Do I have a chance at Middlebury?

I only have a 3.6 GPA and yes, it is weighted. I have a 680 reading SAT score and a 540 math. However, I am an African-American male. In addition, I have learned to speak 4 foreign languages. My high school has a combined program for French and Spanish, and I learned Italian and Portuguese by taking classes at a community college. I have gotten A’s in all of the language classes that I’ve taken. I’m also sure that my language teachers will write really good recommendations for me. Do I have a good chance of getting in despite lower scores, or should I just not apply?

I think you have slim chance of getting in but if its something you really really want, what’s the harm in applying?

I applied there ED with a GPA above their average plus a few self taught languages, and I got deferred and then rejected. It’s a high reach, but URM might help. I’d say apply ED if they are your top choice and try to write a very compelling common app essay (mine was lackluster). Maybe stay away from the language stuff in the essay because they see lots of those essays, and that will be clear in other parts of your app, anyway. Also, since it’s nowhere near a safety, have all your other apps completed before the decision comes out. Trust me, writing supplement essays right after a rejection is not fun…

@vc25a18, I think it’s a super stretch given the W GPA and last year the bottom 25% for math was 630 and reading was 650.

VC25a18,

There’s one thing that can’t be said enough on these pages: the only way to ensure that you have no chance is not to apply.

As one of the alumni interviewers, your scores are low for Midd, but I’d want to know a couple of things. First, are they representative - ie, did you have a freshman fiasco and then get your act together, or are you poorer grades in subjects that you don’t like and won’t take again if you can avoid it? Second, what is your actually level of motivation for Middlebury? Have you visited? What is it that makes Midd your number one choice ahead of its peer group - Williams, Amherst, Swarthmore, Pomona?

URM does make a difference; contact admissions (now) and make your interest known.

None of this will guarantee you a spot - they won’t: the numbers do matter - but if you want to give yourself your best shot, then this is what I would recommend.

Hope this helps,

CP

Midd has an ED acceptance rate exceeding 50%. I recommend you retake the SAT in August, apply for the diversity flyin, and work hard on your essays. Good luck!

It’s important to note that a BIG part of that high ED acceptance rate is athletes.

urbanslaughter, that’s true, but I’d recommend anyone - athlete or otherwise - for whom Midd is their number 1 choice to apply ED.