<p>I've read through threads about JESS, and I'm very interested in applying for it. However, my stats are not too high (3.3 unweighted/3.5 weighted GPA, 27 ACT) due to personal issues that I've worked through. Though, from my personal issues, I have learned so much about myself and the world that I feel I couldn't have gained from simply getting high grades in classes. </p>
<p>Scripps' web site states that they choose students who have proven academic strength and personal character for the scholarship. Have there been any cases where people that received JESS didn't have spectacular stats? From the threads I've looked at, my qualifications are nowhere near JESS caliber, though I also realize CC is a limited pool to be looking at.</p>
<p>I was thinking that I could creatively show my intelligence, ability to handle a Scripps' education successfully, and overall good traits on my application with "soft" factors like the essays, recs, and supplementary materials. But can that overshadow a low GPA and test scores?</p>
<p>I'm super super SUPER interested in Scripps (super Scripps, anyone? :p). I've read like every thread in this forum two times, done random Google searches ("Scripps sucks"), and each thing I find out I either love or could deal with. The academics (ability to cross register in the consortium), small size, the weather (I'd love to study in that beautiful environment), the fact that students can pick fruit from trees...it's amazing! But I probably couldn't go if I didn't get JESS or win the lottery. So if any of you could offer insight on this, that'd be great :)</p>
<p>And sorry that this is sort of scattered -- Scripps makes me excited.</p>
<p>You sound like a really motivated and enthusiastic candidate for admissions. If that enthusiasm comes out in your essays and short answer responses, as well as any interest you demonstrate by interviewing and calling/e-mailing professors and admissions, then I think you stand a good chance. </p>
<p>However, I think the JES scholarship is heavily dependent on grades and scores, considering the past finalists. However, Scripps is known to be really good about giving financial aid to those who need it. Definitely fill out the FAFSA and see where you stand.</p>
<p>Apply by the scholarship deadline...whatever your odds, if the money is important, don't let the chance pass you by. That said, my understanding of the JESS is that it's largely intended to 'woo' high-stats students, and I've been told by staff that average SAT of finalists is around 1500/1600 (and that was a few years ago). I can't vouch for any of this info...it's just what's reached me through the grapevine. Certainly nothing official.</p>
<p>I do hope you're able to keep the school in the running. Best of luck.</p>
<p>Don't let your stats keep you from applying for the scholarships, but try to be realistic about your chances. Every girl I met at Scripps had an unweighted 4.0. An interview sounds like it will be very important for you, so take advantage of that. Practice on another college first, if you can.
Apply for outside scholarships. Sometimes there are school/county/city/state specific scholarships that depend heavily on essays rather than stats. I can't really recommend anything for you unless you're an oregonian though.</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses, guys. I've processed the information along with looking at different other scholarship opportunities. Hopefully, everything will work out <em>crosses fingers</em></p>
<p>I'm planning on applying for JESS, but I realize that I shouldn't expect anything, except a pat on the back from myself for getting my application in early ;)</p>
<p>As a sidenote, everyone here is so nice, and I can't wait to meet Scrippsies in person when I visit!</p>
<p>2legit2quit- hey i was wondering what grade you are in? and how does scripps know your stats already (if you are a senior, or are you? what grade are you in?)</p>
<p>I was wondering the same thing. Did you send your scores to them
already? If my D takes the October 25 ACT and rushes the score will they get there in time for JES consideration?</p>
<p>I don't think an Oct 25 ACT will be there in time. ACT says on their website that grading will occur Nov12 - Dec 29. I think the application has to be in by Nov 1 at Scripps for the JES.</p>
<p>If you go meet with a Scripps rep when they give an informational visit at your school, they'll often have you fill out a card with your personal info and stats on it as well. So they often get information from Juniors and Seniors that way.</p>
<p>It doesn't hurt to try, but JES last year had over 500 applicants. My D. was one of them, and didn't get it, though she is going to Scripps (tomorrow we head there!).</p>
<p>They sent a very nice letter about the sheer volume of applicants. So I certainly wouldn't get my hopes up.</p>
<p>We met one of the JES scholarship students at a Scripps reception this summer, and she was really awesome (and very nice as well).</p>
<p>I am also looking for information on the JES, and this seemed the most appropriate place. (Sorry if it's not, stealing the thread and all). I received the letter both for the JES and later for the New Generation scholarship. I would love, love, love to attend Scripps, but if I don't get the JES, I can't afford, and I know I won't qualify for financial aid. </p>
<p>I am quite strong academically, but weak in service things, which would be my problem. I have a 34 ACT, haven't taken the SAT yet, and it is very likely I'll be a National Merit Award Semifinalist, and later hopefully a finalist. I have taken 4 APs, receiving 3 5s and a 4, and am taking 6 more this year. I am in pep and marching band, pit orchestra, youth symphony, and have had 4yrs of varsity swimming. I have just applied to Spanish Honors Society, and will hopefully get in. </p>
<p>I am trying not to brag/sound whiny. It's just that if I can't get the scholarship, I essentially have to go to UW-Madison. (In-state, and therefore cheap).</p>
<p>Well, you're obviously an accomplished student and there's certainly no harm in applying by the scholarship deadline. That's about the best that can be said as far as merit scholarships go, I think.</p>
<p>My understanding of the JES scholarship is that numbers are very important...FWIW, someone with strong stats and weaker EC's is likely in a more favorable position than someone with weaker stats and strong EC's. That's only guesswork, but there you have it. I'll also hasten to add that I don't intend to characterize you as someone with "weaker" EC's. </p>
<p>For a strong student, there is absolutely middle ground between UW-Madison and Scripps. UW-Madison is a fantastic school, but if its environment fails to appeal to you, there are other LAC's, women's colleges, west coast schools, etc. than just Scripps at which you'd be competitive for merit aid. If you're open to suggestions, you may want to start your own thread letting people know the sort of school that you're looking for.</p>