<p>I know everyone hates chances threads, but I'm so nervous. I've really fallen in love with Smith and I'd hate to not even have the option of attending. Obviously you guys aren't the adcoms, but can anyone ease my mind?</p>
<p>SATs: 2260
SAT IIs: 780 Lit 760 US Hist.
GPA: 3.7 UW 4.2 W
Rank: Top 17% (Ouch. My counselor/teacher rec's gave an explanation for this. It's very personal, but at the end of the day, explanations only count for so much.)
EC's: Newspaper Editor
20 hour/week job
Band Promotions Manager
Assistant Brownie Troop Leader</p>
<p>Do you think my rank will kill my application?</p>
<p>I'm always amazed by people who worry that one tiny aspect of their application is going to completely kill their chances. You have a good overall profile and that counts more than any one aspect, especially class rank. Smith will look a lot more closely at the kind of classes you've taken and the leadership roles you've held than what your percentage in the class is. </p>
<p>That being said, you have the option of attending, and you seem within range. Only time can tell for sure though. Good luck.</p>
<p>To follow up on what S&P said, most "chances" threads are close to useless. There are a few applicants you can label "slam dunk" or close to it. There are a few applicants you can label as "dubious." </p>
<p>For everyone else, asking folks who aren't on the admissions committee is pretty much pointless.</p>
<p>I understand the anxiety of wanting to know something, anything. But sometimes all it yields is counterfeit currency.</p>
<p>CW: I didn't apply to MHC, for some reason it just doesn't appeal to me the way that Smith does. Are you currently at Smith or are you going through the application process too? (If it's the latter, isn't it just a <em>blast</em>, sigh lol)</p>
<p>Chocolatelover: Thank you so much! :D </p>
<p>S&P and TheDad: Thanks for your comments and your good luck wishes.
I knew I would get a little backlash starting this thread, and in a way, that's understandable. I'm sure once I'm done with this process, it's going to be difficult for me to look at the newest crop of hs seniors and empathize with the anxiety they're going through because I'll already be settled into that next stage in my life, I won't be stuck in the "in between" anymore. I just ask that for a second, you place yourself into a nervous eighteen year old body. I know chances threads are annoying, but on the bright side, they mean there's a whole host of young women who are interested in Smith. There's a comfort that can be drawn from gaining the opinions of those who have already gone through the process. I think there's something to be said for comfort, even if it might be unfounded.</p>
<p>LAW, it's not that chances threads are annoying, it's that they're virtually useless. I understand the anxiety, believe me. But a chances thread is a placebo or worse. And, no, I try to never give comfort where it's unfounded. In fact, unfounded comfort is one of the worst drugs you can give someone, like counterfeit hope. I'm of the "Realist" school.</p>
<p>Haha, no, although I'm all for that if it works ;) I meant along the lines of something that people do to calm themselves, something that has no known effect except to soothe, and something that is centered around creating a positive mindset. I hope you had a happy holiday and have a good new year! :D</p>