<p>I recently visited Grinnell and I've come to realize that it is my DREAM SCHOOL. But I realize getting in might be a stretch. I've tried a few different chances predictors, getting very inconsistent results(from 43%-76% likelihood). So from a human perspective, do I have a shot?</p>
<p>3.2 gpa
27 ACT, but with a 34 English subscore, which is what I plan to study
Honors/AP courses throughout high school, earning AP Scholar status
Basketball frosh/soph year
French/earth club junior/senior
yearbook club senior year
volunteer work at public library
part time job(summer junior year)
I plan on applying ED, which I've heard is helpful in showing your desire to go to the school(which I definitely have)
I've spent a lot of time on my essay and am fairly confident that it will be good
I'm also confident that I can get good letters of recommendation from my French and English teachers
I'm planning on interviewing as well</p>
<p>So if all goes well and I'm able to show that I have a real interest in the school, is there a chance that it will make up for some not so great stats? Or would it up my chances if I were to raise my ACT if I retake it in September?</p>
<p>They are also getting a lot of applicants from China, who have 800 MATH SATs.</p>
<p>There was recently a page one article in The New York Times about it.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I honestly don’t think you can get in, but no harm in trying. You are not going to be among the first people that they take first, but they might take you towards the bottom of their class. Which is all you need.</p>
<p>I know that is not what you want to hear. </p>
<p>Perhaps analyze why it is your dream school, and then find one that is similar, but a bit easier to get into.</p>
<p>Or take the ACT again. My son raised his ACT from a 31 to a 34, with zero studying.</p>
<p>I’d say probably not unless you were able to improve your ACT drastically. I got in with a 3.0 GPA and a 34 ACT, but I think I was a borderline case. I didn’t apply ED and my GPA was even worse than yours, but still, you have to have something amazing to make up for a GPA like that. In short, you need to put a lot of time into practice tests if you want to stand a chance. Aim for 30+. Also, take the SAT, you might do better.</p>
<p>Grinnell is one of those cool places that looks at your application as a whole, so even though you don’t have great numbers, you aren’t automatically ruled out. If you apply ED, you will have a better chance, so do that for sure. I would suggest that you maybe get a math or science teacher to write a recommendation instead of your French teacher. English and French are in the same academic spectrum in a way and you’ll want to show Grinnell that you are a valued student in every department, not just languages. Also, if you could show more evidence of involvement (especially volunteering) that would help a ton. Obviously you shouldn’t lie about it, but if there’s anything at all you’re leaving out, add it. Best of luck! But just in case, start looking at similar schools that may be easier to get in to. That way you’ll still have options you’re happy about if you don’t get in.</p>