<p>I was wondering if my daughter would have a shot at Amherst College. She is applying Early Decision. Stats:</p>
<ul>
<li> 3 out of 250. </li>
<li> SAT 2170 (V710, M700, W 760). She will be taking them again Saturday</li>
<li> SAT II scores of Bio (750), Math II 720. </li>
<li> AP Bio (5), AP Amer. Hist. (4). </li>
<li> She is the Rensselaer Medal Winner from her school (best science student), and also the Harvard Book Award winner; both won in her junior year. </li>
<li> National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist, and finalist candidate. </li>
<li> Currently a Senior taking three more AP courses (English, Stats, Calculus AB) </li>
<li> GPA is a 4.1. </li>
</ul>
<p>She wishes to major in biochemistry with a minor in dance. </p>
<p>EC's:</p>
<ul>
<li> She has danced with our state ballet for ten years, and is quite good.
(20-25 hrs. per week)</li>
<li> Peer tutor for two years in math/science </li>
<li> Contributing writer for school literary magazine (3 yrs.)</li>
</ul>
<p>I know that her EC's aren't extensive, but she really puts in lots of hours dancing. Will that help, or hurt her chances? We visited Amherst twice, and she fell in love with the place. We feel it is the perfect fit for her. Please advise????</p>
<p>A significant involvement is much more important then a long list of ECs. If she is sure that Amherst is her first choice, she should consider applying ED. She should probably also contact their Dance dept., and see if she could send in a videotape.</p>
<p>Amherst and other high ranks aren't looking for a laundry list of EC's; they are looking for someone dedicated to whatever they are doing. Her EC's are not only good but better than most. Grades, rank and test scores put her well within the range of students usually taken by Amherst. Its early decision admission rate is close to 40%. Her chances are very good.</p>
<p>Note, I was not aware that Amherst had an actual "biochemistry" major. My understanding is that the major (or "field of concentration") is Chemistry, in which the school offers some biochemical courses.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply. You are correct about Amherst not having a Biochem major; she can major in Biology and take some Chem. classes to make her own major there. The beauty of having no "core curriculum." As far as dance is concerned, I think Smith is far better for ballet in particular, and she will probably end up taking those classes there. I must tell you, however, that after visiting many colleges with my daughter, Amherst just plain stood out. Small, friendly, academic, and a great atmosphere. Having 30,000 college students in the area doesn't hurt much either.</p>
<p>Her chances look good but it is not a done deal until the fat envelope arrives. IMO, she should have at least a couple of applications ready to go (or supplements for the common app) if the unthinkable happens. It's hard to get one's chin up after a deferral if that should occur; better to have plan B ready to go.</p>
<p>You're right OHIOMOM. She has chosen Smith as her second choice; and Smith has an ED in November as well; we think she'll have an easier time there with admission. Others are Brown and Tufts and Wellesley. Amherst is her top choice by far!</p>