Chances?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Amherst College
1

<p>I’m a female of mixed background (jamaican/white). While my scores are below the averages for Amherst, 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>Hi Via,
First of all let me just say that you are obviously a wonderful student so you shouldn’t even consider not applying to any school you are interested in simply because you believe they might not want you. Each year schools shift their priorities so you never know. Maybe the year you apply will be the year Amherst is looking for someone just like Via. Remember this, you can’t get in if you don’t apply!
I am now a senior at Amherst College and like you I hail from Jamaica. Unlike you, however, I attended high school in Jamaica and then came here for college. As a result I am not as familiar with the American high school lingo as you are, but from what I know of it you seem impressive in all respects. Have confidence, no-one ever gets anywhere doubting themselves. Good luck, and feel free to ask me more questions if you would like. My email address is <a href=“mailto:sbell11@amherst.edu”>sbell11@amherst.edu</a></p>

3

<p>i was actually born here. my mom is the one who moved here from jamaica. and thanks for the encouragement, it gives me hope!</p>

4

<p>I would guess around 50/50 chance. I had definitely higher stats and didn’t get in. But the admissions process can be random and arbitrary, at least to those on the outside. If you want to go, apply and hope for the best.</p>