<p>Which is more difficult to get into? By how much? Mount Holyoke and Smith are my two top choices, but I'm also considering Bryn Mawr. I have a SAT score of 2310 (800 reading, 780 math, 730 writing) and SAT II scores of 740 math 1, 760 biology, and 800 U.S. history. I'm homeschooled, so I've taken several courses at a community college (chemistry, psych, history, literature) and worked both on my own and with a tutor on various subjects. I have a 4.0 GPA in the community college courses. I'm also very heavily involved in classical music: I play cello at a precollege music program at a conservatory in upstate NY. </p>
<p>What are my chances? Any opinions would be appreciated! </p>
<p>Your chances are excellent, and you should be in line for scholarships. If you have a clear preference, the ED rates are among the highest among selective schools. Very few students make Smith or MHC their first choices and the ones who do enjoy substantially better odds. Only a disaster would preclude you to be done in December to February. </p>
<p>The information shared suggest excellent chances for the Zollman and Stride awards at Smith. OP, check the past posts of Mini and TheDad. They had daughters with super high SAT scores who picked Smith a decade ago. </p>
<p>Three years ago my daughter had stats similar to yours and was accepted at both (with early writes besides). She also got merit aid at MHC (maybe both) and special programs/mentorship at perhaps both, but certainly at Smith. </p>
<p>My daughter’s scores were similar to yours and she was awarded a merit scholarship ($25K a year) at MHC and a similar scholarship at Bryn Mawr. Did not apply to Smith, and ultimately chose to attend Wellesley. You will likely get into Smith, MHC and Bryn Mawr. You should consider Wellesley. They don’t give merit money, but are generous with need-based aid.</p>
<p>I believe that in difficulty of acceptance, one might rank them Smith-Bryn Mawr-Mt Holyoke. Demonstrating interest–by visit, calls, emails to profs–would be an excellent way to improve your already good chances. What areas of study are you interested in?</p>
<p>You need to visit. visiting and interviewing will increase your chances. Women’s colleges are unique. Each sports it’s own individual personality. You may find your self not liking the atmomspere at one and falling in love with the second. Aside from the visit arranged with admissions, try to spend the night, attend classes, go to a social function or club meeting. Interestingly enough, the women’s college (seven sisters) admissions is probably more “self selecting” then competing elite LACs. </p>
<p>Do you want to keep playing music? Bryn Mawr and Haverford, which are neighbors, have a college orchestra together. I don’t know the music options at Smith and MH.</p>
<p>Also, if you are very serious about music, you might apply for the Barnard-Julliard exchange. You have to be admitted into both programs, so the admissions rate is quite low.</p>
<p>Boston is also a hotbed of classical musical opportunity, with the New England Conservatory and the Boston Conservatory, a major orchestra, and a significant early music scene and so forth. Really, for a student who wants access to high-level teachers and ensembles, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston all make more sense than the Pioneer Valley. I’m curious that you aren’t considering Wellesley or Barnard…</p>
<p>Ultimately, finances could be your determining factor. You would definitely be likely to get merit from MHC and Smith, but the others are strictly need-based, AFAIK. (Wellesley certainly is.) Running the NPCs is essential. </p>
<p>ETA: I looked at the OP’s other threads, and she is apparently planning to apply to NYU, BC, and Colgate also. (And possibly somewhere else I have forgotten.) I have a hard time comprehending Colgate plus women’s colleges, and I’m skeptical about BC, but maybe that’s just me. Perhaps Colgate is close to home. I <em>really</em> think that if you like women’s colleges and are willing to apply to NYU, that Barnard should be on your list.</p>
<p>But really, if you want better advice you should engage in conversation, not just post and run. Parents wont’ ask you inappropriate questions. In fact, they will caution you against revealing personal details.</p>
<p>Just wanted to add that the Curtis Institute of Music is in Philadelphia. It’s a conservatory where a Bryn Mawr or Haverford student could take music lessons. Roommate of my D (BMC grad) took violin lessons at Curtis as well as majoring in music.</p>
<p>Smith has a very good music department (I don’t know about Mt. Holyoke or Bryn Mawr.) I know two students who weren’t music majors, but strong classical players (a violinist and cellist) and were both happy. The cellist studied chamber music at Smith and cello lessons at UMass Amherst. The violinist (science major) was a concerto soloist at graduation this May: her mother is a professional violinist who teaches at BU and Wellesley.</p>
<p>From what I recall, Smith is “need blind” and MHC is “need conscience”. Both look at holistic applications. So , in addition to your test scores/CC GPA, a strong essay and evidence of “accomplishment” (perhaps in music) will enhance your application. Unless you are 100% certain and don’t require FA, I wouldn’t go the ED route. Smith is N.Hampton a nice little town. MHC is S.Hadley, a teeny tiny town. Both have access to PVT busses and 5-college course offerings. Both offer a world class education and top tier opportunities. Go visit. Talk to other students. Spend the night. Compare FA packages. Most of all, go with your gut instinct. </p>
I’m curious that you aren’t considering Wellesley or Barnard…</p>