Can I get in to MHC? Please only answer if you are very familiar with MHC!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Mount Holyoke College
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<p>Hi all- I have some unique academic circumstances... but MHC is my #1 dream school, so im really really hoping I can get in with some financial aid! Anyhow, here are my stats:</p>

<p>GPA: 3.65 weighted (I will explain later).
SAT: Not submitting (it is optional at MHC).
School type: Small, VERY competitive public high school. A middle college high school, which means that students take both regular high school classes and classes at a community college. It is not uncommon here for students to get into top schools.
Rank: 67/95 (again, because it is so competitive)
Ethnicity: White</p>

<p>EC's/interesting: - Most students at my school graduate with 40ish college units. I will graduate with well over 60 and not one, but two AA's in History and Geography, my majors... this is something that has happened maybe once, maybe never at my school before.
- Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for "valuable service to the community" ... I think that's really cool, personally.
- Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can receive.. was a girl scout for 11 years.
- Co-founder and VP of college Geography Club.
- Research leader/organizer on first annual college Science Expo. My Geography team will be researching the impact of climate change/lack of water on various world cultures.
- Equestrian of 12 years- have won some local year end awards.
- USEF High School Athlete Program Award- won for my junior year. Had to log 100+ hours of riding, go to at least 3 shows for that year, and demonstrate a strong passion/knowledge of the equestrian sport.
- Worked as a sales representative for an equine fashion company, WhinneyWear, during my junior year of HS.</p>

<p>Important: I was formally diagnosed with ADD and anxiety during my spring semester of my sophomore year. I struggled a lot in math (did not affect my other subject areas at all), so I got straight C's in math during HS. That is why my GPA is so low.</p>

<p>Letters of Rec: My favorite Geography professor, also the Department Chair at the college, wrote a beautiful letter for me, describing who I am as a student and how well I handle the college environment at such a young age (I was 14 when I started taking college classes). She said I was one of the most remarkable students she has ever had the honor to know...
My HS math teacher, who was my teacher for all 3 years of HS math, is also writing a wonderful letter for me. I cant see it but she has a lot of respect for me and is beyond proud of how I have dealt with my learning disabilities. I know for a fact her letter will be great.
My other 2 teachers are writing nice letters as well. But, im sure everyone has good letters...</p>

<p>Counselor Rec: My counselor rec is going to be really good. My counselor actually went to Mount Holyoke(!!!) and will mention that in her letter, and also how she could totally see me as a great fit for the school. She also will discuss my learning disabilities and how impressed she is at how well I have dealt with them and have still been able to take the most rigorous courses available.</p>

<p>Essay/Supplement: I think I did a good job, personally. My essays were on the unique side.</p>

<p>Interview: My interview went very well. I got an admissions officer who will be reading my application... I think we liked each other and she told me she thought I would be a great match for the school. Funny enough, she actually knew my HS counselor because they both went to Mount Holyoke together at the same time! Anyhow, because of how many units I had, she put me in contact with another admissions officer who looked over my unofficial college transcript and told me if I came to MHC, I could have 49 units come with me!! Woohoo!</p>

<p>I really really want to go to MHC. Everything ive read and heard about the school seems like a perfect match for me.... could I get good financial aid? Maaaaaybe even merit money? I know it is a long shot but she said it is reviewed holistically and told me "I would definitely be at least in the pool because of the rigor of my college courses". Who knows. It would be a dream come true, and ive got to try everything I can to make it happen! </p>

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<p>@stitchpony-</p>

<p>I think I already replied in one of your other threads that I do think you have a shot at getting accepted, but it’s not a sure thing so please make sure you have some other safety schools. Also- if I recall you had not yet determined whether you’d be applying as a freshman or as a transfer student. What did you find out from your conversation with the admission rep you were going to speak to? Because that is going to factor greatly into any advice we can give you about financial aid…</p>

<p>We cannot give you any guesses about financial aid because you have not given us any information about your financial situation. But I am familiar with the financial aid situation at MHC (my daughter attends) so I can try to help.</p>

