<p>As there are many stories of highly qualified students who recieved the Presidential and not the Buntrock award, would any Buntrock scholars be willing to post their stats? I know of a student with a 32 ACT, ranked first in class of 425, drum major, president/captain of other activities, two mission trips, etc etc, who missed out on this award. Anyone willing to share any information on any this would be greatly appreciated. What kind of competition are applicants now up against? Thanks.</p>
<p>Well, I got a 34 ACT and 4.0 GPA, took college classes in high school, was a National Merit scholar, president of student council, SADD, choir, and senior class, and held positions and was actively involved in a boatload of other activities, all while working and volunteering in my community. I wasn't selected. I know someone with basically the same credentials who was a finalist the year before, but she didn't want to go to Olaf. It really depends on your essay. Make sure that you show you're interested in the school. Visit lots, write a passionate essay, keep in contact with the admissions counselor, etc.</p>
<p>ACT- 32, SAT-2150, GPA- above 4 (weighted), National Merit Commended
My biggest selling point is music- I play piano and have been active in music at my school and church. I will be auditioning for music scholarships as well. It think one reason I'm up for the Buntrock is that I've shown a lot of interest in the school (it is one of my top two choices). Anyone have any advice for people interviewing for the Buntrock scholarship??</p>
<p>Basically, you have to have impressive scores to even be considered for the Buntrock Scholarship, but once you're over that "cut-off" it really boils down to the passion that you've shown for the school. I've seen several postings of stats (search through archives if you're curious) and there have been people who did not get called back who have had much higher scores than those who have. I think often in those cases the applicant sees the fairly low average stats and assume that they're a shoo-in, hence not putting much effort into the essay/visiting/etc. </p>
<p>I was selected as a finalist and while I do not post my stats here, I will say that they are fairly impressive, but I believe that it was my interview and my essay that allowed me this opportunity. I did not have a "cookie-cutter" application (although I am a Caucasian female) because I followed my passions and my ECs reflect that. I spent a long time writing a quirky, good essay that really showed why I love St. Olaf and last of all, I visited 2x even though it is several hundred miles away. </p>
<p>allstar24rk, hope to see you march 14! ;-)</p>
<p>My son had great stats, but I think he shone the brightest with his scholarship application essay. He packed it with personality, with a liberal sprinkling of humor. Think this is what the committee appreciates most.</p>
<p>I got my award today!</p>
<p>Congrats rhowcow!!</p>
<p>grace, where was your passion? All you had was 34 ACT and 4.0 GPA, took college classes in high school, was a National Merit scholar, president of student council, SADD, choir, and senior class, and held positions and was actively involved in a boatload of other activities, all while working and volunteering in your community.</p>
<p>"grace, where was your passion? All you had was 34 ACT and 4.0 GPA, took college classes in high school, was a National Merit scholar, president of student council, SADD, choir, and senior class, and held positions and was actively involved in a boatload of other activities, all while working and volunteering in your community."</p>
<p>Sorry...I guess I'm a bit confused. "Where was your passion?" Did you mean my passion for St. Olaf or my passion in general?</p>
<p>Congrats Rhowcow!</p>
<p>I am a finalist for the class of 2013.
My SAT score is 1440 for M/CR and 2240 for total composite.
My weighted GPA is 4.43
I do a ton of extra-curriculars. Lead in musicals, choir, dance, founded the ultimate frisbee club...</p>
<p>Brief resume I guess</p>
<p>I am also a finalist for the class of 2013.
ACT: (35) Breakdown: 36,36,35,31
SAT: (2250) 800,760,690
Class Rank: 5/300
Won many awards for Academic Decathlon
Varsity Basketball (wrote my essay about why I chose AcDec over basketball senior year)
Double legacy at St. Olaf</p>
<p>Good luck to everyone who is interviewing on Saturday!</p>
<p>Did they tell you when they will notify you whether or not you will be offered a Buntrock scholarship?</p>
<p>I was told they will be deciding this week and letters/notification will be sent the following week (3/23-3/28).</p>
<p>I was chosen as a Buntrock Scholar! </p>
<p>Good luck to all!</p>
<p>My daughter got her Buntrock Scholarship offer in the mail today. She was impressed by the accomplishments of other finalists she met during Scholars’ Weekend. I thought it could go either way for her.
Stats: 2300 SAT (CR 800, M 780, W 720); involved in school orchestra, youth symphony, and a smattering of sports. She may have been helped by geography (we live on the West coast) and by her genuine interest in subjects very different from her likely major.</p>
<p>Congrats to you all! I was somewhat worried when I saw people posting that they had received their letters, but I got mine tonight and couldn’t be happier!!</p>
<p>Bumping this up:
Do more recent Buntrock winners and/or finalists have input? Do you think it’s really a GPA test score threshold, then essays and interview? STO is D’s favorite school, but we need to aid to make it possible.</p>