Top Choice: Swarthmore (ED)
Reach: Oberlin (dual degree college & conservatory), Colgate, Vassar, Haverford, Kenyon
Target: Dickinson, Denison, Union, Skidmore
Safety: Allegheny; St. Lawrence
SAT: 720/720
ACT: 32
GPA: 3.6 unweighted/ 3.8 weighted
Mitigating factors: major head injury junior year; missed almost 3 months of school (guidance counselor will write about it)
EC: 4 years soccer and basketball, captain of JV soccer team sophomore year; varsity jr and senior year. Starter, but not a superstar and injuries got in the way. Clubs – a variety, but no significant leadership in any. Theatre – lead performer in school theatre and choral groups. Heavily involved in both local and regional religious youth group activities, including lots of community service.
Outstanding vocal performer, completing diploma program at Eastman School of Music (vocal performance, music theory, piano, choral performance, etc.) All-county jazz choir several years. One major award (best actress in a musical for region). No national or major competitions. Will be submitting supplemental video/recording.
APs: six (but only one “5” score due to last year’s injury). School only allows 3 per year. Comp Sci (2); Chem (3); Eng Lang (5); Calculus AB; Eng Lit; Physics.
Intended Major: Astrophysics/Music double major.
Recommendations: will be very positive, but perhaps not over the top. Her teachers praise her intellect, but she is quiet.
Race: Caucasian
Religion: Quaker (might matter for Swarthmore and Haverford)
School: Independent school
Class Rank: Not reported (very small school).
Finances: She’ll get some aid, but less than the average package at these schools.
Hooks: Major legacy at Swarthmore (both parents, plus five extended family members, including a former member of the board); also legacy at Oberlin (grandfather & sister), and Colgate (but remote – great uncle was college president)
My thoughts: her test scores are better than her grades, but colleges may or may not cut her some slack due to last year’s injury. If she can pull off straight A’s first quarter senior year, it will go a long way (more likely mostly A- with one B+). She’s the definition of well-rounded, but being overextended on activities has hurt her grades.
Search is limited to small LAC in the northeast because she has auditory processing disorder, so only small schools with smaller classes.
Thanks for the insights of the community!