I’m a little cynical about what admissions counselors at selective schools mean by their “holistic process”. I’d love for the process to be truly holistic, but I don’t see how this can be possible at some of these top LACs being that they attract the same caliber of applicant applying to ivies (i.e. perfect stats/ECs/etc). As someone who has always struggled in my math and science courses (this year honors chem has been a killer to my gpa), but excelled in English, foreign language, and humanities classes throughout my 3 years, I’m worried that my less than stellar chem and math grades will disqualify me should I choose to apply to more selective schools… and that doesn’t seem very holistic. Can anyone speak to this?
Holistic does mean that schools look at the entire individual. Perfect scores alone do not guarantee admission to top schools. Academic qualifications are a very important part of the process, but colleges also look for students who are interesting/involved etc. The holistic part means that the entire package a student presents is considered, – it does not suggest in any way that academics are not important. You can certainly highlight your academic strengths in your application (and perhaps tie your strengths into your proposed major if appropriate). My experience has been that strong ECs, recommendations, essays etc. generally cannot make up for below standard academics for a particular college, but they can boost the chances a student who has performed at the academic caliber of the school.
It is fine to apply to some reach schools, but I’d suggest you focus on schools that are a good match for your academic record.
happy1 said it very well. For emphasis, the most selective schools are generally the most holistic in their applicant selection. That is because they can require successful applicants to have both very top stats and other qualifications (ECs, notable talents, recs, essays, etc.). But, not having the grades and the stats to a reasonably high level will likely disqualify the applicant.
Also, you’re focus is wrong. See it from their perspective: one student excels at English, foreign language, and humanities classes but not as strong in Math/Sci.
Another student excels in all of them. The other qualities are more or less equal. If the admissions officer had one spot left, what’s the compelling argument to take the first student over the 2nd?
Your complaint isn’t with the strengths/weaknesses of holistic admissions. Your complaint is that a small handful of schools (that you’d like to attend) have such ridiculously strong competition.
Your solution is to follow @happy1 's advice and to apply broadly.
Thanks for the input! I think I just assumed that the holistic process, along with placing emphasis on extracurriculars and other aspects of the application, is more forgiving of minor flaws in an application… wishful thinking lol. The only reason I bring this up is because my guidance counselor suggested that i look into Kenyon College as a potential reach (maybe ED?), and just from looking at online resources, I fell in love with the school. I, of course, have others I really like that I believe would be more realistic (Skidmore, Holy Cross), but I figured i might as well give it a try when the time comes.
Also, while i know it is a far reach, I don’t think my stats combined with all the other aspects (my music involvement would probably be the biggest hook: selected 2x for NYS area all state concert band on euphonium) constitute a lost cause (let me know if this is naive lol): 3.8 GPA(approx), 31 ACT, 1990 SAT.
I think that if you can present a picture of yourself as someone who is planning to pursue something that isn’t so math/chem dependent and can show that you have the ability to excel at whatever that is, the holistic process can work for you. What may be important is that your essays and recs reflect your commitment to where your strengths lie. I don’t think it’s a lost cause either. One of the things that adcoms look for in this process is consistency in the application. If you’re saying you want to be a chemical engineer and that you’d be great at it, well – that might just seem to be a disconnect with the facts. It’s a sign of maturity to have reflected on who you are based on the experiences you’ve had and what you’ve learned from them. Also remember that if you learn something from having taken a risk, even if it didn’t go well, that’s not a bad thing.
Kenyon certainly makes sense as a bit of a reach – it doesn’t seem out of the ballpark for you. I would just suggest that it is important to visit a school before you apply ED as it is a binding commitment. Kenyon is a great school and my D’s friend had a wonderful experience at the college, but from what I gather (have not been to Kenyon myself) it is kind of out in the cornfields so it may not be for everyone. As long as you have other choices you would be happy attending (which you seem to have) it is a absolutely fine to throw in a couple of reach applications.
The students I worry about are the ones who pick one hyper-competitive school and pin all of their hopes and dreams on getting into that one long-shot. You do not seem to be in that category at all. As long as you apply to a range of reach, match, and safety schools you would be happy to attend you will end up just fine.
Yup, i planned on visiting this summer. It’s a bit of a trek (I’m in NY), but thats the one concern I have- that Gambier might be a little too remote, so i want to be sure it’s not a deal breaker. I don’t mind the small town feel, though. Again thanks for the help!
I make no reservations in saying that I definitively will NOT be a STEM major- it isn’t where my skills or my interests lie. I certainly plan on emphasizing my interest and aptitude in the humanities as well as languages (Latin especially), and have been strongly considering centering my essay around the challenges I faced specifically in my honors chem class (a risky class for me to take). Ultimately, I think the transcript, ECs, awards, and volunteer experience will speak for itself as far as what I might major in.
If you are strongly considering Kenyon ED I’d suggest the following:
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Visit during the school year, not during the summer. I visited a number of LACs with my D as she was going through the application process and found that each had a distinctive feeling or “vibe.” I don’t think you will get a full sense of the school by looking at the campus/building without the students there. Most colleges start late Aug. so you could probably arrange to visit when Kenyon is in session but still before your HS begins.
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If you go see if you can arrange to do an interview while you are on campus. My D found the on-campus interviewers to be better than the alumni interviewers as a general rule.
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Also see if it is possible to shadow a student for a day. Going to classes, eating in the cafeteria etc. will help you to get a good feeling for the school.
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Be sure to pay attention to the logistics and costs of attending a school that far away from home before making a decision to apply ED (and be sure your parents are OK with it as well).
Kenyon also has a music scholarship that you might be interested in applying for. I’m fairly sure you don’t have to commit to being a music major, just to playing in an ensemble.
@rnl2691 Thanks forgetting me know! I was definitely curious about the music programs at there since I’d like to continue my involvement in music in college, but not major or minor in it. Also, @happy1 I am heeding your advise and visiting kenyon while class is in session before school starts for me. Really appreciate the advice!