chances!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Amherst College
1

<p>I know Amherst is definitely a big reach for me, but I’m just taking a shot at it.
I’m a Jewish male from a very competitive high school on Long Island. Rankings arent given out, though I’m in the top 10% of my class.</p>

<p>Freshmen year (my worst) - app 92 average UW/ 97 weighted
Sophomore year - app 95.6 average UW/ 100.2 weighted
Junior year - 96 avg UW/ 101.12 weighted</p>

<p>Senior year schedule:
AP French, AP Environmental Science, AP Calc AB, AP Government, Economics, AP English, Symphonic Orchestra</p>

<p>I’ve taken nearly every AP or honors class offered in my school (that my schedule allowed).</p>

<p>ACT Composite: 30 (only taken once) and early decision deadline doesnt allow me to take it again.
Not sending SAT I scores, and my SAT II’s were mediocre…but I don’t think they’re required if I took the ACT.</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
-Volunteer at a camp for children and adults with special needs (all four years of high school, approximately 300 hours worth)
-Member of a renowned youth orchestra since sophomore year (I play viola)
-Travelled with the youth orchestra during the summer of 2005 to South/Central America for a month, giving charity concerts. Did the same this past summer in China and Southeast Asia.
-Played in All County on viola
-President of French Club since sophomore year
-Tutored a middle school student in French for one year (probably not that important)
-Treasurer of Best Buddies since sophomore year
-President of my school’s Chamber Orchestra since sophomore year
-Natural Helper since freshmen year
-Member of the National Honors Society since junior year</p>

<p>That seems to be about it. I won’t be offended at all by any criticisms/critiques. My top choice as of now seems to be Vassar College, followed by Wesleyan. Amherst is definitely a far reach, but I was wondering if I had any chance…also considering early decision. Thanks :D</p>

2

<p>anyone? :D</p>

3

<p>It's a reach, as it is for most white non-legacy/athletes. The rank looks good, but test scores could be a weakness, even though they don't matter as much as grades. If you are really in to music, and it appears that you are, you should really emphasize that on your application. Maybe even contact music faculty (although I don't really know much about how that works). The music could serve to distinguish you.</p>

4

<p>It's a reach for anyone, but you've got a decent shot. A 30 on the ACT is in the middle 50%, and by no means an app-killer. Good academic record...you're about the middle of the pack for Amherst applicants, so you'll want to make sure you spend a good amount of your time on your essays to give yourself a good shot at admission. Good luck.</p>

5

<p>As another prospie Long Islander, I'm pretty sure the ACT date is fine (October 28th) because it's before the ED deadline. On the Amherst website it says:</p>

<p>"Testing should be completed by the deadline under which you apply. For regular decision applicants, the results of January testing may not reach us in time to be considered."</p>

<p>So I'm interpreting that to mean that if one took the test before 11/15, it's fine. Anyone qualified able to correct me?</p>