<p>It sounds like you are not very clear about how financial aid works (forgive me if I am wrong!) Mount Holyoke is one of a few colleges that “meet 100% need”. What that means is that they use your family’s financial information (taxes, assets, etc.) to determine what your “need” is (often called the Estimated Family Contribution or EFC for short.) It is important to understand that that “need” has absolutely no correlation to what your family can ACTUALLY afford. It’s a set number based on tax records, etc. If your EFC is pretty low, you’re likely to get a large “grant” from MHC, and be asked to take out a small amount of subsidized federal student loans and do some work study, but otherwise all you have to pay is that EFC amount.</p>

<p>If I recall you said you were upper middle class, though. If your family is higher income, your EFC is going to be higher. At some point the income is high enough that you don’t qualify for ANY Need-Based Grant aid. BUT you may qualify for merit aid (though I think that is doubtful given your GPA and lack of test scores; merit is generally for the really high-stats kids) Note that merit aid is applied before need-based aid, so the two can’t be added together. Merit aid reduces any need-based award. The EFC remains the same.</p>

<p>It sounds like you have not run the Net Price Calculator for MHC yet.You really need to do that. I know you said your parent are busy, but you really need to sit them down and do this. I will give you the link. You will need your parents to help with this since you need to accurately enter income, savings, investments, assets, etc. They can use last years tax return if their financial situation is likely to be about the same this year. If your family’s financial situation is pretty straightforward (no divorced parent, no family business, etc) your NPC result should be fairly accurate. If you have separated parents, it may not be accurate since the non-custodial parent’s income IS taken into account. Small business can also skew the result. but its a start. Here is the link: <a href=“Net Price Calculator”>Net Price Calculator;

<p>Let us know if you need help interpreting the results.</p>

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<p>I wanted to add that in our experience the Net Price Calculator was very accurate and close to what my daughter actually received. If you and your parents enter your information carefully and accurately, and if nothing changes in the “real” numbers that you will be reporting in the FAFSA and CSS Profiles required next spring, the amount that the NPC says you will have to pay should be pretty accurate.</p>

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<p>Because of the complex nature of holistic review and need aware admissions there is no way to gauge your “chances”. Anyone who speculates on your chances (unless they work in admissions) is only blowing smoke. </p>

<p>Like most of the top women’s colleges, MHC attracts (self selects) above average, accomplished, aware and committed young women. (Slackers and girls wanting a “party school” normally don’t apply) MHC students come from a wide range of backgrounds and boast a wide range of accomplishments in areas like accdemics, arts, leadership or athletics. Part of the admissions proess is finding unique candidates who will succeed at MHC while simultaneously maintaing a diverse student body and engaging learning community. This is tough job for the admissions committee as many otherwise highly qualified applicants are, sadly, passed over each year. There is no “cookie cutter” MHC student–no typical SAT score. Your best bet is to polish your application, highlight your accomplishments, show a purpose and commitment to academic success, meet all deadlines and hope for the best.</p>

<p>The only way to know for sure If you’ll be admitted and If you’ll receive aid is to apply. Since you researched the school are obviously excited about the possibility of attending MHC, you should apply. Your application will be evaluated and if eligible you may even receive a merit scholarship. I believe you must indicate on the application if you plan to apply for Fin Aid.</p>

<p>Suppling the detailed amount of personal financial information required and completing the fincial forms is your parents job, IMO. (honestly I don’t know any high school senior who knows the ins and outs of their moms and dads finances, as it’s really none of your business. Many moms and dads don’t even know until they sit down and complete the forms). Additionally you parents should be completing the CSS profile as soon as possible. MHC admission is ‘need aware’. If admitted MHC will determine the amount of money you need to pay and the amount of money your parents need to contribute based upon your and your family’s ability to support your education.</p>

<p>This is the time time (tonite!) to discuss budget with your parents. find out how much they can pay and how much they think you should pay. Come up with a budget and stick to it. Dealing with the hard cold facts of money is part of growing-up. </p>

