I don't mean to be redundant, but...

Colleges and Universities A-Z Middlebury College
1

<p>I was wondering what my chances at getting into Middlebury are. I've been quite depressed about the prospect of applying, as I am almost certain of my rejection. Why? My grades are total crap. I have a 3.3 all around. I'm hoping this doesn't write me off completely, as Middlebury is my dream school (Mainly for its language and environmental programs, although nearly everything about the school appeals to me).</p>

<p>Here are the highlights of my academic career:
-Simultaneous enrollment in both French and German
-An array of honors and AP courses (In which my grades have been mixed, however, helter-skelter: One semester I have an A in AP Lit, the next, a C)
-Study abroad for my senior year (I am going to study at an arts school in Italy for ten months)</p>

<p>SAT: I have yet to take this, although I scored in the top percentile of the PSAT my sophomore year. I plan on doing relatively well.</p>

<p>My Extra Curriculars:
-Newspaper: Editor-in-Chief
-Bipartisan Political Discussion Group: Secretary 2 years, Treasurer 1 year
-Ecology Club: member, 3 years
-Debate Team: Lincoln-Douglas, 2 years
-European Languages Club: 3 years, executive council member</p>

<p>The Politics and Ecology clubs both have involved much volunteering, including raising money for sponsoring micro-loans to women in third world countries (I was in charge of this campaign), participating with Invisible Children at protests such as Displace Me, raising voter awareness around campus, taking out the entire school's recycling every week, selling and advocating reusable grocery bags and aluminum water bottles, educating the student body about environmental awareness, and weeding trails in state parks. </p>

<p>So, yeah. I recognize that Middlebury is definitely a reach school, and I know everyone else interested seems to have much better credentials than I, but I'm hoping there may be a chance for me, however slim. I suppose what I'd really like to know is whether my chance is so slim it's not even worth the application fee. Advise would be useful as well. Thanks.</p>

2

<p>I can only speak from the experience in this house, but don’t let the stats of those posting on CC get in your head about applying. Grades are important, yes. But so are the classes you took. I imagine that on your transcript the only grades will be those at year end. So… if you get an A one semester and a C the next doesn’t that give you a B for the year? No, this isn’t what one would define as stellar, but this says nothing about your essays or your recommendations. And your test scores will, if they are good, help as well. There are lots of times in your life when you’re going to be discouraged about the competition, but you never know until you try. As Michael Jordan once said, you miss all of the shots you never take.</p>

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<p>If Midd truly is your dream school, show it as much as possible. Visit (multiple times?), do an on-campus interview in which you express your love of Midd…</p>

<p>If you do well on the SATs (2100+), and maybe take some SAT IIs, get some great recs, and write a stellar essay, I think you have a chance at Midd…</p>

<p>A 3.3 GPA is obviously lower than a typical Midd applicant, but it really is not that terrible (it’s not like you have a 2.5!!!) </p>

<p>Oh, and apply ED if Midd truly is your top choice…</p>

<p>Shoot for the moon…if you miss you will land among the stars (another inspirational quote for ya)</p>

<p>Please return the favor
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