Hi, I am really interested in the honors college at UMass Amherst. My SAT is a 1430/1450 superscored, my GPA is a 4.1, and I’ve taken/ am taking AP French, AP calc AB, AP euro, AP US. I got a 4 on AP Euro and a 5 on APUSH. However, I am only in the top 14% of my class. I am also in-state if it means anything, and I go to a pretty good public school. My questions are: What are my chances of getting into the honors college? Would it improve or hurt my chances to not include my class rank on the common app? Also, should I mention my interest in the Honors College in my “Why UMass” essay, or is that not recommended?
My son had very similar stats and classes and was accepted into Umass but NOT the CHC
Yes I think you should, but don’t wait too long to send in your application. I think you have a good chance.
You should be fine… I got in for CS and im in the same boat as you GPA wise.
If you don’t get into the Honors College when you are first admitted, don’t give up. You can apply at the end of your first semester. Assuming your first semester grades are CHC-worthy and you can write a clear essay, you’ll be fine.
Should be fine in the top 15% With that background you’ll get merit aid at some other very good schools too so choose carefully. UMHC is suffering from growing pains and has way too much bureaucracy for my family’s taste. Our older kids got a meaningfully better education for about the same money at other places than my current honors college child is getting. We are regretting the decision actually. Don’t let the honors hype sell you something the school cant actually deliver. Lot of disappointed kids who feel stuck there. Its not the ZooMass of the old days but its not particularly good compared to the many other choices someone with your grades will have.
You’ll be fine
My oldest had very similar stats and was accepted to the honors college at UMass Amherst. This was a few years ago. I think that you have a good chance, and that UMass Amherst is a very good choice even if you don’t get into the honor’s college.
I don’t think that I would mention class rank. At many schools you stats would have put you in the top 10%. I don’t see any harm in mentioning your interest in the honors college.