<p>Good luck. </p>

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<p>@momneeds2no- was that “blowing smoke” remark directed at me? I’m sorry- I was only trying to be helpful and answer OPs question. I don’t think it’s blowing smoke to evaluate (when specifically asked to do so) someone’s chances based on the information they’ve given- particularly when my own daughter was in an eerily similar situation last year and does attend MHC. I know that we were grateful for other people’s opinions last year when we were going through this, either as reassurance or as a reality check. Hundreds of hours of research and experience later, I thought it would be nice to give back to the community that helped us by sharing what we learned.</p>

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<p>I think you were helpful, @stacieneil. I was going to post, but you said pretty much the same things I was going to mention. I think @momneeds2no probably just means that “chances” questions can’t really be answered for schools like MHC unless a student is way out on either end of the scale of qualifications. The OP can only apply and see what happens, and make sure they have some other schools that include safeties.</p>

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<p>Hi all- thanks for commenting!</p>

<p>Staceyneil, yes I did create a post before… but that was in my junior year when things weren’t finalized yet. Now this is my final application profile, so I just wanted to kind of re-check things I guess. I am somewhat familiar with financial aid but I do still need to run the NPC calculator… things have been busy in my life but that is still something I need to sit down with my dad and do.
Of course I am applying to lots of other schools as well, and I have some safeties picked out, but im just curious about MHC because it seems so less-predictable than the others, again, because of the whole holistic approach momneeds2no mentioned. </p>

<p>I did speak with the director of transfer admissions and she is willing to give me 49 units to transfer over with me, as stated in the OP. That is HUGE- id only have to complete 5 semesters at MHC, potentially 4, and theyd still let me apply as a freshman. I was so impressed with how nice and helpful they were about it. So that itself is a big money-saver in terms of years paying tuition.</p>

<p>Thank you all for commenting and I think all of your responses were helpful. This will be my last post about MHC and i’ll reply here when I get some sort of admittance/rejection notification. I know they’re rolling admissions, but if I apply RD, -typically- how long will it take for them to get back to me? In your experiences what has it been?</p>

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<p>Stitch, Where did you hear that MHC offered rolling admissions? This is question for your admin rep. However, I believe MHC notifies regular applicants by March 30 (about). I think those with scholarship awards hear back a little earlier. Deposits are due by May 1st. Please be sure to post back your results and your thoughts about the process. </p>

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<p>Hi momneeds2no… it says on Naviance that MHC is a rolling admissions school. </p>

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<p>My apologies Stacyneil. Since your D has about 60 MHC days under her belt, you are probably just starting to understand the uniquely diverse nature of the MHC student body. </p>

<p>MHC, like all highly selective women’s colleges, looks at applications on a holistic level and does not base admissions decisions solely on “stats”. (But that does not imply that many students didn’t earn sky high grades or test scores in HS) In fact, MHC goes one step beyond “holistic” and allows applicants the option of not submitting test scores. MHC’s website provides an insight into how applications are reviewed. <a href=“https://www.mtholyoke.edu/admission/apply/applications”>https://www.mtholyoke.edu/admission/apply/applications&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>I’m not sure test scores are even required for merit consideration. Therefore your comments like: “you may qualify for merit aid (though I think that is doubtful given your GPA and lack of test scores; merit is generally for the really high-stats kids)” are really not completely accurate. This link describes the various merit awards available:
<a href=“https://www.mtholyoke.edu/admission/merit”>https://www.mtholyoke.edu/admission/merit&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>I recall moving in day for my daughter. I saw girls arrive with sewing machines, field hockey sticks, professional cameras, a banjo, horse trailers!, 8 ft rolls of canvas, ect… I also saw a girl step off the bus with only a back pack and one carry on rolling suit case–her first time in the USA. </p>

<p>Rather than"chancing" students for admissions, likely merit or needs based aid, I think (IMO) it maybe more helpful to give some insight on diverse nature of admissions. Yes top grades are critical, as that’s the number one predictor of success in college. But, MHC looks beyond the numbers and strives to select women who will thrive and, by extension, enrich the experience of their classmates. IMO, applicants should polish their essay, highlight any accomplishment (arts, athletics), give examples of proven leadership, and interview. </p>

<p>The only true way to determine your “chances” is to apply. Meet all deadlines and hope for the best. </p>

