It has an acceptance rate of 40%, but I’ve been told that it’s deceptive because a lot of really good applicants apply there. What do you think?
Look at the statistics of accepted students. You’ll see that -as with other all-women’s colleges- they’re significantly higher than those of other co-ed schools with similar acceptance rates. You are correct, the students are of a very high caliber. Remember, the applicant pool is less than half of what it might be at a co-ed school. You have only women, for one thing, and then you have only women who appreciate the benefits of a single-sex environment. It’s a somewhat self-selecting applicant pool, which contributes to the higher acceptance rate figure.
As with most LACs, it also depends on if Admissions thinks you will be a match for the school–they want you to be happy there! For example, I’ve known students who were rejected from Bryn Mawr but accepted at Wellesley. Admissions stats will give you a helpful framework, but it’s also about providing a clear picture of who you are as a student and how that college will help you reach your goals.
The acceptance rates at women’s colleges are deceptive. As EnglishIvy stated it’s more about match that stats. Your best bet is to find out more about the particular school. Then, after careful consideration, highlight your accomplishments in a way that shows how you are suitable applicant.
3.25 and 1700 SAT, multiple leadership positions, founder of the school’s LGBT club, freelance writer for a feminist magazine- Rejected
Yes, Bryn Mawr’s stats are very deceiving (as are all the women’s colleges). The GPA and SAT scores of accepted students is very high, pretty much on par with the top LAC 's. These schools already self select for top students.
I agree with englishivy. They want to find that mutual match and a successful admissions team will have analyzed the applicant characteristics that thrive at BMC.