<p>My DD is interested in Lafayette..its among her top 5, the others being Bucknell,Villanova Syracuse and Gettysburg for liberal arts. She knows it might come down to money as I think Syracuse and Gettysburg will probably come up with some merit money. Anyway she has good stats...94.5 GPA, school doesn't release rankings but she is top 5% of good public HS in westchester county NY. SAT's were 2010/2400 v-710, M 600, Wr-700. SAT 2's were eng 680, USHIST 750, AP's were Eng 4 and USHIST 5. Taking 3 AP's now. Rest of classes have been honors except math her weak point...just grade level...taking precalc now. Good EC's...2 HS sports FH and SB all 4 years in addition to summer and fall SB, summer and winter indoor FH. student government, class officer, editor of school newspaper, NHS, SADD, other clubs etc and some community service, summer camp jobs and babysitting. We haven't seen much of her these past 4 years Anyway does she have a shot at Lafayette and if so any merit money. ( I know her SAT"s aren't outstanding but when you look at the whole package...) I tried to schedule an off site alumni interview( shes been to Lafayette 2x) but the admissions said they don't do them till after she appies. She is just now finding the time to start her app/essay so hopefully by thanksgiving . Any input appreciated Thanks</p>
<p>Goingtobebroke,</p>
<p>I'm so sorry I did not get back to you ASAP. I've just been so busy with schoolwork (college...schoolwork...go figure!).</p>
<p>"We haven't seen much of her these past 4 years"</p>
<p>I hope you were being facetious with that comment...it actually made me chuckle! Imagine how much you'll hear from your daughter when she's off at college. I like your sense of humor...we don't get enough of that in these forums!</p>
<p>You don't need me to tell you these things, but...your daughter's stats are quite competitive (to put it lightly!). Great GPA, SAT/SAT II/AP scores, athletic participation, extracurricular involvement, community service, employment. No wonder you never see her!</p>
<p>She's got an awesome chance at all of the schools you listed. I honestly think she's guaranteed a spot here at Lafayette. At the very least, expect a Trustee Scholarship ($8,000/year towards tuition). A Marquis Scholarship ($16,000/year toward tuition) is possible, but greatly depends on the quality of the Class of 2011 applicant pool. Usually, Marquis Scholars are in the top 2-3% of their classes, have 3.8+ UW GPAs, and SAT scores of 1480+ for Math/CR. But don't count your daughter out. She has really involved herself during her years in high school...admissions officers will make note of that!</p>
<p>Admissions officers like to give out the merit scholarships to those they have spoken with in person just to be sure they are as great in person as they are on paper. You should SERIOUSLY consider driving on down to Easton, PA for the interview. I wouldn't say such a thing if I didn't believe it would benefit you financially in some way!</p>
<p>To schedule an on campus interview, call the admissions office two weeks in advance at (610) 330-5100. More information can be found here: <a href="http://www.lafayette.edu/admissions/visitation.html#interviews%5B/url%5D">http://www.lafayette.edu/admissions/visitation.html#interviews</a></p>
<p>I totally understand if you don't want to make a third visit, but I think it'll be worth it in the end. The alumni interviews really don't help/hurt an applicant's chances. Admissions officers really don't take their advice into consideration, which is quite a shame. Our alumni interviewers are just there to answer questions and share their enthusiasm for a school they attended years ago.</p>
<p>I hope this helps. I'm always here if you think of anything else.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>Thanks for the reply..we will apply and see if we can get an interview at a later date...there is too much going on right now unrelated to college to take a day off from school/workfor a college interview . Thanks again</p>
<p>We did finally manage to get back to Lafayette ( 3rd visit), for an interview. The admission officer didn't take any notes, nor did he look at the transcript my DD brought, according to him the interview isn't evaluative and Lafayette is very selective and rejects alot of applicants that more prestigious schools accept. A stop by the financial office was even more discouraging about the merit scholarships, very difficult to obtain, even if you meet most or all of the criteria. My daughter still likes Lafayette, its still in her top 5. How is the intramural program??? specifically softball???</p>
<p>Goingtobebroke,</p>
<p>I am surprised that the interviewer failed to take notes during the interview. Even though some admissions officers refuse to admit that the interview is evaluative in any way, just know that judgments are being made. Also keep in mind that having that interview increases her chances of admission and her shot at earning one of our merit-based scholarships.</p>
<p>Yes, Lafayette is selective (1/3 of applicants are admitted each year). However, I wouldn't say that we reject many top applicants that most prestigious schools accept. Just out of sheer curiosity...who conducted the interview???</p>
<p>I am glad to hear that your daughter is still considering Lafayette, even though it sounds as if the visit was not entirely a positive one. About the merit-based scholarships, keep in mind that about 15% of each incoming class is offered either a Marquis or Trustee Scholarship. For more information on our merit-based scholarship program, please visit the following web page: <a href="http://www.lafayette.edu/admissions/finaid/scholarships.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.lafayette.edu/admissions/finaid/scholarships.html</a></p>
