Although it’s clear that this forum is swamped with kids asking about their chances of admission, I can’t help but conform.
I’m considering applying ED1 to Kenyon, my dream school. As a track and field prospect, I’ve been in contact with the coach for months. He gave their admissions liason a rough copy of my transcript, which was met with relatively positive feedback (said my areas of strength were in line with what I wanted to study and what Kenyon prioritized academically and that I’d have a “shot” at getting in). The coach has informed me recently that I’ve been offered a “C-band” slot on the team and says that with my full-pay status, great college essay and spot on the team, I have a “pretty good chance of getting admitted.”
Okay, here’s the bad side - I have a 3.1 GPA, 28 ACT, and I’ve only taken two APs out of the 8 that are offered at my school.
Would applying ED1 be a bad choice?
I would say if it is your dream, you are willing/able to be a full pay, and do want to see any offers from other schools. Yes, it is your best chance. Without the possible athletic hook, Kenyon would be a very high reach for you.
Your stats are more in line with candidates for a good state school or private university in the Syracuse range — some of which I don’t think even have an ED tier. So, you might not have much to lose by committing to Kenyon as your ED1. You might get in, but if not, there are other good schools ready for you to apply to RD.
You do owe it to yourself to look into other schools you’d enjoy attending where your stats are closer to the median.
A 3.1 GPA and a 28 ACT are very low for Kenyon. A 28 ACT buts you in the lower quadrille of incoming freshmen. And 5% of freshmen have a GPA below 3.25.
Thanks for the advice. I’m hopeful with Kenyon as my ED1 pick but as you said before, it’s if I don’t get in. I’m feeling relatively optimistic about it.
Thanks again!
Your relationship with the coach and the pre-read put you in a different position than most applicants. Without that, I would say your chances are slim, but if the coach encouraged you to apply ED after seeing your stats, your odds are clearly being driven by that relationship. Good luck!