<p>Hi, I'm a current senior in an international school and I'm in the process of finishing my application for Mount Holyoke College. Even though I haven't visited MHC, I really want to be able to study there because of the great international community it has. An overview of my "stats" is as follows:</p>
<p>Cumulative GPA: 3.5 UW (my school doesn't have weighted GPAs)
Ranking: Top 20% (but we don't have official high school rankings)
SATs: I'm not sending my scores
TOEFL iBT: 111 (out of 120)</p>
<p>Academics: I'm a full IB Diploma candidate
English A1 HL | Economics HL | Visual Arts HL
Chemistry SL | Mandarin Ab initio | Math Studies SL </p>
<p>Last year, I got a 3.75 gpa, which was a big improvement from my 3.25 sophomore gpa (Between 9th and 10th grade, I transferred from a small suburban school in the Philippines to an international school). This year, I have all As in my HL classes and Bs in my SL classes (about 3.6 gpa)</p>
<p>ECs: writer for school newspaper and magazine (9th, 11th, 12th); literary arts magazine staff (11th, 12th); English teacher at a Vietnamese children's shelter (10th, 11th); Arts and Craft Teacher (11th); Tennis (11th, 12th); Conducted my own storytelling project for less fortunate kids at my local community in the Philippines (fall break of 11th grade); and other small-scale activities for CAS </p>
<p>Awards: Oustanding feature write; High honor roll; honor roll</p>
<p>Recommendations and essays: I'm pretty confident about my teacher recs (from my English and Art teachers) and I'm still halfway-through my common app essay.
Plans: I want to major in English and take MHC's Journalism 'Nexus' minor</p>
<p>I'm really passionate about going to MHC, but my guidance counselor said I probably have 20-30% chance of getting in (for Fall 2012 regular decision). I am also applying for financial aid. In your opinion, is MHC a high reach for me?</p>
<p>No, I don’t think it’s a high reach. MHC loves a diverse student body and you have some good stats and experiences to back you up. While you aren’t a “shoe in” you should definitely be confident in your application, it seems like you are a strong candidate. I would just say maybe reconsider the art teacher recommendation, while it’s great that you excel in the arts, it’s not a “core academic area” which may not sit as well with admissions committees. </p>
<p>I forget how many recommendations I had when I applied to MHC but I’m fairly sure I had History, English, and Chemistry teachers write mine.</p>
<p>With regards to my teachers’ recommendations, do you think it would significantly weaken my application if I only submit recs. from my English and Art teachers? </p>
<p>I don’t think I have enough time to ask another teacher for a recommendation, since everyone is gone for the winter break. I will try, however, to ask my Chemistry teacher for a letter, since he is one of my kindest teachers (and he lives around my neighborhood!). In that case, should I send in my English and Chemistry teachers’ letters and then use my Art teacher’s for the art supplement?</p>
<p>Also, are you a current student at MHC? If you are, know that I’m absolutely in love with your school! Haha. Again, thank you for your help! :)</p>
<p>Hi I think my stats is roughly the same as yours and I got accpeted EDII. Except I was going to high school in Singapore and I did Alevel curriculum. I think you will have a shot if just viewing at your stats. But MHC values your personality more so you should evaluate that well thru your essays. All the best</p>
<p>Thank you, it’s encouraging to know that. Congratulations on your acceptance! MHC is my first choice, so I was planning to apply for ED, but I realized as an int’l applicant applying for significant financial aid, I need to consider offers from other colleges. </p>
<p>For my essays, I don’t know if they will stand out, but I tried to show my personality as best as I can. I’ve read many acceptance stories from people who had good-but-not-outstanding academic stats, but had amazing personal stories to tell. Thanks for your reply! :)</p>
<p>@nerves As for finances, you do not need to worry that much. Coz MHC is known for her generosity to the intl students. There are few cases that people were rejected becoz they asked for FA. MHC will do what they can to meet your need. Your chance will not be affected greatly if applying for FA. Good luck!XD</p>
<p>Hi Pipermaru! I just wanted to mention I got into Mount Holyoke College! I got some financial aid, but it wasn’t enough. I’m currently at Chapman University and I must admit, sometimes I really wished I was at MHC. I think MHC has a really impressive academic environment. Anyway, good luck in your application! I hope all goes well! </p>
<p>Thanks for responding! My main worry is the tuition, I do hope I get a nice scholarship so i can attend MHC. Good luck on your studies, and yup, mabuhay ang pilipinas! :D</p>
All the best</p>