Chance me, please! (ED)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Haverford College
1

Hey everyone. This is my first post on this forum.

I visited Haverford recently and loved the environment. I’m thinking of applying ED after an interview and overnight visit sometime this fall.

I think my grades/scores are at the point where I’m kinda competitive for the top liberal arts schools, such as Haverford…but I’m still pretty nervous.

I’m a white male from Vermont.

Tests:

ACT: 35 Composite (33 E, 34 M, 36 W, 36 S), 8/12 Essay

Sat II: 730 Math II, 770 Chemistry

Grades:

3.73 UW GPA, my school doesn’t do weighted grades. I’ve taken 1 AP, AP Chemistry (A-), and am taking AP Biology and AP Calculus Senior year.

My school does not release Class Rank.

EC’s

Created and currently lead a group of student volunteers in my high school, working with a local nonprofit to help elderly people learn and understand technology. (recently created)

Paid lead counselor for my high school’s freshman orientation camp. I taught incoming freshman computer skills (school software stuff), helped them mingle together and make friends, and guided school tours. (3 years)

Board member of a school trust designed to distribute funds to worth clubs and extracurriculars that need financial aid. (2 years)

100+ hours of community service (total), at a local, volunteer-run Halloween event. (past 4 years)

I have played piano (non-competitively) for 10 years.

I have been a member of Key Club for the past 3 years.

I have other small extracurriculars and volunteer work, but nothing major.

Rec’s/Essay

I feel like I should be able to write a strong essay, but nothing amazing. I’m working with a college advisor to make it the best that I can.

My recommendations should be strong, but again, probably nothing exceptional.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! I realize my EC’s are pretty weak, but there’s not much I can do about it at this point. I’m already stressing out about admissions, and it’s June…

Thanks in advance!

2

Spend time on your essays. Write and re-write them. Be your true self in your interview (interviews are conducted by seniors, I believe). The Honor Code and your “fit” at the school will be very important as your grades and test scores are in line with other admitted students. Once you’re sure that Haverford is your ED choice, perhaps you can visit more than once if it’s geographically feasible. I think demonstrated interest is important.

My son will be a freshman in August. The feedback I received from the school was that his interview was an important part of his admission (I was concerned that he’d interviewed poorly) as well as his essay, which likely led them to believe that he and Haverford are a good fit.

Full disclosure - my son is an athlete, and he was recruited by the coach, but did not apply ED, just RD.
I am sure that played a roll in his acceptance. However, he had a similar GPA with a 35 ACT and a 2190 SAT - SAT II 790 Math and 770 Physics.

Best of luck!

3

@Epeemom ,

I’m definitely going to spend a lot of time on my essays. I’m pretty sure that the LAC’s I’m looking at weigh them more heavily then GPA and test scores, which are my strong points. I’m planning on going back down to Haverford this fall for an interview and an overnight, so level of interest shouldn’t be a concern.

Unfortunately, I’m not talented enough to be recruited as an athlete-although, some of the club sports I hear Haverford offers sound interesting.

I think I can demonstrate during my interview/application supplement that Haverford is a good fit. In Vermont, everyone treats each other (even total strangers!) with respect and kindness, so the Honor Code and the community that it creates sound very appealing, as I’m used to that sort of atmosphere.

Thanks for the advice!

4

First and foremost for them would be your fit with the Honor Code so definitely make that a priority in your essays and interview. The fact that you’re a male actually works in your favor since LACs usually get more female applicants. Surprisingly, my son was accepted without ever interviewing so it is possible. They must have seen something in his essays and his academics that they considered a good fit for their school - never underestimate the power of a good essay! :slight_smile:

5

You are in the ballpark, which is the best that can be said for anyone looking at one of the nation’s most elite colleges. Great essays and a strong interview are pretty important as well. Good luck.