<p>DISCLAIMER/INTRO: Ok FIRST off, I know Middlebury is a reach school. I just really like the school, and although I feel I have a slim chance of getting in, maybe someone can tell me differently.</p>
<p>GPA: 3.93 (as of now, could go up by end of 1st semester) weighted
Rank: 42 out of 319 (so freaking close to top 10%, but alas it is top 12%)
SAT: 1950
ACT: 29 (writing high: 9)
SAT 2 Subject tests: got a 570 and 590 on the ones I took, not terribly good but am taking them again in a couple weeks.
ACTIVITIES, etc. : I did varsity ski racing in my freshman year, have played in the Jazz Band for 3 years, and have played in the school concert and symphonic bands for 3 years together. I am also a part of the History National Honors Society, and potentially regular NHS this year as well (waiting to get response). I have done multiple community services through the years (sou kitchens, volunteer for school, at a rec department, etc.). I had a summer job working 40 hours a week, and work sporadically at my dad's lawn management company throughout the year as well for all 4 years. I skied on a mountain ski team for 3 years separate from the school one I did freshman year. I also dog sat for a neighbor last year, and may do it again this year depending on their schedule. I have taken saxophone lessons 3 years and piano lessons since elementary school. Even took guitar lessons last year and will probably do it again this year.
CLASSES Taken: I only took level 2 classes in freshman year because I was forced to in a Catholic school I was originally forced to go to. I switched back to public sophomore year and have been there since. All my classes have been honors or AP. I took AP english last year and got a 4 on the exam, and am taking AP Government and Politics, Ap Economics, and AP Statistics this year.
ESSAY and Recommendations: I have a strong college essay (got glowing review from two "pro" college essay correctors), and although I haven't seen my recommendations, I have no doubt that both teachers gave me great reviews. My guidance counselor also had a long talk with me so I expect hers will be great as well.</p>
<p>CLOSING: So what do you think? I know my test scores are lower than ideal, but they are so close to the middle 50% and I just don;t know if I can bear taking another standardized test (I have taken 5 already). And my rank is just so close to top 10%, although I amy be able to move it up by end of 1st semester. Sometimes these admissions are flukey and they may see something special in me or my essay? I don't know for sure though. But what do you think? Thanks for the time and effort, I really appreciate it!</p>
<p>Additional Info: GPA is based on 5 point scale (A+ in an AP class gets 5.0, A in AP gets 4.67, A+ in Honors gets 4.67, A in honors gets 4.33, etc.) I emailed a Dartmouth admissions officer and she said that the 12% vs. 10% wouldnt make a difference for me, and that the test scores are not necessarily the main thing they consider. She said its different for each student. If anyone has any questions on specific classes I took just ask. Thanks.</p>
<p>To be honest, I’d give you less than a 15% chance of admission without a significant hook (recruited athlete, URM, under-represented state, etc.). Get your SAT/ACT scores above 2100/33 and your class rank within the top 10% and your chances will increase significantly.</p>
<p>I agree. Unless you are poor,first generation, a URM, or a PHENOMENAL athlete, you really have almost no chance.
That writing score will make AdComs believe your essays, if fabulous, are not yours.
Your test scores are your weak point, and your ECs just aren’t helpful. I mean, so you dog sat? Honestly, get real.Switching instruments if you have not achieved mastery isn’t a plus, either. I wouldn’t include most of the stuff you list, because it looks like you lack focus.
Seriously, I suggest an SAT optional school like Bates. You have a much better chance there.</p>
<p>“That writing score will make AdComs believe your essays, if fabulous, are not yours.”</p>
<p>Do AdComs really juxtapose their interpretation of your personal essays with one handwritten essay given 30 minutes to plan and write?
