Chances

<p>I am a hispanic senior in high school, highly interested in the College of Wooster. I have taken 9 AP classes (also an AP Scholar) and several other Pre-IB/IB/Honors classes (although I left the IB program in Senior year, so I'm currently an "AP student"). I got a 660 V and 600 M in the SAT, and a 27 in the ACT, and possibly taking with SAT subject tests in February, if that might help my chances. My biggest issue is my grades, with my uw being below a 3.0 and my weighted a 3.7, which several C's on my transcript and a pretty terrible Junior year especially. This is mostly due to my general contempt will the high school environment and its arbitrary emphasis on grades, and I think the College of Wooster would be a good fit for me academically. What I want more than anything else in a college is an intellectual atmosphere, where the students take their academics very seriously, but know how to have fun, whcihf rom what I've read seems to be what the school is like. Should I make a point of this in my essay? I also co-founded, edited, and wrote for an 8-page independent, satircal newspaper in my high school that parodied the school system and newspapers, which I am very proud of and planning to send my first three issues in the additional document section of the Common App. I also have other extra curriculars (Miami Film Festival/Book Fair volunteer, Elementary School basketball coach, Film Club officer, ect.) I'm very nervous, mostly due to my lackluster grades, but I feel that they will be much better at the end of the year, (after I've already applied, though) because I'm taking 4 APs which I currently have all A's and B's. I'm retaking a class online from last year and planning to take additional ones to improve my gpa. Thanks for reading my rant! And any comments or PMs will be welcomed.</p>

<p>You sound like a good recruit for the College of Wooster. Your ACT puts you in the mid-range of current students – good. Your grades could be better. What I would do is finish your application ON TIME, make sure it’s letter perfect (have someone proofread it for you) and show, in those ways, that you have the maturity to follow directions and meet a deadline. A good GPA shows that kind of maturity.</p>

<p>I would also contact your Wooster admissions rep (if you haven’t already) and/or have your guidance counselor contact Wooster to say that it’s your No. 1 choice. Very important. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>As a hispanic, you should contact Lisa Nicole Smith, who is in charge of multi-cultural recruitment. I agree, Wooster sounds like a good fit for you. I do think they overlook certain aspects on an application, grades for instance, looking for academic potential. Good luck</p>

<p>I believe Wooster has an understanding and inclusive admissions process. You certainly show promise. I would not be surprised if they overlooked some hardships and welcomed you to the community. Good luck!</p>

<p>Yes, Wooster’s average GPA is quite a bit higher than yours (though it is inclusive, many talented students attend the College for its unique and incredible offerings). However, you show an upward trend (which the school will most likely interpret as a realization of your error and realistic goals for improvement- which they will like). Your SATs and ACT are strong for Wooster. Being a URM will also help. You also show dedication to your paper. Dedication to an extracurricular is a good thing for every school, and something to be proud of. I would say you are in. Wooster is great because it realizes kids have to work hard and show potential but they are willing to forgive mistakes and help people grow stronger from them. Wooster also sounds like a good fit for you and I wish you the best of luck!</p>