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<p>I do not believe that MHC is a rolling admissions school.</p>

<p>My D sent in her regular admissions application very early (November) but she did not hear back until everyone else in late March.</p>

<p>I believe the only way to hear back earlier is to apply ED 1 or 2. Here is the admissions page which lists the choices for First-year applications along with notification dates: <a href=“https://www.mtholyoke.edu/admission/apply/app_deadlines”>https://www.mtholyoke.edu/admission/apply/app_deadlines&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>In our experience, RD notification was a bit earlier than April 1. </p>

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<p>What difference does it make how many MHC day’s Stacey’s daughter has ‘under her belt’? I have no doubt that Stacey and her daughter extensively researched and spend a considerable amount of time at prospective colleges and they were well aware of the diverse nature of the student body, and that knowledge was a determining factor in deciding to apply to MHC.</p>

<p>Stichpony, transfer students don’t qualify for merit aid. And if I’m assuming correctly that you will require a significant amount of aid in order to matriculate, merit aid will not change your EFC. E.g.- 1) You’re awarded $40,000 in need-based aid. The EFC will be $15,000
E.g,- 2) You’re awarded $20,000 in merit award. The $20,000 will replace $20,000 of the need-based aid you qualified for, resulting in a same total amount of aid ($40,000) The EFC will remain at $15,000 </p>

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They are. Stacy’s assessment is correct that merit aid is reserved for the high-stat applicants. The principle reason MHC offers merit aid and associated perks is to increase the yield of high-achieving students.</p>

<p>MHC * does not* have rolling admissions.</p>

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<p>Another principal reason MHC awards merit aid is to compete with Smith. :)</p>

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<p>Crewdad, who told you that applicants are required to submit test scores to be considered for merit scholarships? Are you affiliated with the school or is that just your opinion based upon your daughter’s experience at MHC? </p>

<p>IMO, researching a particular school’s fit for one’s particular child, does not make one a pseudo admissions officer. Nor does it qualify one to speculate on the likelihood of admission, merit, and needs based aid for students with wide range of backgrounds. The schools are not only looking at the individual applicant, but also trying to build a diverse incoming class with multiple talents and achievements. To add to the confusion, MHC is need aware, so parents finances pay an equal part in adsmssions offers. </p>

<p>Since admin dessions are subject to multiple review, I feel that chancing applicants on CC is silly (i.e. blowing smoke). IMO the forums are best suited for folks sharing suggestions and subjective info. (i.e. stacyniel’s lovely and helpful review and photo of her Ds dorm room, Stacyniels forth-hand account of her daughter’s friend’s experiences at Umass parties and trips to the Holyoke mall) IMO, the school’s admission staff and website are the best source for concrete info like requisites for merit aid. College choices are too important and kids are better served by directly accessing accurate info. </p>

<p>In the spirit of accurate info from the schools web site, I offer this quote:</p>

<p>“It is impossible to make a prediction about an applicant’s admissibility. Keep in mind that many nonobjective factors contribute to admission decisions and that there are no “cut-offs” for grade point averages or test scores.” <a href=“https://www.mtholyoke.edu/admission/firstyear/firstyr_faq”>https://www.mtholyoke.edu/admission/firstyear/firstyr_faq&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>Wow… I guess the snark was intended. Forget giving the benefit of the doubt…</p>

<p>I can say that my kid who applied to MHC 2 years ago had test scores of 2380 (superscored) with two 800 subject tests (Math II and Lit). She was offered a large scholarship. I am guessing that even though they are test optional, they would still LOVE to report a higher test score average (some people who look at scores are not very sophisticated about it and don’t realize that the scores are skewed higher to start with at test optional schools, so this is still to MHC’s benefit). It is a sample of one. But I am guessing her scores did help her scholarship chances. It is common sense that all colleges (MHC included) offer merit scholarships to students who bring something they want to the school; that is what merit money is, bait for students with something special to offer. Test score averages are a very visible way for them to get something for their money. They may very well use the “bait” for other reasons. Maybe other students who got the higher scholarship dollars could post out here and say whether they supplied test scores, or what else they think pushed them into the scholarship ranks.</p>

