<p>So, I'm thinking about applying Early Decision II for Grinnell. Now I want to have your opinion whether it's a good idea regarding that:</p>
<p>1) I'm an international (obviously)
2) I need some (at least 30k dollars/year) financial aid</p>
<p>I'm positive it's the school I most want to go to if I was accepted.
I'm afraid the aid will be too small if I apply ED2, but then again, I might not get in if I apply RD.
(I also just might not get in in ED2...which makes this whole thread mute I guess)</p>
<p>I would say you should go ahead with ED.
Contrary to what many others say, ED might actually help you with getting in as well as with the aid. ED is binding so your chances increase. Also, Grinnell is known for being very generous with financial aid for internationals. A large percentage of their student body is international(more than many well known LACs too). If the aid doesn’t meet up to your requirements, then you can always argue your point and they generally do increase the amount if you really cannot pay.
Plus you do not have any way of knowing whether the aid you recieve from other schools would meet your requirements or not. What if it doesn’t too?
Lastly, you can always get out of the ED agreement if you cannot pay.</p>
<p>hellosunschein- I’ve been looking at your chance thread and I think you’re selling yourself short. You’re an international pianist among other commendable activities. I think you should definitely also think about applying to a few more of “reach” colleges because I have this feeling that you might just make it. I mean, Grinnell is a great school, no doubt, but a person of your credentials could easily get into someplace a lot better too.
I know a person whoo just had ballet and classical dance (international level) as ECs and she made it into Princeton. Colleges want depth not breadth and your application definitely reflects that! I suggest you think it over. Of course, if Grinnell is your absolute “must go” first choice, then ignore what I said.
Good Luck!:)</p>
<p>Hah, thanks, but with my (CC-wise at least) low scores, and the fact that I don’t know how my GPA would be translated, I’d rather not shoot too high :/, plus I think I would feel very intimidated by a school body like Princeton’s (:
But thanks a lot for this comment, it means a lot, especially now…when I’m freaking out like crazy most of the time (:
I’d give you a hug if I could (:</p>
<p>A 2100 in SAT isn’t that bad. Don’t be misled by CC scores, this is only a small super selective sampling of the applicant pool. Plus, you said you were going to retake. Since Math and WR are good, if you were able to bring up CR then you should be set.
Another thing is that the adcoms know about the GPA difference. I’m from India and here an 80% is considered quite good in school exams. Just get your counsellor to explain this in her evaluation that the highest score in your school is __ and yours is __ and the marking is quite strict and how much value your score holds in your country’s system and what your rank in class is. If the rank is good then you’re good to go because rank is more important than GPA. They well understand the GPA difference, so make sure you get your counsellor to write this down.
Well, I didn’t necessarily mean Princeton, I just meant schools of that caliber. I think you should apply to a few reaches because if your present your application well, highlight your strengths then you have a very good shot! And I endorse your essay idea bdw(the one about piano- love hate relationship), in fact, I have a similar essay about dance! It’s a great idea; I hope you went ahead with it! I think you should have more faith in yourself and have more confidence in your ability. I think you should get into Grinnell Regular decision too, so if you wish you can wait till then. </p>
<p>I’ll accept a cyber hug! :)</p>