Do I have a chance at getting into Macalester?

[littlesodagirl]

I’m only a sophomore, but I already know what classes and activities I’m going to be in for the rest of high school so just base your answer off of the information I give you.

To start off, I have a 3.9 GPA and I plan on keeping it that way. I’ll be taking the SATs and the ACTs next year, and I’ve already been studying quite a bit. I pick things up easily, I study hard, and I’m motivated, so I’m very certain I’ll do well on both tests. I’ll have been in knowledge bowl, history club, and track for three years. I play multiple instruments and read music and I am completely self-taught. I have been in band and choir for all of high school, and I’ve participated in solo/ensemble with both, as well as choir trio. When I’m a senior, I’ll be going to Costa Rica for a choir/band trip. I volunteer at least once every week at various organizations (I usually switch it up every week between the animal shelter, the nursing home, and Habitat for Humanity). I’m going to try to get on NHS (I’m starting at a new school that has it - my old one didn’t). I’ll be applying for multiple random scholarships; hopefully I’ll get at least one haha! I’m in advanced math, so I’ll be taking Algebra 2 this year (advanced math is when you take the next grade’s average math class).

For my junior and senior years, these will be my classes (as far as I know right now):
11th: Pre-College English, College Algebra, Chemistry or Physics (haven’t decided), American Government & American Government and Politics, Spanish 2, College Writing 1
12th: College English (I get six semester college credits for this), College Pre-Calculus, Human Anatomy or Environmental Biology (haven’t decided), Economics & The American Economy, Spanish 3, Introduction to Anthropology, Social Problems

I haven’t completely decided on a major yet, but I’m really loving the idea of being an ESL teacher, so I’d major in Educational Studies and minor in Spanish. I am interested in teaching English overseas after college graduation. However, I have a lot of interest in Anthropology, as well, though I’m not really leaning towards it since it doesn’t promise much in the way of a career and I’m not sure if I’ll ever want to get my master’s.

So based on all of that information, do I think I’m on the right track for Macalester? It’s my dream school; I just love everything about it. I know I shouldn’t get so hung up on one school but it’s too late haha.

[intparent]

You are on track if you meet the goals you have set for yourself. Be sure to show interest (visit, etc). But make sure you look hard at other schools, too. What you want could change a lot in 2 years, and you also might not get in. Mac is a fine school (I used to live in that neighborhood, and one of my kids was accepted there). But like all colleges it has pros and cons. Being starry eyed about any school isn’t a great idea. Start tracking the qualities you like in schools and generate a solid list. And run the net price calculators and discuss with your parents to make sure all your schools are affordable. No school is a “dream school” if you can’t afford it.

[Sillyrab]

You seem very motivated, if you continue to work hard and apply yourself, you can definitely make it to Macalaester! Macalester is very generous when it comes to financial aid so even if price is a factor im confident that Macalester will help you out as much as possible. Good luck!!

-Sophomore at Mac

[N_s_Mom]

Just a reminder that when it comes to ECs, it’s depth not breadth that matters. School like to see people who have invested in a few 2-3 ECs (once they are done with the sampling phase of trying out new stuff) and you will be evaluated on your impact and what you’ve accomplished. If you like volunteering, do it - but there is no reason to rack up hours, especially at 3 different organizations, for college admissions purposes. If you want to start an honors society, fine - but it won’t help with admissions so don’t bother if that’s your primary reason for doing it. It sounds like you have a lot of commitment to music and that’s wonderful. You don’t need more. In fact, scattered ECs without focus detract from your overall application, cost you sleep, can negatively impact your grades (which count for much more) and take up time that could be better invested in something you care more about.

For some excellent advice, check out Cal Newport’s Study Hacks website.