Chance me for ED1?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Hamilton College
1

<p>Hey guys. Rising senior from Maine here planning to apply Early Decision. I was wondering if you guys would chance me!</p>

<p>Here are my stats.</p>

<p>GPA: 91.1/100</p>

<p>SAT I: (First time taking)
CR: 690
Math: 590 (retaking in october, hopefully will come up)
Writing: 690</p>

<p>SAT IIs:</p>

<p>Literature: 650
U.S. History: 660</p>

<p>Rigor of Coursework: Mostly honors and AP classes when offered.
Rank: School does not rank
Race: Caucasian
Gender: Male
Income Bracket: ~$150-200k+ per year
Location:: A very competitive public high school in Maine.
Hooks: None, really... My interview went really really well but I'm not sure how much that really matters.</p>

<p>Extracurriculars: (Place leadership and time spent in parentheses)</p>

<p>Maine Youth Court (Youth Leadership Team), a restorative justice system for kids and teens. 10, 11, 12
Playmakers, the school's drama society. 9, 10, 11, 12
Jazz Band (Lead Trumpet). 9, 10, 11, 12
The Theater Project, a local black box theater for sketch/improv comedy. 9, 10, 11, 12
Improv Club (Founder/President), a club for improv/sketch comedy. 10, 11, 12
Model UN. 11, 12
Private Trumpet Study, 8 years
Private Voice Study, 2 years</p>

<p>Volunteering:</p>

<ul>
<li>The Theater Project, teaching theater/improv skills to young/underpriveleged children at the same black box theater where I do shows.</li>
<li>Just a side note, I do get volunteer credit for doing the Maine Youth Court. I've amassed about 100 hours in it so far.</li>
</ul>

<p>Awards/Recognitions:</p>

<ul>
<li>Berklee Jazz Judge's Choice Award, an award given by judges at the Berklee Jazz Festival to "exceptional players."</li>
<li>Thespian Award, for serious involvement in the school's drama society</li>
<li>Town Bugler: Played "taps" for Veterans' Day and Memorial Day services</li>
<li>District II Honors Band (2 times, going on 3)</li>
<li>District II Honors Choir (1 time, going on 2)</li>
<li>District II Honors Jazz Band (3 Times, going on 4)</li>
</ul>

<p>My chief concerns would probably be my math score, GPA, and lack of any serious awards. Thoughts?</p>

2

<p>You should be in the ballpark, but remember ED1 is full of athletes, even at Hamilton, so your stats have to be as good as those for RD. And the admit rate is now close to 25%, so nothing is a lock. It’s worth a shot, but do everything you can to strengthen your weak areas.</p>

3

<p>Hi Ruprex!</p>

<p>I’ll try to be as honest and helpful as possible.
First, your standardized test scores need improvement. They’re good scores, but Hamilton is becoming increasingly competitive. A composite score of 2100 will put you in a safer position. That being said, scores aren’t everything, especially to Hamilton. We are much more interested in who you are and what you can contribute to the college.</p>

<p>Your GPA seems fine. If you have AP scores that reflect your abilities, make sure to send them. Competitive high schools may grade harsher, but it helps admissions to see scores so they can compare you to other applicants (i.e. a B- at your school may be an A- at my school, kind of mentality).</p>

<p>You have an interesting list of extracurriculars. Remember to stress your leadership positions! Hamilton is looking for game changers…so, ask yourself, what did you do that sets you apart from the other 500 ED I (and 5000 RD) applicants? In addition, the essay is a big part of the application. You want to show that you are a good fit for the Hamilton, but you also want to show what you can add to our community on the hill. </p>

<p>And don’t worry about awards! Reading CC you’d think everyone accepted to college won a national award, but that’s nonsense. </p>

<p>As it stands now, I would predict that you would be deferred ED I and then stand a decent chance at admission RD. Regardless, if you love Hammy, you should apply! No one knows what an admissions officer is thinking! </p>

<p>Best of luck. </p>