chances of admission?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Hillsdale College
1

<p>Hello everyone! I will be applying to Hillsdale by Feb. 15, 2010 as an American Studies/Christian Studies major.
I am a sophmore at a great community college in California. These are my stats from my college career only (so far):</p>

<p>GPA- 3.6
SAT- to be taken on Nov. 7 & again on Dec. 5</p>

<p>Courses (already taken): English 100, Music Appreciation, Intro to Sociology, German 101, German 102, World Religions, Human Nutrition, Physics, Probability & Statisics, Honors Critical Thinking & Writing, American Government, Sociology of Marriage & Family
Courses (for upcoming spring semester): Finite Mathematics, Honors Biology, Honors World Civilizations II, Intro to Literature, Honors Theatre</p>

<p>Campus Activities:
Associated Students Senator (student government)
Chair of Curriculum and Education Committee
served on Election Committee
student rep. for Education Advisory Faculty Committee
student rep. for Distance Education Facultuy Committee
Phi Theta Kappa (international honors society)
Christian Students
Student Ambassador for Career Launch</p>

<p>Other Activities:
Children's Ministry volunteer 2 hours a week @ my church
Piano- 6 years
Intern for the Hope Institute- youth recovery/rehabilitation center</p>

<p>Employment:
Bakers (womens shoes): June 2007-June 2008
Carino's Italian Grill: March 2008-December 2008 (closed due to economy)</p>

<p><strong>HOWEVER</strong></p>

<p>I am afraid that my past high school record will affect the progress that I have made in college. High school was a very bad time in my life. I battled depression and was also diagnosed with A.D.D. I started using drugs and was eventually <em>expelled</em> from my high school for drugs just 3 months before graduation. I recieved my diploma through continuing ed.
It's a long story that I won't get into. Basically though, after much struggle, God found me in the midst of my agony and failure and reinvented my life. I owe all to him: love, redemption, sobriety, and especially these transcripts! :)</p>

<p>Please let me know if I stand a chance at attending the incredible institution of Hillsdale College!
And thanks for reading :)</p>

2

<p>Grades and activities are trending upwards. Instead of continuing with negative behavior after leaving high school, you earned that h.s. diploma equivalency and started college. Good for you!! Keep up the great work and consider reaching out to the admissions rep assigned to your area.</p>

3

<p>Thank you for the encouragement. :slight_smile: I am actually scheduled to visit the campus in 3 weeks, and am set up for an overnight stay and an interview. I’m a little nervous but very excited! What may I ask do the regional counselors do for prospective students? I will definately contact someone but I don’t know what to ask…? Since the interview portion is already being taken care of.</p>

<p>Also, do you have any recommendations on how to improve my stats/resume? I cannot do a lot by Februrary but I will do whatever I possibly can.</p>

4

<p>Audrey,</p>

<p>Is the SAT in two parts now or are you planning on taking it twice? I took it back during the late Jurassic period when it was still out of 1600, and it’s only gotten goofier since then. If the latter, don’t: take a test once and do it right. I believe Hillsdale only takes the first score, anyway. </p>

<p>Your coursework looks pretty good, but if you’re set on Hillsdale you might want to discuss the credits that transfer in with your counselor. “Intro to Literature” sounds a lot like “English 101/02,” and you can’t bypass any of the core curriculum with transfer credits. Otherwise, most of your classes look like they’ll count toward graduation. Speak with admissions or your counselor about this and only take classes that will transfer in. In the event you’re not accepted to Hillsdale (and I hope you are), you can always take these other classes later with no penalty. </p>

<p>It sounds like you’ve come a long way. Good luck!</p>

5

<p>Dalealumnus,</p>

<p>The SAT is definately goofy, but still taken in one session. I am planning to take it twice- first as a “rough draft” and for the second test I am getting accomodations (more frequent breaks) because of my A.D.D. As far as I know, Hillsdale will except your highest score, but I could be wrong. I will definately look that up.</p>

<p>And thank you soo much for calling the english class to my attention. You are so right. A crummy english 101/102 class will never make up for their core classes on the great books! Looks like I need to call a counselor.</p>

<p>Thank you for the awesome feedback!</p>

6

<p>Audrey, I agree with Mom and Dale: with an upward trend you have greatly improved your chances. Meet ASAP with your regional rep (call Hillsdale Admissions to get the number of the one in your area). Discuss with him/her your history - do not embellish, just be matter of fact. You are not the only one who has had some trouble in your life! </p>

<p>One thing about the coursework you’ve taken and Dale nailed it: some of these courses will not count toward graduation at Hillsdale, depending on your major. Only the registrar can tell you what courses would be counted, and if they would be general electives or otherwise. </p>

<p>Foreign Languages are 4 credit courses at Hillsdale. And as my son found out, his 2 semesters of Spanish were covered entirely in the first month of spanish I at Hillsdale. Please do not go into H thinking that you already have fulfilled a language requirement, and don’t be surprised if you start again at German I. Hillsdale is so much more difficult than any community college. My son was Phi Theta Kappa with a 4.0 at our local comcol; not so at Hillsdale.</p>

<p>Especially since it is already almost November, I would contact Hillsdale without delay.</p>

<p>Good luck! I am so glad to hear you are on the right track again!</p>

7

<p>Wow, thank you for the advice. I figured that Hillsdale doesn’t mess around with foreign language classes… now I know. Pretty intimidating. I will definately contact admissions asap to see about the transferrable courses.
Again, thank you so much for your response. Every piece of wisdom helps so much more than you know!</p>