I am thinking of applying ED 2 to Bates. I have about 91 GPA and would not send in my SAT scores. I did not take any APs last year, but I am take AP Physics and AP Calc this year (my school only offers 4 APs). I do not have the best grades, I am stronger in English and History and Science, and weaker at Math and Language. I expect my final grades to be As in history, science, and English, and Bs in ap calc and spanish.
Extra Curriculars: things I have done all four years +
- I help volunteer with open houses and tours at school
- Created a club with the goal to spread random acts of kindness and acceptance (just created this year)
-helped form student wellness committee (created this year)
- Dance 30 hours/wk*
- Volunteer 3 hrs/wk*
- Assist young dance classes 2hrs/wk*
- Teacher assist art at school
- Dance intensive in the summers*
-Work at a summer camp part-time*
-apart of environmental club at school (2 yrs)
- apart of united unions, which helps advocate for diversity and equality in my school (helped make this yr)
-mentor to young girls between ages 8-12 years old
I think my essay is pretty good. I have a very unique story and shared that through my essay, but my main point of the essay was again, to show that I am determined, hardworking, and kind, which I think I did very well.
also my sister went to Bates College and only graduate a couple of years ago
My guess is that you would be deferred. You are a decent candidate, but Bates is pretty selective and is probably going to us ED2 to snag those students they just can’t bear to lose. I don’t see you being in that group.
With that said, I suspect they would recognize that you would be a fine addition to the class. With your sister having gone to Bates and having applied ED2, you might get lifted out of the crowd in the RD round, so if it is really your #1, there is no harm in applying RD2. It could pay off later in the process.
Where in the country do you live? Are you an under-represented minority? Those things will help you. I think your sister having attended Bates is a small advantage and I think if you offer some kind of diversity, your chances are improved over the average candidate. Good luck.
I live in Northeast. Yes, I am a URM, but do you think Bates cares that much about diversity?
Also, if I get an alumni rec do you think that will improve or hurt my chances. I heard sometimes alumni recs hurt the applicants chance. Is that true?
Yes, being URM and having a legacy connection are helpful. I think you are far better off requesting an alumni interview. If they only ask for two recs, those two recs need to be from your teachers. If they allow an additional rec, it should ideally be from someone who knows you in a different context from school. An employer, or a coach, or the volunteer coordinator, something like that. An alumni rec on its own, unless that person knows you well outside of everyday connections, isn’t going to be that helpful, but I don’t know if it will hurt.
Your grades will probably be the biggest factor in your admission. I would say they are borderline, but maybe your recommendations will allow the admissions officers to see that you can handle the work. If the NPC looks affordable, go for it, unless you aren’t truly sure you want to commit ED. Remember that it’s binding.
I should add, if you have another ED option you are considering, assess your chances realistically and think if your one shot at ED is better used on another school.