NEED to have a higher score, ESPECIALLY on the math portion, which with good practice is the easiest to improve on). good score on the lit subject test though..</p>
<p>good rank...</p>
<p>possibly good ECs. all depends on how true this "i volunteer for 17 hours a week" statement is. and also, how many weeks per year? </p>
<p>overall, assuming that your SAT breaks 2250 this fall, you are in for amherst ED. if not, then i say there is a strong possibility that you'll be deferred</p>
<p>Granted, I have studying to do for the SAT. How much could geographical residence help me in terms of what SAT scores could be accepted?</p>
<p>Not sure about that, but it definitely seems worth it to do some prep this summer and retake!</p>
<p>Geography is just what they refer to as a tip factor, you would get in before a kid from NJ, MA, NY or CA with the same scores/GPA.</p>
<p>It seems Amherst may be too much of a reach considering the reaction to my SATS..so what top LAC's do you think would be a good match for me? Close Reaches? Safeties? Etc. </p>
<p>Thanks for the SAT advice everyone, it's not what I'd like to hear, but it is helpful nonetheless.</p>
<p>bump..any ideas on schools?</p>
<p>Well, is Amherst your absolute favorite #1 or isn't it? ED is supposed to imply that (but I know a lot of CC kids seem to use ED as a chances booster for the top school they think they can get into - even if it isn't their top choice). </p>
<p>If it is, definitely apply ED, because YOU DO have a shot. Are you completely against retaking SATs, as it seems? Your chances would be increased with a higher math score, but as it stands your scores aren't bad.</p>
<p>Oh no I am not opposed to retaking the SATS, in fact I am already signed up for them. It's just that I want to gauge how much of a negative factor they will be. I intend to apply ED as it is most definitely my top choice. I know that my chances for admission won't dramatically increase as a result of applying ED though.</p>
<p>Basically I agree with Firefox's assesment. You have good rank and ECs but you might want to pwn the SATs so you have no doubt in your in mind. (You don't want to be like "If only I had raised my SATs") As of now I say Amherst ED is a pretty good possibility and if you have 2250+ it is an extremely great chance. Thanks for chancing me earlier.</p>