chances to become a Swattie?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Swarthmore College
1

<p>German-born Vietnamese Male
Northview High School in GA - We are a relatively new public school (open for five years), yet, we have been awarded the Governor's Cup (highest SAT scores in the state) for the past two years. Last year alone, three students from Northview were accepted into Harvard and several others were accepted into other Ivies. Extremely competitive school.</p>

<p>Stats:
GPA - 4.0 W / 3.7 UW / Top 13%
SAT/ACT - taking SAT/ ACT in October, SAT/ ACT in November, and SAT in December (I know, very VERY late) I have been doing okay on the practice tests for SAT - SAT V 700, SAT M 700
Rigor of Courses - graduating with 8 AP's (World History, Biology, Calc AB, Language & Composition, Statistics, Literature, Calc BC, Econ) in addition to honors classes</p>

<p>Hobbies:
- writing/literature (not your typical Asian, in the sense that I'm passionate about these particular areas)
- music (8 years of viola)
- community service (active in volunteer service)</p>

<p>Academic & Literature Awards:
- Super Honor Roll (9, 10, 11)
- Principal's List (9, 10, 11)
- Who's Who Among American High School Students (11)
- National Honor Society (11, 12)
- nomination for Governor's Honors Program - Chemistry, Biology, Music, English (11)
- 2nd Place Winner - Scientific Problem Solving Bowl sponsored by Georgia Junior Academy Of Science (10)
- winner of Poetry.com's Editor's Choice Award for outstanding achievement in poetry
- winner of nationally acclaimed Pegasus Literary Magazine's Editor's Choice Award 2005 (monetary prize)
- AP Scholar with Distinction</p>

<p>Main Community Service Projects:
- Co-Founder of Music4ALife Organization - Music 4 A Life is a non-profit organization composed of dedicated artists (i.e musicians, designers, and etc.,), that raised money for certain tragedies devastating a part of America. Inspired by the Tsunami waves of East Asia, and the destruction of Hurricane Katrina, Music 4 A Life has become a fundraising group with a goal to financially aid victims through the medium of music, and to help community centers around America grow and maintain their excellent service. Started in 2005, artists from around the nation have gathered together to form CDs, mixtapes, and demos to grab the attention of many, as well to help raise money for the victims of recent tragedies. The Music 4 A Life mission statement is to promote the economic and social well-being of victims affected by recent tragedies through the united theme of music.</p>

<ul>
<li>Co-Founder of the Tutors-In-Action Network (TAN) - TAN is dedicated to the academic improvement of Northview High School (although it is already one of the top high schools in the country). TAN pairs high school students together (one tutor and one learner) in a comfortable environment in which both teacher and learner can excel. Recently, TAN has teamed up with the National Honor Society to provide "struggling" underclassmen with experienced 11th and 12th grade tutors in order to improve our high school's academic system. TAN is an immeasurable component of the school; tutoring provided in foreign language, SAT prep., drama, fine arts, personal fitness, in addition to all core courses.</li>
</ul>

<p>Small Community Service Projects:
- Committee Member of Coffeehouse For Charity (CFC) - CFC was a one night event that was organized in the metro-Atlanta region by several high schools working in unison toward a common goal of donating proceeds to hospitals in the Atlanta area
- Lab Analyst on Science Saturday - An all-day Saturday event sponsored by high school dedicated to the inspiration of scientists in the youth. Neighborhoods in the community were invited to attend and witness labs/experiments conducted by students.
- Team Captain of AIDS Walk Atlanta 2005 - co-captain of school team in a fundraising walk to promote awareness of AIDS in today's society
- Member of Science Force - A PTA-sponsored program, Science Force allows high school students to commute to local elementary schools on various days and conduct physics and chemistry labs for elementary students to see.
- Participant of Hands-On-Northview - Community service events dedicated to the embellishment and beautification of local high school and community
- Various Chamber Music Projects - I am an active musician (see below), and I have performed for the Atlanta Ministry with International Students, Symphony Celebration, Ivy Hall, Georgia Music Educators Association and various other organizations</p>

<p>Music Achievements:
- Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO) - (9, 10, 12) - Considered to be one of the top youth orchestras in the nation, "In 1974, the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra was created as a subsidiary of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, a practice that is relatively rare for American orchestras. However, this arrangement worked for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra since it began as a youth ensemble itself, the Atlanta Youth Symphony of 1944-47. Every September, about 400 high school instrumentalists audition for places in the ASYO. Only about 120 will be selected to participate in the season." (Wikipedia)
- ASYO/Berlin Youth Orchestra Exchange - "The goal of this cultural exchange is to have young qualified instrumentalists, ages 13 to 23 years old, assembled together in a mixed orchestral ensemble of around 110 players to rehearse and perform compositions from various style-periods of both countries. This occurred in two phases: June 1-13, 2004 in Berlin and August 3-13 in Atlanta, with different concert programs. The notion of German/American exchange has been strengthened by having the guests of each side of the Atlantic stay with families in the host country, thereby providing a glimpse into the culture and lifestlye of the partners, affording personal contacts that will eventually enrich both phases of the project. In addition to the musical goals, both partners will also contribute towards the promotion of German/ American relations." (Dr. Michael Jenne, National Music Council of Germany)
- GMEA All-State Orchestra (10)
- Associate Principal Violist of Fulton County Honor Orchestra (11)
- Assistant Principal Violist in Northview High School's Chamber Orchestra (11, 12)
- Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra (12)
- Manager and violist of the Sunrise Quartet - A professional chamber music group composed of four diligent musicians. Hired by the renowned High Museum of Art, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, as well as for private weddings and other occasions.
- Internship with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra - worked under Melanie Darby (Coordinator of Youth & Family Programs); main project - constructed proposals for Alumni Orchestra as a branch of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra</p>

