How much does this boost chances at Amherst?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Amherst College
1

<p>My family is low income, how much would this boost my chances at Amherst? 21,000/year between both of my parents to be exact… I mean how will the Amherst people know I’m low income? I don’t want to talk about it in my essays or anything… </p>

<p>The rest of my stats are:</p>

<p>9th Grade:</p>

<p>English Honors - A
History Honors - A
Geometry - B+
Biology - A
Latin I - A
Gym - A
Band - A</p>

<p>GPA: 4.07</p>

<p>10th Grade:</p>

<p>English Honors - B+
History Honors - A
Algebra 2 - B
Earth Science - A
Latin 2 - B
Gym - A
Grafx Img. Tech I - A</p>

<p>GPA: 3.79 (I didn’t take 10th grade seriously)</p>

<p>11th Grade:</p>

<p>English Honors - A
AP US History - A
Trigonoetry - B
Pre-cal - A
Chemistry - A
Latin 3 - B+
Grafx Img. Tech II - A (2 credit class, so it counts as 2 A’s on the GPA)</p>

<p>GPA: 4.00</p>

<p>12th Grade Schedule:</p>

<p>AP Literature
AP US Gov’t
AP Calculus AB
AP Comp. Sci. A
AP Latin Vergil
Physics Honors
African American and Peace Studies</p>

<p>TOTAL WEIGHTED GPA: 3.93
Class Rank: 33/598</p>

<p>SAT I: 730 Verbal, 650 Math, 620 Writing (will retake in November)
SAT II: 720 US History… still have to take one more in October</p>

<p>Other info: well… it appears that the average 11th grader at my school only takes 1 AP class (US History) but quite a few took 2 because they could take AP Biology as well… I messed up 10th grade year and took Earth Science instead of Chemistry, so I didn’t really have the option to take AP Bio. Some even took 3 because they were super accelerated math and could fit in AP Calculus in junior year. And then the top 1-5 kids likely had 4 APs because they had an AP language junior year. But basically one AP is the norm for most college bound kids junior year. Also, I’m Asian and in Virginia.</p>

<p>ECs:
Varsity Hockey: 10-12, maybe asst. capt. in 12</p>

<p>Rec. Roller Hockey: 9 -12</p>

<p>CyberSeniors (community service thing where you teach elderly people how to use the computer): 10-12, President 11-12, 150+ hrs. of comm. service</p>

<p>Latin Club: 10-12</p>

<p>National Honor Society: 11-12</p>

<p>Summer internship at a jewelery store this summer</p>

<p>Who’s Who, National Honor Roll, National Society of High School Scholars…</p>

<p>Chances.</p>

2

<p>Your chances are as good as anyone's. It's always a crap shoot in elite admissions. Amherst is really seeking out low income students with good stats. That is a plus. It truly is need blind. I would contact them about Diversity Weekend. With your income they might pay your way. I believe there is a check-off spot that says request FA on the app. Also, there are no interviews, so the essay is crucial. Make sure you work on the very hard, and have your personality shine through. Good luck!</p>

3

<p>isn't amherst need blind.. if they are being low income will do jack for your app unless you write about it.</p>

4

<p>D didn't write about it and she received a wonderful FA award. Contacting them about your interest and perhaps attending Diversity Weekend will let them know your situation.<br>
Again, good luck!</p>

5

<p>you ask to waive the application fee. that is how they know that you are from a "economic disadvantage" family. </p>

<p>write in your assay how you overcome your disadvantage. for example, you may have to get up in the middle of the night to study in a bathroom since you live in a confined space which precludes you from studying ealier in the day. (don't use this example since it has been broadcasted by a PBS special on Amherst admission). you may write about how you may walk a long distance to your local library to get books. you may talk about contributing to your family income. </p>

<p>being from an economic disadvantage family will help greatly if your SAT score is below the average.</p>

6

<p>Isn't it a bit too late to apply for Diversity weekend? Just wondering...</p>

7

<p>How can I ask for an application fee waiver? Do you know? I really a low-income students!!!</p>

8

<p>There are different ways to do this.</p>

<p>First, if you have applied for SAT testing fee waiver (and you should if you are truly in the low income bracket, then the document College board sent you can be used directly since Amherst particpates in the common fee waiver program. For more information go to collegeboard.com search site and just type in fee waiver or common application fee waiver. </p>

<p>Secondly, most colleges will grant a fee waiver based on a letter from your school's guidance office. You can contact Amherst Admission directly to see whether that will be sufficient. </p>

<p>Third, some colleges have their own fee waiver form. Contacting the admission office directly to find out. </p>

<p>Best of luck.</p>