have i got a chance? Thank you =)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Macalester College
1

<p>Hi! I'm applying to Macalester, probably under early decision 2 and I was wondering as to the extent they weigh GPA, essays, etc. As in, do they care more about GPA or EC's or what? I dont really think i'll get in but im hoping i get deferred early, then, when tehy review my application again, they'll think 'wow she applied early she really wants to go' and then let me in =)</p>

<p>My stats:
ridiculously competitive HS in california..ranked 87th or so in the nation
SAT 1: 1410 best, one sitting: 1390
SAT2: 750,740,729 in spanish,writing and math
GPA: alas! 3.1 or 3.2/4.0
AP tests: 4,5,5 (US History, English Language and Biology) - AP scholar</p>

<p>probably in the top 25%, definitely top 50%</p>

<p>EC: </p>

<p>I've been dancing for 10 years,extremely seriously
Class officer for 3 years
Speech and debate captain for 2 years, officer for 1 (state championships qualifier, moderately good record)
Journalism staff writer
yearbook ads editor
have chaired several community projects, mostly awareness about teenage drunk driving, and other community problems.
was in drama for 2 years
i do yoga, art (sometimes act as a TA) and photography
i've won a few photography contests
nominated for DAR good citizens award
won a few dance contests
won some writing contests.
jobs: i tutored. </p>

<p>I haven't got too many EC's but they're quality- i spend more time on them than anything, which,i suppose, is the reason for bad grades but good test scores, my absolute dedication to excellence in my EC's. i dont know if i should write that in an essay or as supplemental info or what. I really want to go to mac, and plan on making that obvious! I've sent letters to their speech and debate team and such. I woudl appreciate it if i got some information about what i mentioned earlier- if EC's and such can make up for dismal grades. Thank you!</p>

2

<p>With a little better GPA you would have a good chance. As it is I'd rate your chances fair, as everything else looks good for admission.</p>

<p>Don't worry about your ECs, yours are sufficient. If something in your application explains why your GPA is a bit weak (competitive school?, heavy work schedule?, one-year problems?, kidnapped by space aliens? ) you will get good consideration.</p>

3

<p>Other than your gpa, everything looks good. I think it will really depend on your essays. Good luck :)</p>

<p>I have very similar stats myself, except i'm applying RD.</p>

<p>1420 SAT (800v 620m)
740, 730, 700 SAT IIs
3.3 uw gpa - 4.2 weighted
Extensive music ECs, etc, etc.</p>

<p>Hopefully, the low -ish GPA won't hurt us...</p>

4

<p>hah, moocow, you're gpa is fine and your sat1's are higher than mine =) 4.2 weighted isn't bad! i'm sure youre fine.</p>

<p>and thanks reidm, i'll be sure to include information about that in supplemental info or something- i wrote a short 200 words on it for UC's so i could just use that. thanks a lot =) Hopefully my GPA will go up after first semester of senior year and including classes i took at community colleges</p>

5

<p>your gpa is a bit low. However, everything else is very good.</p>