<p>Hey all,</p>
<p>So, I recently realized just how badly I'd like to get into a really great liberal arts school. I'm from Canada (Vancouver, BC), and we don't use the 4.0 GPA system; instead, we use percentages. When I 'converted' my marks to the 4.0 scale, I was shocked - my grades are TERRIBLE. Absolutely horrid. I'd love to get into Bowdoin (perhaps Bard or Bates?), but I need to be realistic ... I don't really know much about the American school system, so I really need some advice.</p>
<p>Basic info:
- female
- filipino
- first generation college student
- I attend a public school</p>
<p>I was in an accelerated academics program from grade 8 - 10. </p>
<p>Grade 10 schedule:
Financial Accounting 11 - 87%
Chemistry 11 - 81%
French - 92%
Band - 89%
English Enriched - 97%
Math - 70%
Social Studies - 92%
Planning (it's a graduation requirement course in Canada) 94%
Orchestra (I take this as an extra course after school) - 84%
... 3.3 GPA ...?</p>
<p>Grade 11 schedule:
Chemistry 12 - 70%
English Enriched - 93%
French - 83%
Band - 92%
Eng. Literature 12 - 81%
Math - 67% (Good God, I hate math)
Social Studies - 96%
... this turns out to be a 2.8 GPA ...? (FML.FML.FML) </p>
<p>My Grade 12 schedule is going to look something like this:
AP English
French
Math
Writing
Psychology/Social Justice
History
Band
Economics
... besides math, I'm pretty sure that I will be getting at least 90% for all of the courses.</p>
<p>I don't plan on taking the SATs, as the math portion will make it impossible for me to get a decent mark. (That's why I'd like to apply to SAT-optional schools). I'm thinking about taking the SAT subject test for English literature and possibly French (unlikely, though). I'll be taking the AP tests for English and English literature. </p>
<p>ECs:
- Graduation Committee president
- Key Club member
- During the school year, I volunteer as a piano teacher at the local elementary schools every week
- camp counsellor
- various other events (Children's festival, conventions, etc.)
- I have a part time job as a cashier and server
- I've worked as a teacher's assistant for elementary summer school</p>
<p>MUSIC:
- Band - flute section leader
- Orchestra - violin for 3 years
- Classical Guitar - 3 years
- Classical Piano - 10 years ... Royal Conservatory of Music exams (includes practical, theory and music history) - for my Grade 9 exam (there are only 10 grades in the RCM), I finished within the top 10% of all Canadians
... I plan on submitting the Arts Supplement. Will this help my chances?</p>
<p>Finally, I'm a participant of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Basically, the program has three levels: bronze, silver and gold - I will be receiving my gold award this fall. It takes roughly one year, usually longer, to complete each stage of the award. There are four portions which must be completed: Skill, Physical Activity, Volunteering, Expedition. </p>
<p>The program's significant in that it requires consistent dedication to each section - ie: you must volunteer weekly throughout the year. This should show admissions that I'm a dedicated, hardworking individual, no? I plan to use my experiences with the program for my essays.</p>
<p>Basically, I'm really going to be relying on my extra curriculars and my teacher recommendations. Would an interview, considering my lackluster grades, be a huge help?</p>
<p>I'd really appreciate some advice.</p>
<p>THANKS!</p>