Hi all!
I was wondering if I have any shot at all in getting in ED for languages. I’m just finishing up my junior year at a high school in the Midwest.
I’ve taken 4 AP classes so far. My overall GPA is a 3.7 or 3.8 sophomore and freshman year combined but a 3.9 this year. My ACT is a 28. Every summer I’ve traveled abroad on programs other than the summer I spent doing their precollege program for languages. I’m also doing a foreign exchange program next year. I speak Spanish and Italian fluently. I’d probably want to major in Russian or Arabic or something along those lines. I’ll have great letters of rec and essays. Outside of school, I have a part time job, a leadership position on the newspaper and another club after school, and I have lettered in volunteering 3 times and I have over 500 hours.
What do you guys think?
I think your GPA is fine, your test scores are too low (30-31+ ACT is where it needs to be at a minimum, 32-33+ is best) and from what you’ve listed here your ECs look like they could be especially interesting, if you really are an outstanding language student. HOWEVER, you’ve probably not listed everything you’re involved with. Your application needs to be a cohesive narrative and you should start working on that ASAP. EMPHASIZE languages, at least in the Middlebury app. Make your essays tell a story.
Why are you passionate about languages? What does multilingualism mean to you? Why is it important? HOW have you pursued language? Have you helped others by pursuing your passion? If so when? What did you get from that? These are the sorts of things that should speak when an admissions officer sees your listed activities in the common app, your awards/distinctions if you have any, and ESPECIALLY in your essays. Also, if possible, your language teacher ought to write you a letter of rec - I’m assuming you have a good relationship with one if you’ve pursued language to a level commensurate with the abilities required for admission to the programs at Middlebury.
Good luck! Work hard of your applications and then just submit them. Once you’ve poured your heart and soul into your writing and paid incredible attention to detail (in addition to attaining and maintaining your academic credentials throughout your senior year) THEN you can be satisfied, no matter the outcome.