murky grade situation, but a love for Swat

<p>Hello... well, I've posted my whole song and dance on the parents' forum a while back, but I'd like the advice of everyone familiar with Swarthmore specifically. I've basically narrowed my possible ED list to Swarthmore, Williams, and Wellesley (in no particular order; I'm overnighting at each and then deciding). I really love all these schools for different reasons, and I think I'd be able to get across why I love Swat in my interview/ essay. My problem is: I had some serious health issues during my junior year, and my grades definitely suffered for it. I managed to finish out the year with all B's except for an A in English, but I had to drop down a level for physics as I had to miss a lot of class. My GPA is around a 3.5/3.6 at this point. However, I'm really passionate about my EC's and about academic areas that interest me... I'm All State/All Eastern for singing, I play the harp, the first ever junior to be student rep to the board of ed, and I student rep on around 10 different administrative committees within my school system. I also went to the New Jersey Governor's School for International Studies this summer. I have a lot of ideas for my essay, and I like to write, so I expect it will be very good. As far as SATs go, I have 800v 800w 600 math (retaking for math). Do you think, on the basis of my grades, that Swat is out of my reach? Thanks for any input :)</p>

<p>I doubt Swat is out of reach. Have great, creative essays, and that should help.</p>

<p>It is impossible for any of us to evaluate GPA in a vacuum. It can really only be judged in the context of your class rank at your particular high school. So, for any of us to give admissions odds would be ridiculous.</p>

<p>You have a lot of material for a strong application, so I don't think the schools you are looking at are unreasonable.</p>

<p>Thanks everyone : ) ID... I'm from a pretty well-known public high school in (you guessed it) a wealthy New Jersey suburb of NYC, so my location is definitely not going to do me any favors. My school doesn't rank, but I'd say I'm in the top 25% (after this first quarter, probably more like top 20%)... this is what really worries me. Also... my health issues were an eating disorder that I have since recovered from. Do you think this will scare them off, even if I write about how I got over it in my essay? Thanks so much for any help: )</p>

<p>I don't feel qualified to offer any guidance on how to handle the health issues. I honestly don't know the answer.</p>

<p>My gut says that I wouldn't deal with that in any of the main essays, perhaps in a supplemental essay. But, I really don't know.</p>

<p>I would want the advice of somebody that really knows how such issues are viewed in college admissions offices.</p>

<p>Because you have posted this identical thread on three boards, I recommend you need to visit again before applying ED anywhere! Early decision works for those applicants that have a clear first choice. If you are not sure of your preference between W, W & S, you should visit to determine if you have a true first choice or apply regular decision. Good luck. (I wouldn't mention the eating disorder.)</p>

<p>Based on the stats that you've mentioned, I don't think that Swarthmore is out of your reach.</p>

<p>Thanks everyone... the thing is, with my GPA, I really need the boost that ED gives. I'm overnighting at all three in October.</p>

<p>I think your credentials are amazing, but your class rank is low for all three schools. I think there is a good chance that they will defer you until they can see your 1st semester senior grades. (That's what happenned to my friend who applied.)</p>

<p>I visited Wellesley and Swat and they are rigorous schools. I didn't get the feeling that they were particularly forgiving of too much imperfection as far as grades are concerned. Grades are more important to Wellesley that activities or even test scores. </p>

<p>IMO I don't think ED will give you a boost. THese schools are going to want to see that upward senior grade trend.</p>

<p>Actually, ED hurts people who have GPA issues in junior year. The college will have to make their admissions decision without seeing your first semester senior grades. If you had a problem during your junior year that got resolved, your senior grades will show major improvement. In your case it could be very important.</p>