Hi! I was wondering if anyone could chance me for Bates college, for Early decision.
Sports:
-varsity cross country: 4 years (Also, I am a captain this year)
-varsity track&field: 4 years
-nordic ski team: 3 years total; 1 JV, and 2 varsity
APS:
Spanish: A+
English Lang: A
Literature&Composition: taking next semester
GPA unweighted: 4.04/4.97 weighted
Cross Country Awards:
-Captain Award
-Most Valuable Runner Award
-Work Horse Award
Academic Awards:
-Spanish Achievement Award
-English Achievement Award
-Elmira College Key Award
-Headmaster’s List for 2 years (must get all As)
Extracurriculars:
-Spanish club (2 years)
-National Honor Society (2 years)
-Seasonal job last winter
I have a passion for learning languages (would like to study Russian/German in college, maybe Italian and continue Spanish) and the outdoors (hiking, skiing, running)
I will not submit test scores. I know that my teacher recs will be strong, and I have a good essay. I know my extracurriculars are weak – varsity sports take a lot of time and effort, so I’ve decided to focus on those throughout high school, instead of joining bunch of clubs. Also, I only have 3 APs…I plan to visit Bates as soon as I can, and do an interview. I’m probably going to try to get in to get in touch with coaches, because I want to continue all 3 of my sports in college. I would really like to know if I have any chance though with early decision - is it even worth it for me to apply?
I think you have a good shot. It will be even better if a coach will back you.
@gardenstategal Do you think it will hurt me that I haven’t taken physics or calculus, even if I don’t want to study anything related to math/science in college? I plan on studying english and foreign languages in college. I’ve gone through Biology and now I’m taking CP Ecology&Evolutionary Biology. I have 4 science credits. For math, I took precalculus last year, and now I’m taking a 5th math credit with personal finance (at my school, to graduate, you need 3 math credits and 4 science or vice versa).
It’s very selective, so no guarantees for anyone. Sure, more rigor and off the charts scores would help, but you only have what you have. Write a great essay, and make sure who you are comes through. If you’re serious about Russian, make sure there’s enough in that department to satisfy you for 4 years.
When applying test optional to a selective school, course rigor, strength of high school and gpa take on even more importance. Not having calculus and physics may raise a red flag in the ED round. How many APs does your school offer? If they offer a full complement and you only have 3, that will also be cause for concern. Your gpa looks good. Do your know your rank? Without test scores, you will need to be stellar in every other area
@wisteria100 My school offers 12 or 13 APs… ah now I am starting to feel like I should not apply because my course rigor just isn’t there. Do you think I’d stand a chance at Skidmore or Union? I heard that it’s really hard for women to get into Skidmore because they’re trying to get the male-female ratio more even, as the school is currently 60% female
You have a very good shot at Union either RD or ED, and you would be in the running at Skidmore too. Using ED at Skidmore may be a good strategy for you.
You’re not a shoo in at Bates, but you have a shot. If it’s your first choice, go for it. ED is your best chance. I’d you are deferred at Bates, which is more likely than being rejected, you can decide if you want to ED2 somewhere else. Did you take subject tests in Spanish or anything else? Basically, you want to show you have the academic chops to succeed there.
@gardenstategal I did not take the subject test in Spanish, but I did take the AP test - I got a 5
Bates isn’t strong on FL. Consider Middlebury. Alos, the academics at Bates are tough. I seriously think you would have to reconsider that if yiu go to Bates. What is your course rigor like? Be sure to interview, it’s important to them.
Hey! You have a good shot! Did you applied to their Fly-In?
No, I didn’t – I just looked it up, too bad I didn’t know about it before, it sounds wonderful! @Stephstudent98
@nopuedodecidir it is! But hey! Email the admission office and stay in contact with them!
How have you demonstrated this “passion” for foreign languages?
Why Bates? They’re usually looking for a bit more in activities than sports and a job, plus community engagement. How much of this is about fin aid?