Chances?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Swarthmore College
1

<p>I'm a female of mixed background (jamaican/white). While my scores are below the averages for Swarthmore, I feel like I might have a chance b/c I was one of 8 from all of Long Island to get into this prestigious science research program (google Partners for the Future) at a world renown facility (Cold Spring Harbor Labs on Long Island). I think that would help me a lot since thats a rather significant activity. Anyway, here's my info:</p>

<p>Academics:</p>

<p>GPA - Unweighted: 94.8
GPA - Weighted: 101.233
Class Rank: top 5%
Class Size: 300</p>

<p>Scores:</p>

<p>SAT I Math: 700
SAT I Critical Reading: 680
SAT I Writing: 740
SAT II World History: 700
SAT II Biology - E: 770</p>

<p>APs:
World History:5
U.S. History: 5
Bio: 5
Language n Composition: 5
Chem: 4</p>

<p>Classes taking this year: AP physics, AP Environmental, AP Calc, AP French, AP Gov, and AP Lit</p>

<p>Significant Extracurriculars:
Science Research (started research at Cold Spring Harbor Labs at least 10hrs a week for the next 7 months. then will present my findings to the faculty at the end)</p>

<p>Leadership positions:
Youth Court Advisory Board member (service)
Hospital Volunteer Junior Council member (service)
Lead Junior troop for a year (for Girl Scouts Gold Award)
Senior Senate (student gov't)</p>

<p>Volunteer/Service Work:
Hospital: 440 hrs
Girl Scouts: 225hrs+
Youth Court: 100hrs+</p>

<p>Honors and Awards: G.S. Gold Award</p>

<p>So do I have a chance or should I cut my losses? Thanks so much!!!</p>

2

<p>I certainly think it’s worth a try.</p>

3

<p>There are quite a few perfect SAT score recipients who do not get into Swarthmore. Test scores are not everything. Your scores are in range. Key to a Swarthmore acceptance is making the case for fit. Why is Swarthmore the college for you? What do you find compelling about it? What can you contribute? About what are you passionate? How will Swarthmore feed that passion? You make the case in your “Why Swarthmore?” essay. Other parts of the application (including letters of recommendation) will help the admissions staff get to know you and to determine whether the fit is there. Good luck!</p>

4

<p>At a school with the selectivity of Swarthmore, test scores alone will seldom make-or-break an application. In general, it is nice to have your scores fall comfortably in the middle 50% of the admitted class so as not to be detrimental to your application. A demonstrated knowledge of and appreciation for what makes Swarthmore so distinctive is very important (it isn’t simply a clone of other top LAC’s).</p>

5

<p>thanks for all the great advice - it gives me hope lol. i hope my why swarthmore essay helps convey to others why i love it so much</p>