<p>Leadership:
- Key Club - Treasurer (10, 11)
- Tutors-In-Action Network - Co-Founder (10), Vice President (10, 11), President (12)
- Orchestra - Operations Manager (11), Vice President (11), President (12)
- AIDS Walk Atlanta 2005 - Northview High School Team Co-Captain (11)</p>

<p>Other EC's:
- Spanish Club (9, 10)
- National Spanish Honor Society (11, 12)
- Academic Bowl (9, 10)
- Beta Club (9, 10, 11, 12)
- Contributing Writer to Northview High School's Literary Magazine (11)
- FBLA (9, 10)
- Med School Club (10, 11)</p>

<p>Essays:
This aspect of my application is probably going to be my forte. I am a strong, creative writer and I firmly believe that that is what admissions officers look for - someone who can articulate their individuality in terms of how they would be able to contribute to the school of their choice.</p>

<p>Teacher Recommendations:
One from my English teacher that has known me for two years both inside and outside the classroom. We have discussed literature and poetry outside of class in great detail to kill time in the rather stagnant moments that precede the school day. Another rec from my organic chemistry teacher who is an enthusiast of classical music much like myself. I have invited him to a few of my performances and he has been a supporter of my endeavours since Day One. He has taught me for two years as well.</p>

<p>Supplements:
I will be sending a recording of one of my solo viola performances, as well as a writing portfolio with a collection of writing excerpts, essays, short stories, and poetry.</p>

<hr>

<p>Assuming I do well on the SAT or ACT (and that's a big IF, because although I have taken SAT prep classes and I am a solid test taker, with the SATs and such, you just never know), what are my chances for Swarthmore?</p>

<p>Also, how much need-based financial aid would I receive if my parents combined adjusted income is below 45,000?</p>

<ul>
<li>NOTE: I know a friend from my school that got accepted into Swarthmore last year. He had slightly lower stats (1340 SATs, 3.6 GPA, not in top 10%) and got in because he was a varsity swimmer. Will the adcoms view my music and volunteer service the same way they viewed his swimming?</li>
</ul>

<p>In any case, please let me know what my chances are for Swarthmore and what should I aim for on the SAT/ ACT to help my chances? THANKS A BUNCH!!!!</p>

2

<p>Are you a US citizen? (It would matter for fin aid.)</p>

<p>I think you'll have a very good chance to be accepted if you can communicate in your essays why Swarthmore is the right place for you. I think you will also be considered a URM, which will help you as well.</p>

3

<p>avant-garde,
What are some of the things you are looking for in a college/university? I noticed that you have posted on other threads asking about a college list including Vanderbilt, Georgetown, Tufts, UVa, BU,BC, U. Chicago, Williams, etc. A very important part of an application to Swarthmore will be the "Why Swarthmore" essay. You will need to articulate what it is about Swarthmore that "draws you in," as well as what you could bring to the college. Please don't get me wrong, you have a number of strong points in your favor-geographical diversity, ethnic diversity, the fact that you are a male, very interesting EC's. I was just wondering if you have really narrowed down what type of atmosphere you are looking for.</p>

4

<p>i'm looking for something different than my high school. here in most GA high schools, especially in my area, it is all about where the party's gonna be and how expensive it'll be to chip in for beer. i'm looking for a place that is exceptional academically, racially diverse (ironically, my school is actually 30% Asian which is way too much for me), and has a passionate and active student body. i want to be able to discuss Aquinas or the philosophical ideals presented in Conrad's Heart Of Darkness without being ostracized. basically, i'm looking at swarthmore because it's one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation, it's located near Philadelphia, and it's student body is diverse. i'm looking to go into law, and i believe that a strong liberal arts education, especially from a school like swarthmore, will help me achieve my goals.</p>

<p>no, I am not a citizen. however, my mother was recently granted citizenship and we are in the process of gaining citizenship for myself.</p>

5

<p>avant-garde:</p>

<p>The paragraph you wrote seems to present very good reasons for liking Swarthmore. I think the school would fit that description quite nicely.</p>

<p>I'm not completely sure, but I think your app would be considered in the pile with US citizens rather than internationals. From an admissions standpoint, permanent resident status is considered the same as US citizenship. Since your mother just became a US citizen, I'm assuming that your family has permanent resident status.</p>

<p>It's really hard to give "chances" under the best of circumstances. Without SAT scores, it's nearly impossible. Your class rank is on the low side for Swarthmore, but -- like everything else -- that is evaluated in context. I do believe that, as a first-generation Vietnamese immigrant, your application would be evaluated with a favorable eye. The Asian-American acceptance rate is higher than the overall school acceptance rate, so (at the very least) you won't be fighting against the odds. All things considered, I just don't have any real sense of your odds. I think Swarthmore is a reach, but your app is non-standard enough that I just don't know whether it's a plausible reach.</p>

<p>For music, you must contact the music department and send them a tape in order for music to be considered as a plus on your application. I think there is information on how to do that on the music department website.</p>

<p>I would also think about ways to bring your community service stuff to life through one of your essays.</p>

6

<p>thanks for everyone's input!</p>

7

<p>I think you have a very strong shot and you sound like a perfect candidate.
It is a rather unique school, very intellectually oriented students, academically intense but also non-competitive with lots of social and academic support.
Have you visited? You should know that ED is a real plus at Swat-if you want to make that committment you odds are significantly greater. An interview is also of some importance. Good luck.</p>

8

<p>mommamia - thank you for your advice regarding the interview. i will most certainly try to schedule one as soon as possible.</p>