This is my top school, I have visited and demonstrated interest through e-mail correspondence and meetings I had with the assistant dean of fine arts recruitment. I do understand however–given my stats–that it is a reach school for me, so I also welcome any other college suggestions that may be similar to St. Olaf.
Illinois resident
Junior
GPA: 3.0 (Upward trend, finished freshman year with a 2.4)
ACT: 26
AP’s: AP Seminar, AP Human Geography, AP Language and Composition, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science, AP Research.
Extra Curricular: Heavily involved in vocal ensembles; made both the top curricular and extra curricular ensembles my sophomore year (earliest possible). Leadership roles include, section leader, ensemble leader/conductor, I have also taught voice lessons to underclassmen.
Heavily involved in theater; have played lead roles and been eligible for the IHSTMA awards (still waiting to hear back).
Written for school newspaper.
As I stated earlier I understand that it’s a reach, but I still plan to interview to make myself stand out as much as possible during the application process. I tend to be very well spoken in interviews and plan to play to that strength.
Good luck, @MB2000! You look like a very well-rounded student, and St. Olaf has many great programs for studentt interested in music and theater. To help boost your application to any school, definitely take the ACT, with plenty of prep, to get your ACT score up. Work hard to get the best grades possible for spring and fall semesters. Complete a really strong application, including a great essay and letters of recommendation. Make sure your essay is proofed by more than one person, including a teacher or guidance counselor at your school. If your folks can afford to hire someone to help you get started, that is a great idea. The hardest part is sometimes just selecting the subject matter. Keep in touch with your Admissions Rep. Did you meet him or her in-person? Can you attend the Colleges and Change Lives or National College Fair, in Chicago, this summer/fall? Do college reps come visit your school? Personal contact can be a real help to applicants in your situation. Let them know you are working hard to improve your GPA and test score.
Other schools to consider, similar to St Olaf, for you to consider: Gustavus Adolfus, in MN; Luther College, in IA; Beloit and Lawrence, in WI and Knox and Illinois Wesleyan, in IL. I’ve heard good things about Earlham, in Indiana, too . You sound like a great young man, who is taking charge of his college application experience. Keep working hard and good luck!! Let us know how it is going for you, and if you have any other question. I have a S16 going to St. Olaf (which is obvious) and an S17 at Grinnell, in IA, so I have a lot of recent experience, helping them with this process!
@Muad_dib - We were fortunate the St Olaf looks at more than just GPA and test scores. They have a very holistic view of applications, and our S17 was admitted with a low-ish GPA, but decent ACT score. A good essay and several other factors showed that he was up to the rigor of of the programs at the college.