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<p>Here a guess, feel free to confirm with the admission department. Subject Test scores are weighted heavier than the plain old SAT. Subject test show a mastery of a particular area (an 800 Lit / Math II supports those As in high school) while SAT’s show a mastery of the SAT. That said, 2380 is a great (and meaningful) score, which of course, was viewed in her favor. I’m guessing your D also earned a high GPA? More evidence that, generous merit isn’t the only deciding factor for every family. </p>

<p>inparent, “snark”? maybe. But, really? Chancing threads for a holistic, need aware WC? </p>

<p>Crewdad, Why do you think MHC is “competing” with Smith? I venture to guess that if Smith and the entire town of NoHampton were abducted by aliens, MHC would still continue to offer merit aid. </p>

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<p>Okay, I call BS on that. Really, subject tests are pretty much NEVER weighted more heavily by admissions than the SAT I score. Have never heard of a college doing so. You are putting yourself out as a parent with a lot of experience, but this is just not something colleges do. Plus, how is this “bait” that pays off for the college? Colleges do not report SAT subject score ranges anyplace. So it is “nice to have”, but brings the college nothing in terms of recognition. The SAT I score brings them a higher average test score for all the world to see. They will pay for that. It may not be all they will pay for, but my guess is it tops the list.</p>

<p>No, her GPA was not terrific. 3.7 UW. And no great EC that would probably be a big draw for the college. Her ECs were fine, but nothing beyond the state level, and not top in the state at anything. Also not an athlete, URM, or legacy.</p>

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<p>Breaking news on the topic of “competion”…
Smith roundly defeated MHC in ice hockey Sunday night, 8-2.
The conquering Smith team were seen celebrating by crushing cans of Red-bull against their foreheads. Meanwhile, the Lyon women retreated MoHome to freshen-up their manicures before regrouping for M&Cs. </p>

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<p>inparent, Like I wrote, just a “guess”. Seems to me (just guess again) that MHC does consider SAT subject test as more relevant that SAT I, at least in the case of home schoolers. </p>

<p>From the MHC web site “Standardized tests are not required for admission. However: Home schooled students are required to submit either the ACT or three SAT subject tests”. </p>

<p>You are assuming that MHC uses merit to bait applicants with high SAT scores. Then use the scores as a marketing ploy “for all the world to see. They will pay for that”. However, I see MHC marketing itself as niche top tier school with an inclusive, diverse, high achieving student body. It’s my opinion, based upon regular "marketing"commincation from the school, that MHC offers generous scholarships to attract a range of top students. More mportantly, MHC, devotes a far larger share of the operating budgeting (what they really pay for) to fund need based aid, subsidizing international study programs and subsidized internships for ALL (full and F/A) students as well as amazing co-circular experiences (all on MHC dime). </p>

<p>And by the way MHC does require test optional applicants to report test scores upon enrollment. We were told that these scores are calucated into the incoming class’s profile. </p>

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<p>Depends on your definition of ‘affiliated’ ;)</p>

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<p>Daughter #1 doesn’t have any MHC days ‘under her belt.’ Ditto daughter #2. One attends Vassar and the other is a Smith alumna. </p>

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A senior admission officer.</p>

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<p>Ding, ding–Incorrect :wink: For the vast majority of students, parents finances do not play any part (much less an equal part) in admissions. Only after >90 percent of the class have been admitted is ability to pay considered. The remaining students required to fill the class, calculating for the projected yield, are the marginal admits, and as such ability to pay influences the admission decision. In other words, some students in some years buy their way into the college. Smith is similar. That’s not to say that the marginal students aren’t capable of competing at MHC, but they might struggle in the beginning.</p>

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<p>Because I’ve seen the cross-admit figures. Smith is competing with MHC as well. Smith significantly increased their merit award a number of years ago because they were loosing students to MHC and other LACs</p>

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I’d venture to guess that should your scenario actually transpire, MHC would b i t c h that Smith and the surrounding location were abducted because they’re more desirable.</p>

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Dang, I go out-of-town for a few days and Smith and MHC suddenly have ice hockey teams.</p>