<p>Hi - This is a second open question seeking realistic admissions chances / advice for my son - This time for Middlebury College.</p>
<p>His SATs are 740/710/720; SATII's 770 Literature, 720 Math I
His GPA has been straight As until this year, where he's pulling B's in AP Biology (he hates science), and AP Economics. Math (pre calculus) and 2 AP English classes (literature and Lang & Comp concurrently) are no problem. His counselor keeps telling him if he looses the straight As, kiss the good schools good-bye. This is stressing him out terribly. </p>
<p>My son currently a Junior. He has a strong interest in English literature, writing, and Japanese language. He has studied Japanese in school since 8th grade, and will be studying in Japan at a Japanese HS for 6 weeks this summer. His leanings to Middlebury stem from his enthusiasm for every Japanese (language and culture). He is also very strongly attracted to English. He and my wife are visiting Middlebury in March. We live in NE Ohio. </p>
<p>He doesn't participate in school team sports, but is not a nerd. He's a 2nd dan black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and practices Kendo & Iaido. </p>
<p>He has also played classical bassoon for 8 years, and been in our city youth symphony for 3 years.</p>
<p>His main interests lie in English/Japanese as a double major.</p>
<p>I've got several questions: </p>
<p>1) We've been told the SAT Is are borderline, and my son keeps being told to retake. Is 740/710 OK for Middlebury? I know they are VERY competitive. </p>
<p>2) Will his Japanese language background and study abroad help with admissions?</p>
<p>3) Is dropping from straight A's to several B's as bad as the counselor is beating him up about? Frankly I'm getting annoyed because I think his HS experience needs to be balanced an not total torture just to get a grade. He works hard - and my thought is if a B is what he's capable of, so be it.My son has also started doing drama this year, as well as debate. He is THRIVING in these activities .. both socially with friends and as a growing experience (he used to be very shy ... much less so now). His HS experience needs to be balanced and not total torture just to get a grade. I'd rather see him balanced in activities he enjoys, even if that means a few B's. </p>
<p>4) My son has also been a committed bassoon player in orchestra, but in the last year this has become secondary. I think he's participate in music, but certainly not as a major. Does Middlebury support music as an extracurricular activity? </p>
<p>No one in my wife's or my family has ever had an opportunity or potential for being where my son is now. As such we are all very excited about the possibilities .. Any recommendations concerning the SATs, grades in general, or interviewing/contacts with Middlebury during admissions would be VERY APPRECIATED. Thanks -</p>