Chances!?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Vassar College
1

<p>About Me
I am interested in double majoring in Humanities (history, philosophy, literature, art, music, etc.) and French. I'm interested in doing an Independent Major. Even if the Independent Major is not possible, I could always major in a specific subject within the humanities.
I feel a little uncomfortable attesting to my own personal character to online strangers, however I guess I'll have to deal with it! I have been told by my teachers that I have great character. Furthermore, teachers have told me I am a quirky and bright individual who any school would be lucky to have. I've also been told if I can demonstrate my personality in my applications and interviews, then my chances of going to a top school will be good. I have done a lot with my ECs and outside interests and they all connect to what I am interested in (at least I think so).
I appreciate any insight/help I can get. If there are any schools, helpful information, etc. you would like to recommend, please feel free! And thank you so much</p>

<p>Stats:
- Male
- Suburb of Boston, MA
- Rising senior
- my high school sends some grads to top schools (depends on what you consider "some" and what you consider "top schools) ... including Boston College, Boston University, Oberlin, Occidental College, Cornell, Tufts, Swarthmore, Wellesley, etc.
- GPA: 93.3 unweighted / ??? weighted
- class rank: 47/386 = 12.2% (will most likely be in the top 11 or 10% next year, maybe better)
- 1980 on SATS... CR/M/W 660/610/710
- taking SAT IIs in English & French as well as the ACTs in the fall</p>

<p>ECS:
- Amnesty International
- National Honor Society
- Philosophy Club
- Select Choir
- Future Teachers of America</p>

<p>Outside Interests:
- Regional Select Choir
- Foreign exchange: 2 weeks in France
- award-winning photography for Enterprise Bank
- writing and photography are published in school's literary magazine
- piano lessons
- peaceful protest in Boston ("The Rescue")
- Schools for Schools organization
- member of a group dedicated to bringing free, safe fun to the city of Boston</p>

<p>Scholastic Honors:
- Honors Award ("summa cum laude")
- 6 student recognition awards</p>

<p>Leadership:
I'm one of the most active members in my Amnesty International Club, I am a volunteer French teacher, and next year I will hopefully be Chief Editor of my school's writing center program that helps students with their essays. Unfortunately for me, the activities that I do have little "leadership positions". I do what I like, though.</p>

<p>Volunteer Services:
- teaching French to elementary school students (80+ hours)
- National Honor Society English tutor (? hours)
- Writing Center program (? hours)
- Community Day
- this summer I am volunteering at a French library in Boston</p>

<p>Employment:
- nothing so far... I'm trying to find something!</p>

<p>Oh, and by the way: Vassar is my first choice school!</p>

2

<p>:( fail 10char</p>

3

<p>Who can know for sure these days? Just apply and hope for the best! And if Vassar is your first choice, apply early. Good luck!</p>

4

<p>Thank you! :smiley: I am considering applying ED</p>

5

<p>Well, I would definitely recommend applying early decision. You’re EC’s are excellent. Your SAT is low for vassar (with a mid range of 2050–2250). Your grades seem to be right where they should be (although I’m not as familiar with the 100 point system verses 4.0). I would suggest studying over the summer and retaking the SAT. Even a twenty point bump to 2000 will make a difference psychologically. Or maybe you’ll have a better fit with the ACT, which you’re already planning on taking.<br>
You’ve mentioned staying true to your personality, and I believe that that’s the best strategy. Write an essay that’s unique and says who you are. The “your space” option is also a great way to showcase individuality and talents that won’t necessarily come across in a standard app.<br>
Good luck, I hope you make it!</p>

6

<p>Thank you very much!</p>

<p>I want to re-take the SATs, but first I must take the SAT IIs. I will take the SAT IIs in OCtober, and I will retake the SATs in November and hopefully score a bit higher. I understand what you’re saying completely about the 2000 making a difference at least psychologically :stuck_out_tongue: Actually, I would be so happy to get a 2050 or something. I am going to buy an SAT book in August and study it throughout the fall till SATs. </p>

<p>As for my GPA, my school says my GPA is approximately a 3.8. And a side note about my class rank. Our class ranks are influenced only by the difficulty of the classes we take. This year I will be taking twice as many APs as I took last year, so I expect to be in at least the top 10% next year. Of course, one can never be sure.</p>

<p>Thank you for your encouragement! I really hope I make it :)</p>

7

<p>I retook the SAT and it was a world of difference, if that helps… :-)</p>

8

<p>Thank you :slight_smile: I think if I study then I can get a slightly higher score. I only studied for the math section of this test (I thought I was going to get a 500 or lower), and that seemed to help. Now if I study for all of the components again, maybe I can score higher! </p>

<p>I hope being male and applying ED will help my chances :P</p>