<p>Hi everyone, I've really become interested in Hamilton and was wondering if anyone could give me an idea of what my chances of admission are :) I'm considering Hamilton for ED so if you can give me an idea of how much that would help my chances, that would be great as well.</p>
<p>Some basic info: white male, upstate NY, public hs is regarded as one of the best in the region. I'm interested in studying either psychology or political science. </p>
<p>GPA ~94% UW (my school doesn't weight GPA so I have no idea what it is weighted, 42 in a class of 321 - top 13%)
SAT 2080 (740 CR, 660 M, 680 W) - superscore, taken twice
SAT II: USH 770, Lit 710, Math 1 670
33 ACT (35 English, 32 Math, 32 Reading, 31 Science) - single sitting</p>
<p>APs:
World History 4
US History 5
English Language/Comp 5
English Lit/Comp (senior year)
Government (senior year)
Psychology (senior year)
Statistics (senior year)</p>
<p>ECs/volunteering/other stuff:
-Editor-in-Chief of student newspaper for two years, was Entertainment Editor as a sophomore and involved as a freshman. Won a national award for a piece I wrote this year
-Involvement in Student Government all four years, getting a higher level position next year too
-Mock Trial as a freshman and sophomore (disbanded but regional champions)
-Self-published a novel a couple years ago, have promoted it at local community events
-Key Club
-Scrabble club lol, also disbanded
-Play two instruments, one is self taught
-A few school-wide academic awards
-I work as a page at the public library
-member of Spanish Honor Society
-Link Crew
-Student mentor at high school summer program
-Summer programs at local university two years in a row, one in Film and another in Psychology</p>
<p>*Side note: I've interviewed, it went very well. I've also contacted my regional admissions rep and plan to continue to do so in the future. </p>
<p>DocOc97: You have a lot more to get you in than to keep you out. Perhaps your academic rank is a little low, but you have shown academic achievement elsewhere (AP exams and standardized tests). Decide which scores to submit for Hamilton’s flexible testing policy. You really don’t have a weak score, but you could do a precise analysis by percentile level if you are looking for every possible advantage. Probably you should submit them all. Your ECs are great. I’m sure they’ll overlook the Scrabble. As for ED, use it for an admissions edge if you are SURE about Hamilton. You could be in (or out) either way. It depends on how competitive a year they have. Wishing you success!</p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback and the luck! I could be wrong, but I’ve heard around that my school is getting rid of class rank, at least for valedictorian labeling. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for confirmation on this, as I agree it’s definitely my biggest drawback. Like I said, my school doesn’t weight GPA, so there are kids ranked higher than me who take wayyy easier classes - I imagine that issue could be why my school is getting rid of class rank (IF it is), but I hope it’s something that Hamilton and other similarly competitive schools can take into account. </p>
<p>DocOc97: I’d say that since you know how hard you worked to achieve your rank, then you are in good position to know its intrinsic value. The College, as well, will look at everything available to determine what your rank means in full context. Btw, being Editor-in-Chief is key. You properly listed it as your first EC. . . . As a student, you should not be resistant to a writing tip, “As I said” is the way to go. . . . Wishing you continued success! </p>
<p>Rereading my posts, it appears as if I may have been a “tough grader.” That’s more a matter of my trying to make a distinction between the small group of applicants that are, for whatever reason, “definite” admits, and the larger group of “probable” or “possible” admits that will ultimately constitute the majority of the class.</p>
<p>Your application will be interesting to read because of your ECs. The novel you wrote will certainly be commented on, and may be enough to generate an advocate for you on the admissions committee. Btw, your “raw” GPA is very good, irrespective of the students who took easier courses and may have leap-frogged you in rank.</p>