Chances please? ^_^

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I made one of these chance threads about four months ago; however, many things have changed since then. I appreciate any help or insight that you may lend to me :D</p>

<p>About me
Male
White
Rural Missouri</p>

<p>Possible college majors: linguistics, philosophy, English, creative writing (I don't know really, my interests are all over the place)</p>

<p>Standardized Tests
ACT
Highest Composite - 33 (E=35, M=33, R=36, S=28, W=not released yet) October 2010
Superscore - 35 (E=35, M=34, R=36, S=35, W=8)
Also, I have taken the ACT five times. (27, 32, 31, 29, 33). Will this reflect poorly on me?</p>

<p>SAT
None</p>

<p>Academics
GPA - 4.0/4.0 (My schools doesn't weigh)
Rank - 1/47 (tied with one other)</p>

<p>My school offers no IB program, no AP courses, and only one honors course (which I have taken). That being said, I have taken the most rigorous schedules possible. Also, I have taken no foreign language classes as my school has not had an actual foreign language teacher since I have been in high school (they do offer Spanish as an online course). However, I really enjoy learning foreign languages and have kind of taught myself some Japanese in my free time.</p>

<p>ECs
9th - FCCLA, Piano lessons (lasted for six years. I still play though I no longer take lessons)
10th - Math and Science Society
11th - Philosophy Club, NHS, Quiz Bowl, Work at Dairy Queen (10-25 hrs/wk)
12th - Philosophy Club, Quiz Bowl (captain), Class President, Student Council Vice-President, NHS (officers of other organizations/clubs can't hold NHS office), Working at Dairy Queen (10-25 hrs/wk)</p>

<p>I have logged 50+ hours of math tutoring. I also spend a large amount of time listening to, playing, improvising, and composing music in my free time.</p>

<p>Awards
10th - Sophomore Pilgrimage
11th - 1st place Quiz Bowl all-district team
Numerous "highest grade in class" awards throughout high school.</p>

<p>Before high school:
1 excellent rating at State Music Festival (piano solo)
3 superior ratings at State Music Festival (piano solo)
1 superior rating at State Music Festival (piano concerto)</p>

<p>Schools to be chanced for
Definately applying to Amherst, Hamilton, Middlebury, and Washington University
Strongly considering Bowdoin, Brown, Carleton, Colgate, Haverford, Wesleyan</p>

<p>Any information on chances for these schools, or recommendations for other schools, would be greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>Thanks :D</p>

2

<p>Bump</p>

<p>Extra info:
I have the highest ACT my school has ever seen.
My Common App essay will be pretty good, probably not astounding though.
-Will it hurt me if my short answer is about reading in general, and my essay is about the effect J.R.R. Tolkien and his works have had on me?</p>

3

<p>bumpbumpbump</p>

4

<p>Bump. Writing score released = 10</p>

5

<p>You’re a very unique candidate, which is a plus. The lack of APs/language courses doesn’t matter too much because colleges look at most achievements in context of your school. If the school doesn’t offer a certain course, it’s not your fault. In my completely uneducated opinion, however, I would say that this would mean that your ACT/SAT scores will be weighed more heavily than your classes/GPA. Taking the ACT 5 times does look a little like grade-grubbing, so it could reflect a little poorly. </p>

<p>As to your question about reading and JRR Tolkien, I’d say change your 150 word blurb to something other than reading. The point of any application (again in my uneducated opinion) is to show as many facets of your abilities/personality as possible, so doing your essay/blurb on the same topic seems kind of redundant. Maybe change one of them to something about piano?</p>

<p>As for chances, I’d say you have the best shots at Hamilton, Colgate, and Haverford, with the rest falling in that awkward category of 20% acceptance and below, which makes them hard to predict. Does Washington University refer to the one in St. Louis? Hope I’ve helped and good luck.</p>

6

<p>You look like a high match for WUSTL. Be sure to show interest by applying for merit aid, visiting, etc. Good luck.</p>

7

<p>Might look at som other good LAC’s that are slightly easier to get into like Holy Cross(don’t have to be religious) and Colby. Holy Cross is similar to Colgate but with nice location-1 hour from Boston. Colby is comparable to Bowdoin.</p>