Input on College List- for HS Senior

Hey @parent1973! As you know from other threads, our D20s are very similar (with identical stats at this point) and lots of overlapping interests and lists. Here are some insights/hunches for your kid based on that:

  1. Agree that Pitt and Sarah Lawrence are likelies. Apply to Pitt now, she'll have that acceptance in hand in a few weeks. Makes a world of difference. Assuming of course that she would be genuinely happy to enroll. Don't stick it on the likely list just because it ticks the admissions boxes. Also apply SLC EA, can't hurt.
  2. I agree with earlier poster that BMC MHC Dickinson are matches. Yes, the stats put her @ 75th pctile but all those places are holistic and have dropped admit rates dramatically in last year(s) (e.g., Holyoke from 50% to 36% last year) and they will end up rejecting some kids in the 33/3.8 territory.
  3. List seems long. As someone said, that's a crap ton of supplements to write. Does she really like all of those enough to apply? If SLC or Pitt would be great options, is everything else worth applying to? Don't fall prey to "the more I apply to the higher my chances" etc. 7-9 total seems like a more manageable # than 13..

Reach: (choose 3)
Tufts
BU
Wellesley
NYU

Match: (choose 4)
Smith
U Rochester
Skidmore
Brandeis
Mt. Holyoke
Dickinson
Bryn Mawr

Likelies: (2)
Pitt
Sarah Lawrence

@Itisatruth --thank you. This is really helpful. Will talk to her and see what we can do. A bit nervous that 2 likelies is not enough but maybe I am over thinking…

As long as your student would be happy at the 2 safeties and they are affordable, then you are fine. My D also only had 2.

Note that both of these do consider “level of applicant’s interest”, so if the applicant appears “overqualified”, she needs to show additional interest beyond applying.

@Itisatruth --since we have similar kids, checking in to see how your process is going? Think my DD is submitting Pitt and Sarah Lawrence EA, and hopefully finishing most of these other apps-- may narrow down a bit.

HI all-- So acceptance to Pitt in hand (yay)-- waiting to here on honors. Still wondering of the list is too top heavy or if she needs some others…will see what she decides in next month.

Update-- So, here GPA is actually around 3.9 (UW) and her ACT rounds up to a 34 composite (with sub 30 math score–all others 35-36). Good ECS-- has started and led clubs, does Model UN, community service etc. Not sure if that changes anything, but this is her list.

She would be happy at any of the matches-- not sure about the likelies-- I am hoping she will be happy at them, but hoping she gets into some of the others…

Reach:
Tufts
BU
Wellesley
NYU

Match:
Smith
U Rochester
Skidmore
Brandeis

Likelies:
Pitt (accepted)
Sarah Lawrence
Mt. Holyoke