<p>Hi,
I’m wondered what are my chances of getting into Amherst. I have a 4.0 GPA from a Washington state CC. By the end of my sophomore year I have taken 3 quarters of Calc, 3 quarters of general Chem, 3 quarters of OChem, 3 quarters of Bio, 2 quarters of English composition, plus 3 quarters of humanities and social sciences (Sociology, Communication, and Literature). I can get very good letters of recommendations from my profs. I’m also very active in my cc clubs and activities. I do street photography. I have a long term volunteer experience. I also work 38 hrs beside my school work and have been always a full time student. I come from a low income family (raised by a single mom) and I’m the first person in my family going to college. I say all of these so you know exactly my situation (if any of them helps my chance of getting into Amherst). I want to study Bioengineering, Biology, or Neuroscience . I’m also wondered if that’s true that I can get grants easily (so I almost don’t have to pay anything). I also want to know about the college itself! Is it scary to transfer from a CC to a top university? Would it be better if I just transfer to University of Washington since it’s the public uni of my state?
Thanks for your time.</p>
<p>You live in the State of Washington. Why Amherst?</p>
<p>@kaukauna cause it’s a top school, has small size classes, and has lots of scholarships available (from what I’ve heard).</p>
<p>Shazde: Well now you’ve got a good start to your “why Amherst” essay (if in fact Amherst requires such an essay). The main point of my question is that if you have the basic academic qualifications (which your 4.0 at the CC suggests you do) then what usually puts applicants over the top at these really selective places is the passion which comes through on the application. I believe that if you can sincerely internalize your motivations for pursuing an Amherst admittance, you will have a reasonable chance of persuading the admissions committee at Amherst that you should be offered a place at Amherst College. Best of luck to you.</p>