<p>First and foremost I'd like to call myself a well rounded, civilized person. I have always been intrigued by Colgates unique approach to education. My friend attends the school and has always talked about it. I'm now applying to schools, and am applying to Colgate early decision. My Freshman and Sophomore year were rough years for me, and really messed up my class rank. I had low 70's, but I focused on my extra curriculars, (which is quite a lot) I have been on the crew team since fall freshman year, and am still apart of it. (fall, winter, spring) I'm now an eagle scout, and I do hundreds of hours of community service a year with my youth group. My Junior year I had a solid B average, and the first semester of my senior year are high 90's (which will definitely stay throughout the whole year) I have excellent letters of recommendation, and a great college essay I've been told. What do you think? Do I even stand a chance of getting accepted early decision?</p>
<p>So much depends on your scores. How are they?</p>
<p>I have a 600 on critical reading and 610 on math, and am retaking them this weekend.</p>
<p>Students often get 50-60 more points on each section on a re-take and that would give you a decent chance but still not great. Think what you like about Colgate find some similar places in case the ED doesn’t work. Bates maybe. Pennsylvania LACs like Muhlenberg…</p>
<p>Thank you! I’m also looking at Skidmore college, which is a lot more easier to get accepted to. My mom is an alumni there, and that is another school that’s always interested me… I could do ED there and send a normal application to Colgate and see what happens.</p>
<p>Both your grades and scores are probably too low for Colgate, so you should broaden your search for some less selective schools.</p>
<p>I know I can get my scores up easily 60 points, only have taken them once, but you don’t think the fact that I’m an eagle scout, on the rowing team all four years of highschool, and that I have hundreds of hours of community service with rebuilding america might let them over look the lower grades? I noticed they show that 15% of the students had between a 2.5 and a 3.24, which means there are some exceptions with lower than normal grades. Also, I know I would do extremely well in an interview, and I’ve been told my essay is solid.</p>
<p>If you love the school, go for it. Make it clear in the application that you love and want to go to Colgate.</p>
<p>Also understand that your stats are below their average student. Your EC’s are great, but their classes are geared towards students who have achieved a certain academic level, shown by their HS and test performance. If admissions believes you would have a difficult time with the rigor of Colgate, you will not be admitted.</p>
<p>Might also look at Holy Cross and Lafayette.</p>
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<p>Typically a large part of the lower stats students are recruited athletes and/or URMs, or students with some other kind of hook. Good ECs are probably a tip, not a hook.</p>
<p>Still, Colgate’s ED acceptance rate is higher than their RD acceptance rate, so you have a chance. But, be prepared to apply to other less selective schools as well.</p>