Chances (sorry, I know they're obnoxious, but please?)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Swarthmore College
1

<p>Basic Info:</p>

<p>Asian, adopted</p>

<p>attend TAG Magnet </p>

<p>School</a> for the Talented and Gifted in DALLAS, TX | Best High Schools | US News</p>

<p>33 ACT </p>

<p>3.67 unweighted GPA</p>

<p>have taken 10 APs (average score of a 4, two 3s, have not failed any AP tests)</p>

<p>am taking 8 APs this year (so far, all As)</p>

<p>I have volunteered at my church from 8th grade on (they offered me a job sophomore yr)</p>

<p>I am a member of Writing, Editorial writing, Lit Crit clubs (have placed in various
competitions)</p>

<p>volunteer at the local library starting in 8th grade</p>

<p>Bible study fresh and soph year (started teaching Sunday school junior year)</p>

<p>middle class family (divorced, one sister, also adopted)</p>

<p>member of every honor society my hs offers </p>

<p>live in Texas</p>

<p>applying RD</p>

2

<p>Well your AP’s sound great, BUT AP classes are not really a factor in College Admissions, Yes they show you may be capable of college level work, but they dont get you IN. You may be better advised to channel your academics into SAT subject tests, take between 2-4 in the BEST subjects, perhaps where you got 4 pr 5 at AP. For the Top LAC (like Swarthmore) you probably need at least 2 SAT subject tests at 700+. SAT needs to be around +/- 2100 the higher on Critical Reading or Math the better. Forget more AP’s bring up you unweighted GPA to closer to 3.8 min and take subject tests, no more AP’s…just my 5c</p>

3

<p>Your essays will be essential to get their attention. Also try to interview and be really clear on why Swat!</p>

4

<p>The rigor of your high school will be noticed, in my opinion.</p>

5

<p>thanks guys! I actually flew there in early August to interview there. My interviewer was really nice and we talked about books and European history (I told his I wanted to major in that). Also, I have no choice about courseload because my school pretty much forces us to take all of those APs, which in retrospect is a good thing.</p>

6

<p>If you were applying ED I would say your chances are very good. RD is harder to predict because so few spots may be left for smart females like you. Suggest that if you must wait for RD because of financial issues that you apply to other slightly less selective similar schools like Vassar, Oberlin, Grinnell, Carleton, etc.</p>

7

<p>@nervedoctor
Sadly, I could not apply to Swat for ED (financial reasons). I am applying to Bryn Mawr, though, not as a back-up, per se, but more as a match. Hopefully I’ll be accepted to Swarthmore, though!</p>

8

<p>you will have 18 AP classes in high school and 8 in one year? That is crazy-balls radical. I though my nine was a lot. If I was a college admin I would be like “damn thats hardcore, shes gettin in here.”</p>

9

<p>@chickenonabun
Haha thanks! I’ve submitted everything except art supplement. Waiting is the worst…</p>

10

<p>Wow that is a lot of AP classes! I am not sure but I heard they focus quite a bit on the essays so try to really nail that!</p>