<p>The intramural program is quite strong, and a majority of students get involved. I have already participated in intramural mini golf and billiards, and good times were had by all. Slow pitch softball, which is being offered in the upcoming spring semester, sounds fun. Just know that our intramural sports are less of a time commitment than our club or Division I varsity sports, but can be just as competitive. I'm sure softball is taken quite seriously. Most likely, they play on the softball fields at our Metzgar Fields Athletic Complex. Please visit the following web page for more information on our intramural sports program: <a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Erecsvcs/kirby_sports_center/intramural_programs.php%5B/url%5D">http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Erecsvcs/kirby_sports_center/intramural_programs.php</a></p>
<p>All the best,</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>I can't remember the name of the admisson counselor and to be honest I doubt I would reveal it ( for fear of jepardizing DD chances). My DD was a bit surprised with the no notes as this was her 3rd college interview and the prev 2 took notes..Oh well.... I am sure she will get accepted somewhere and be quite happy. Reading the guidelines for the scholarships I doubt she would qualify...she hasn't split the atom yet, nor eliminated world hunger. Shes just a great, well balanced , wholesome kid that any college would be lucky to have...( sounds like I am talking about marriage prospects!!!)..The good news is that we have 1 more college to visit and interview. next month..F&M and then we are all done!!!! Thanks again for your time</p>
<p>Goingtobebroke,</p>
<p>It sounds as if any college or university would be fortunate to have your daughter attending.</p>
<p>I wish her luck with the big college decision!</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>Goingtobebroke: I'd be interested in what else the admissions people had to say that seemed so dismal about actually getting one of the scholarships. Offering to 15% of the pool seems kind of positive but the sense you got seemed more negative. Bordering on pompus. (Sorry, Justin.) Our applicant has somewhat weaker EC background than yours but SAT scores ( M and CR) just under 1500. Rank is around top 3%. There is no possible way to attend without one of the scholarships. Any more info to add? Thanks.</p>
<p>bluejay,</p>
<p>There is no need to apologize to me! Even though I am constantly being exposed to the politics of college admissions, I disagree with the majority of admissions practices...consider me a kind of "admissions vigilante".</p>
<p>I have a feeling that the admissions officer who interviewed Goingtobebroke's daughter was in a bad mood. Hey, it happens. RD applications are piling in and interviews were coming to a close. Stress is at an all-time high in that office.</p>
<p>Bluejay, it sounds as if your "applicant" has a chance for one of Lafayette merit scholarships. I agree that $40,000/year makes attending Lafayette tough, if not impossible for many families. Just cross your fingers and hope for the best! Keep in mind that your "applicant" would be notified earlier than other RD candidates if awarded a scholarship (usually in February).</p>
<p>All the best,</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>I wouldn't worry...your applicants Sat's are enviable and don't need to be supported by many EC's. Merit money with those sat's is astrong possibility at many top colleges. Good luck</p>
<p>candyman DD did not get any merit money despite your prediction. We weren't suprised as the qualifications for one were spelled out. She did get merit money from 3 other schools ( Loyola, G'burg and F&M), and has her choice narrowed down to to 2 of those and BC. I think the lack of interest from lafayette ( interviewer didn't take notes, wasn't friendly) swayed her away from Lafayette. They did send a nice personalized admission letter tho. Its too bad as lafayette was the closest college she applied to</p>
<p>Goingtobebroke,</p>
<p>I am sorry to hear that. Lafayette had quite a competitive applicant pool this year, and from I have seen on these boards, some amazing candidates were placed on the wait list. It seems that each admissions cycle goes to further demonstrate the unpredictability of the whole process.</p>
<p>Your daughter has some great choices! I'm sure you're very proud of her, and it goes without saying that any school would be lucky to have your daughter in attendance.</p>
<p>I wish her the very best.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>I noticed in a recent Lafayette mailing that they are beginning to interview juniors, I think starting in May and going through December. Our daughter visited Lafayette earlier this year and will definitely be applying. We are not taking her down for junior visiting day (we had come for a previous open house) but when would it be most advantageous to visit again? I am thinking next fall around the time she applies? Are interviews automatically scheduled when the application is received, or are they optional at the behest of the student? thanks Justin!</p>
<p>Bridie,</p>
<p>Yes, interviews for the Class of 2012 begin on May 1st and will run until December 29th. You can schedule an on-campus interview by calling up the Office of Admissions at (610) 330-5100 at least two weeks before you plan on visiting.</p>
<p>Interviews are conducted at the following times:
Monday through Friday at 9:00am, 9:40am, 10:20am, 11:00am, 1:20pm, 2:00pm, and 3:20pm.</p>
<p>From the Lafayette website: "Admissions interviews give prospective applicants a chance to speak about themselves in a one-on-one conversation with an admissions director. The interview lasts about 30 minutes, helping admissions staff form a clearer picture of applicants, and allowing applicants to ask specific questions about Lafayette. Please note: interviews are not required for applicants but are recommended."</p>
<p>You could visit any time in the fall before your daughter applies. You will only be contacted by the college if you can not make it for an on-campus interview. In that case, upon receipt of your application, you will be automatically contacted by an Alumni Admissions Representative if there is one available in your area for an off-campus interview.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>