So I received an email from Grinnell about the optional 100-word why essay, but I didn’t write it. (Yes, sorry, I was really lazy and worn-out by all the applications at that time ). Looking back now though, I regretted not writing it.
Would that be detrimental to my chances of getting admitted at Grinnell? I’m an international female student who needs financial aid (reduces the chance more), with 4.0 GPA, rigorous schedule, 2310 SAT superscored/ 35 ACT one-sitting, decent ECs, great CA essay, and several state awards. I’m just afraid that the college will decide that I don’t have enough interest in the school, and wait-list or deny me instead. Also, apparently this time last year Grinnell had sent acceptance letters already, but I haven’t received anything. Is this a bad sign?
Someone posted on the RD thread that they called Grinnell, and were told that they are not doing “early writes” this year, so decisions will come out around March 20th. I am not clear on what exactly the email you received said, but could you call or at least email the admissions counselor for Int’l students, and see if there is still time to submit the essay? It couldn’t hurt, and would show your interest in the school. Your stats look quite good and are similar to my student, who was accepted in an early decision round. If you are very interested in attending, I would let the admissions staff know you will be happy to submit the essay, if they will accept it. They are “need aware” for international students, but, since you received an email from the school, it sounds like they are interested in you.
Sure, you can write it and send it, and ask that it please be included and considered as part of your application. I wouldn’t make any excuses, but it probably can’t hurt (as long as you do a good job on it).
@intparent@morningside95 The essay was due Feb 01st I think, so I’m really late by now. But yeah better late than never, I would email them my why grinnell essay, or at least something that could demonstrate my interest in attending Grinnell. Thanks for your advice!
I do think Grinnell will be sensitive to the fact that you didn’t respond. Why don’t you take the time now to send and email to one of the admissions counselors – my daughter really liked Tina Elfenbein – and tell her you let the deadline slip because you were burned out on writing applications. Then tell her that you are a very serious candidate and why you like Grinnell. There is a lot to like there.
My D’s admissions person told her not to let this essay slide. They told her that lots of kids last year let it slide and didn’t write it then were surprised that they did not get in. They take it as a sign of interest I would gather from what they told her. My D didn’t ignore it and wrote it.
You can go ahead and write it but you better have a good reason as to why you didn’t write it by the deadline to them. TBH, if I were an admissions person there I would wonder if you were aiming for Ivy and other prestigious schools and didn’t get in so now you are pandering to me.
). Looking back now though, I regretted not writing it.