Hi! I’m a high school junior and MHC is my top choice. I don’t have the best stats, so I was wondering if you could take a look and see if I have any chance at all of getting in next fall.
3.75 GPA UW (my school doesn’t do weighted GPAs)
32 ACT
Planning to take SAT 2s in Biology, English, and US history
Not a huge amount of community service but trying to get it up. Some of the places I’ve volunteered have been:
My figure skating club, teaching kids to skate
Food for Lane County
Spend a few weeks in Nicaragua working at a sustainable farm (with Volunteers for peace)
Also some events with the Womanspace in my town
ECs:
Figure skating (10 years)
Debate team (lots of awards at various tournaments in Policy and Parliamentary debate, Impromptu and Extemporaneous speaking, and Original Oratory)
Student Council Secretary
Drama (Wendy in Peter Pan, Antigone in Antigone, etc…)
President of the Feminist Union
National Forensics league Academic All-American Award
Prom committee member
Georgetown summer program in international relations
My school is incredibly competitive. It’s very small, and I think there’s only one person in the entire school who has a 4.0. The counselor writes all that in the recommendation, but the main problem I think is with AP classes. My school only offers about 5 a year, and very few to underclassmen, so I’ve only had 3 AP classes, and I plan on taking 5 next year. I just feel like that doesn’t put me on par with people who have been able to take 12 or so through high school. I also had some pretty bad struggles with depression in my freshman year that led to me not getting very good grades that year, but my GPA has gone up every semester since that.
My D is a first-year at MHC. We attended their “Focus on Admission” even a few years ago, so I feel I have a pretty good idea what they are looking for.
Of course it’s really difficult for anyone here to chance you, and a lot will depend on your letters of recommendation and essays, but honestly I think you sound like a pretty good candidate. About the AP classes: you will not be penalized for only taking 8 if your school does not offer many more than that! You’re not being judged against other applicants from schools with 40 AP classes - they just want to see that you have challenged yourself and taken a rigorous courseload. Your GC, presumably, will check the “most rigorous” box on her Common App report. (If you’re worried, just ask her if that’s what she’ll check, and if not have her explain why not.)
It’s also great that your GPA shows an upward trend! They love to see that.
For what its worth, my D took about half honors and IB/AP courses during high school, and she could have taken more. Her GPA was lower than yours. She also struggled with depression and overcame it, and her letters of rec reflected that and described how well she’d done despite those challenges… Her SAT was 2100, SAT2s 790, 720. She was accepted and is thriving there 
Can you visit? Try to do so during the school year and sit in on classes and/or do an overnight. MHC is a wonderful school, good luck!
Thank you! I visited last summer and the atmosphere and everything in general was just really fantastic.
Don’t worry about a the APs. Many of the top privates are moving away from the ap based high school program. And don’t worry about the UW GPA either. MHC will review your grades and course selection in the context of your school. If they questions they will contact your GC. MHC wants to see that your are prepared accedemicaly to succeed in a demanding college level curriculum. Strong SAT 2 scores will help.
I offer this advice. Focus on EC that you truly enjoy. Schedule a campus visit. Interview with rep for your area when she comes to visit. Polish your essay. If MHC is truly your top choice apply ED.
Here some advice you didn’t ask for. Enjoy your last year of high school. It goes by so fast. Make the most of your relationships and connections with friends and folk in your community (teachers mentors etc). Have some fun.