Hello, I was wondering if someone could chance me for Hamilton. I am planning on applying RD. Hamilton just recently came up on my radar and I really like it! It seems like a great school and I am very interested. Hopefully will be touring soon.
SAT:1520 (superscored), ACT: 34 (Breakdown: 35, 32, 34, 35)
GPA: 4.0 unweighted, 4.62 weighted
Classes: Taken highest level (honors, AP) offered, 4 years of Latin
APs: 10th - World History (5), 11th - Biology (5), Chemistry (5), Calc AB (5), US History (5) 12th - planning to take Calc BC, Government, Lit, Psychology, and Physics 1
ECs: Drumline, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Band (Section Leader)
5 years and over 500 hours volunteering at zoo (talking to guests, helping keepers, completing ethograms)
Planning Committee for school’s monthly health career seminars
Vice President Mu Alpha Theta
Pianist in Pit Orchestra (all 4 years)
Part time job as cashier
NHS
Science Honor Society
Awards (that I listed on common app):
NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, Science Honor Society, DAR American History Award, Summa Cum Laude NLE (should I list this?), AP Scholar with Distinction, Most outstanding percussionist, academic awards in Chem 1, AP Bio, AP Chem.
Recommendations: 2 teachers I’m very close with, don’t know my counselor super well but have a decent relationship, I’m thinking of an additional rec either from a zoo supervisor or my band director
Area of Interest: Most likely majoring in chemistry, possibly minor or double major in music
Essay: Not sure yet. I have a few ideas about either my work at the zoo, overcoming stereotypes (woman in STEM and female drummer), or how I find my academic interests in the most surprising ways (didn’t think I would like chem at all).
For Hamilton Supplemental essay I have a lot of ideas. Got sent this big book about hamilton in the mail and went through and underlined all the reasons I could see myself at Hamilton and things I like about the school which I think should help because it shows I’ve done my research into what makes the school unique.
No hooks
@admd12000, your academic credentials are similar to our twin’s DD who are both attending this Fall so I think your RD chances are good.
Neither applied RD (one is a STEM kid who was a rock drummer for years but hung up her sticks and the other is a Poli Sci/IR kid and a varsity student athlete), but it was very high on both of their lists from the first time they stepped on campus - and they stepped on a lot of them.
As with any other highly selective school, it gets tricky once you get to RD - Hamilton spends a lot of time picking students that will fit on the HilI, and I do know that the average accepted ACT this year was a 33 so like a lot of schools it keeps getting more competitive.
As you probably have learned, the STEM program is really strong, the Taylor Science Bldg. is outstanding, and at a school like Hamilton combining with a music minor is right down their alley.
If you haven’t already seen these, take a look as they will give you a good sense of what they look for as they create a smart, diverse, purposeful and caring community that has wonderful facilities as a result of an incredible alumni network.
Hamilton as Home - https://youtu.be/7uEVIBgZR3Y
Hamilton a Promise - https://youtu.be/9MJ9PrxzNEU
Hamilton: The first 200 Years - https://youtu.be/OqpTWexocv4
Good luck!
Your stats look good. Make sure the rest of your app (recs, essays) really convey who you are. As is the case for all these small selective schools, there are no guarantees, but the odds should be in your favor.
Thank you both for the feedback! I am hopefully going to be visiting campus soon and depending on how well I like it, I am considering doing ED2 (or maybe even ED1). The more I look into the school the more I really like it an could see myself there!
@admd12000, the Hamilton academic calendar starts in the end of August so they’ll be plenty of smart, helpful and friendly students on campus shortly to give you a better sense of what it’s like to live on the Hill - and yes, it’s a very pretty campus if that appeals to you.
My son got in RD with a 34 ACT, fewer extracurriculars and worse grades than yours, but a strong essay. I think you have a good shot.
Suddenly I feel very stupid x( your activities, volunteering, scores, and grades are amazing