<p>I am a junior who will be applying with a 30 ACT (36 Eng, 33 Reading, 27 Math, 24 Sci) and something like a 3.9 Weighted and 3.4 UW GPA. I will also be taking Literature and Spanish SAT IIs (and I expect to get over 700 on each).</p>
<p>I realize this is probably laughable when you consider Middlebury, but hear me out:</p>
<p>I have been rigorously studying German, Spanish, and Russian both in and out of school. I have been taking classes at a local private university in Russian and I have taught myself 3 years of German during the summers to get to Honors German 5 Senior year.</p>
<p>Maybe I am completely wrong and this won't actually improve my chances. However, I was wondering if anyone got in who wasn't great on paper, but was legitimately motivated to learn.</p>
<p>(Also, I was on a National Mock Trial team and have 4 years of Varsity swimming with 2 years as captian)</p>
<p>If this is in the wrong section, I'll delete it. I just wanted to get an idea from someone who goes to or went to Middlebury.</p>
<p>Well I’d say you look pretty good on paper…
They’re not just looking for the valedictorians with perfect scores and tons of volunteer work. What the admissions people look for after a certain academic threshold is distinctiveness, individuality, and memorable qualities (that will make them remember the applicant when they’re debating the decisions). They’re creating a diverse class, not just trying to get as many smart drones as they can. That said, your self-taught language skills and that 36 in English on the ACT will already make you stand out. Write a compelling essay and the admissions officer who reviews your file will say, a month later around the table, “oh yeah, this is that great student who’s got a talent for languages (including Russian!) and did x and y while at z.” Stand out and play to your strengths and you’ll be seen as a very solid applicant.</p>
<p>Haha, well I definitely was not the valedictorian in my class and I got in! </p>
<p>My GPA was like a 3.72 with a 33 on my ACT. I did well in school, but got a C freshman year and several B’s throughout my high school career. </p>
<p>Midd doesn’t care completely about grades, thank goodness, or else I would have not gotten in. You’ve really got to make yourself stand out in your essays, that is the key. They want unique kids, not photo copies of perfection:)</p>
<p>I wasn’t valedictorian either. I was top 10%, but in my school, that really isn’t that great.
I only had the last of my junior year, and the first of senior year grades for them to see (because I’d been living in another country). And, I had about a 3.6 gpa. My SAT was 2010. So, yeah, not that great for Midd, but I wrote good essays, and I sent in a Creative Writing Arts Supplement. If it were just the numbers, I wouldn’t be going there. You definitely have a chance. Your language studies sounds impressive. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Son only used his ACT (so I’d take again to get the composite up - especially if your grades aren’t at the top). I think what matters a lot to Midd is your want of learning and your ability to contribute to the classroom and the community. Have you contacted the swim coach?</p>
<p>I guess I hadn’t considered trying to swim in college. I’m not that great, but if I lower my time this next season, I suppose I might have a shot. Maybe I’ll shoot the Middlebury coach an email and see what happens.</p>
<p>I agree with Laxtaxi… don’t come off as if you didn’t do any research. What’s your race or races. What’s the load at Midd – do they have a lot of the team graduating or would you be behind four others who swim the 500 butterfly. You should know their record and their holes or future holes on the team, if there are any.</p>
<p>I recently graduated from Midd. I was on the swim team, majored in Russian, and went to Mock Trial Nationals in high school. Are we twins? </p>
<p>Your stats are good, and Middlebury seeks out students who can excel in a variety of activities and academic disciplines, so your other achievements will make you stand out to a Middlebury admissions officer. I think you have an excellent shot. As someone who interviews students, I think you sound like a perfect fit!</p>
<p>You should email the swim coach - he’s great! If you are interested in continuing to study Russian, you should contact the Russian department. The professors are really wonderful, and I recommend that anyone interested in studying Russian choose Midd. It’s the best program in the country.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input. This may sound stupid, but what should I say to the Russian department if I were to contact them? Should I simply inform them that I am thinking of studying there in college with a major in Russian or should I ask some specific question?</p>
<p>I suggest writing the department head, Kevin Moss, or Tom Beyer to ask a bit about the Russian major requirements. Express interest in the program. You can ask where they think you could place (e.g. RUS 202) based on your years of study. I also recommend asking about the study abroad programs. I recommend doing a bit of research first.</p>
<p>The reason I recommend contacting the Russian department is because if a department takes an interest in a student, it will often contact the admissions office. Don’t be disingenuous, of course, but show potential future professors that you are really excited about what they have to offer, and it will never work against you.</p>
<p>Your stats actually look really good, you are an awesome candidate for Midd. My advice is to take the German SAT II as well if you think you can score over 700. That would definitely help you stand out. Good luck!</p>
<p>Stockholm, I’m totally applying to Midd next year ED as a swimmer. With any luck we could be team mates! Have you gone and visited midd? PM me so we can talk about this!</p>
Best of luck!</p>