Chance a URM with serious doubts :(

Colleges and Universities A-Z Amherst College
1

<p>Hey all, what are my chances for getting into Amherst? And any advice? Please & thank you :]</p>

<p>Class: Junior (2011)
Nationality: Ugandan & first generation (But American citizen)
Gender: Female
State: New York</p>

<p>ACADEMICS!</p>

<p>GPA: 4.0
Class Rank: 20/132, top %15 percent
AP Classes: Junior Year = AP English, AP US History (No scores yet…)
Senior Year/Next year: AP Biology, AP European History, AP English (No scores yet…)
ACT: 34 Composite. 32E, 36M, 34R,34S.
SAT: Amherst requires SAT I + 2 SAT II’s OR ACT so since my ACT’s are relatively strong I figure why bother with the other two? In all likelihood, I could secure a 780 on the literature and US History SAT II’s but I’ve taken SO MANY practice SAT I’s and I’m stuck at 2160. I even got a tutor and I can’t get higher. Also, I can’t afford all these tests (at my school we have to pay for AP testing) sooooo that’s close to $300 for a bunch of tests when I could just pay $45 for the ACT, do well, and pay for my AP’s in May. What’re your opinions on this? Do you think my status as a first generation/URM will negate the absence of an SAT? AND Amherst says either/or but submit both IF YOU CHOOSE! Sooo can they really hold that against me? J

  • I am only taking 5 AP’s and I’m not in the top 10 percent. Will this hurt me? But at least I’m excelling at these AP courses right? Above 95’s in five is better than 80’s in 20? Lol…And will the SAT thing hurt me? Honest opinions!</p>

<p>EXTRA CURRICULARS!</p>

<p>Summer Camp Counselor
Model United Nations - Honorable mention twice
President of Human Rights Club - planned a Dance for Darfur that raised $8000 for the nation, launched a World Hunger Event that involved the community and raised $20,000 for Cambodia
President of Youth Against Racism - Selected to attend New Paltz University’s 11th Annual Racism Conference
Vice President of SADD
Youth Leadership - participated in the most successful Junior Achievement Company ever.
Varsity field hockey captain
National Honor Society
Honor Roll since 2007
Selected for Summer Scholars 09: Exploration of American Diplomacy at Vassar College

  • I am confident about my EC’s but wondering if they’re strong enough. Do I have enough leadership positions? Do I stand out? Hmm…</p>

<p>TRANSCRIPT!</p>

<p>Very strong with the exception of a two C’s freshman year but who really cares? I’ve maintained honor roll ever since then with A’s in EVERYTHING! And excelled in more and more honors classes and AP’s each year so my transcript greatly reflections my academic progression.
*I am not worried about this section.</p>

<p>ESSAYS/RECOMMENDATIONS!
I’m confident about my essay strengths and tentative topics.
I have teachers/advisors who really know me that I plan to have write my recommendations.
*I am not worried about this section.</p>

<p>INTENDED MAJOR!
International Relations/Political Science</p>

<p>Thanks guys =)</p>

2

<p>You seem like a very strong candidate. Amherst is incredibly selective though so there are no guarantees. Ultimately though, I’d say you’ve got a very very good shot. Your EC’s and scores seem great.</p>

3

<p>You have serious doubts? About what? You have a clearly amazing record.</p>

4

<p>I agree with Classics.</p>

<p>When I read this, I thought you were joking. It came off extremely arrogant.</p>

<p>However, don’t be so comfortable. Schools have been known to reject incredible applicants…</p>

5

<p>Really? Hahaha that’s interesting but no I’m not joking at all.
I’m just worried whether or not my lack of standardized tests will look poorly against other applicants who’ve taken the SAT I & II’s. Also, I’m not in the top 10% and I’m not taking as many AP’s and fellow juniors. </p>

<p>But thanks for the advice guys! (:</p>

6

<p>Well, since you’ve said that…</p>

<p>Colleges look for applicants who took the most rigorous courses their high school offered. If your school offers 10 APs total, and you’ve only gone around to taken 2…that also looks bad on you, as an applicant. </p>

<p>When you’re applying to college, your college counselor sends along information about your high school to the colleges in question. This includes class size, course offerings…things of that nature.</p>

<p>Nothing really pertinent sticks out, however, that might result in you getting denied from colleges. But again, nothing is certain. Keep doing what you’re doing & good luck!</p>

7

<p>Thanks for the advice miss murder!</p>

8

<p>I think you have a very good shot. I have not heard of anyone at Amherst though, besides athletes, who was admitted with C’s but then again I think there are few people who do improve so drastically. Your first generation and ethnicity will certainly be defining factors and I would certainly expect Amherst to accept you, you are extremely qualified.</p>

9

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</p>

<p>That’s understandable, since most people prefer not to discuss their academic backgrounds.</p>

<p>But, plenty of people are admitted with academic records that are far from perfect. I myself had two Cs–and many more Bs.</p>

<p>It’s true that bad grades are what sink an otherwise extraordinary and compelling candidate, but other factors can and do offset total disaster.</p>