Not so sure about that personally.</p>
<p>If you actually had to practice 3 instruments as well as doing ski team and the other activities listed, I think that’s admirable but I agree that you will want to show some passion or particular commitment for one of these and that your scores have to be at the median or higher to have much hope. Not to say that there’s NO hope…</p>
<p>Well my main focus has been my saxophone, I just listed everything really. I am not just going to leave something out because you personally view it as unimportant, it asks for all AFTER school activities. So yes, dog sitting is a job. I do piano on the side, and I take guitar just for fun. That is all clear on my actual app. Varsity skiing was Freshman year before I switched schools, and I skiied for my mountain team on the weekends. That clear anything up for you? </p>
<p>On the essay - it is completely mine. It was not re-written at all. These friends just helped me chose an appropriate topic, and I did the writing completely by myself. The corrections they made were very minor. But they both thought it was really good and my english teacher really liked it as well. </p>
<p>And did I not say this was a reach? I know it is a reach but saying blanket statements like “you have no chance at all” is not helpful. I know my test scores are the weakpoint here. Technically, they are within the middle 50th percentile, however. So now that I have clarified a few things, anyone else?</p>
<p>Although it might seem discouraging, people are trying to give you good advice. You’ve got some strengths and some things to work on. If you love the place, work on those things, apply to Middlebury and make sure you’ve got other places you like too. Middlebury’s a great school but there are many other small liberal arts colleges in New England and NY that share its characteristics and might be more accessible.</p>
<p>Not to be discouraging, but I agree that you should look into some other small liberal arts schools similar to Midd… Colby, Bates, Hamilton, Conn College, Trinity. A 3.93 sounds good, but isn’t really so great on a 5 point scale. Also, where are you getting that a 1950 SAT is the middle 50% for Midd? According to the common data set, it looks like it’s just above 25%. Where are you from? Good luck!</p>
<p>I say apply and see what happens. I see that the 1950 SAT falls within the middle 50%but just within. You will have some chance and you never know unless you try. I would also have some safeties just in case you don’t get accepted. I would worry more that if you got into Middlebury that you would struggle.</p>
<p>Ghefty- I am honest on these chance threads. I don’t mean to hurt your feelings. You should apply if you really want to see if you get into Midd.
But you might better apply ED to a less selective reach school. Seriously, Bates is SAT optional, and your test scores aren’t as strong as the rest of your application.</p>
<p>Listing everything makes you sound scattered, less focussed, and less mature. I am not on the Midd adcom. But I have been on Adcoms at 3 institutions of higher learning, which is part of why I give lots of advice.</p>
<p>mintzy, yes, with some many coached and packaged applicants, I think adcoms seriously evaluate whether the entire application hangs together and seems realistic. I’m sure excellent essays have been purchased, written by crazy parents etc. It’s sad, but true.</p>
<p>Also, when looking at SAT score ranges, keep this in mind:</p>
<p>The majority of kids who were accepted with lower SAT scores (i.e., the bottom 25%) had some amazing hook. Also, Midd includes all test scores in their averages, even if they weren’t used for admission. For instance, let’s say that someone scores an 1800 on their SAT I, but scores a 33 on their ACT or 750 on three SAT subject tests. Midd still reports the 1800 in their SAT averages (assuming the SAT I score was submitted, either directly or indirectly via the SAT II score report) even though the school only used their ACT or SAT II scores for admissions purposes.</p>
<p>^Arcadia… is that true about using all scores in their averages? I thought they didn’t but what lowers them is the recruited, special circumstance accepted students. Not disagreeing but for some reason thought I had heard or read this different. </p>
<p>In S’s case, he only submitted his ACTs - none of his subject tests or SATs. His ACT was just that much better. They’d have no record of his SAT’s because he never reported them to Midd. </p>
<p>And I will agree. Harsh, but sound advice on here for the OP. This is a very stressful time for seniors, but here’s what I say… if you want to apply and the application fee is not any kind of financial or opportunity hardship, I say apply if that’s what you want to do. Who does it hurt? </p>
<p>But also know this… I used to think Fit was a kinda buzz word. But now I know that just because you get in doesn’t mean the “best” school (as defined by some list) is always the best fit to spend four years of your life there. Middlebury is a lot of work. A lot of high expectations. It is hugely rewarding for the kid who wants to put in that kind of effort into academics. My S loves this about the school most of all. But that’s the kind of mentality he has. Very disciplined in that way (if not in any other!). But it’s not for everyone. And if they are at the top of the averages and you are at the bottom of them… do you really want to work that hard?? It surely wouldn’t have been for me! Just sayin. </p>
<p>Net net: If you love Middlebury and have a clear idea of the kind of school it is, I say apply and shoot for your dreams. This level of failure will never be the worst thing to happen to you. And it is true that there is valor in trying with your best foot forward.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the helpful replies, I really appreciate it. I am not applying ED to Midd, I would simply apply regular (I probably should have said that initially!) But yes, I have other liberal arts schools I am applying to (Hamilton, Colgate), just wanted to see what this was like. I may apply anyways, since technically I am in the mid 50th percentile. I know it’s barely, but hey, I am just going on that. The info came from Naviance if anyone is wondering. On the other hand, I do not want too many reach schools. Tough choices!</p>
<p>OldbatesieDoc - Don’t worry about it, no hurt feelings…I know this is a reach. the phrase “get real” sounded kind of like you were mad, that’s all. I respect your opinion, though and thanks for the help.</p>
<p>No Gheffty, I am not mad. Just a crusty old lady who really wants kids to get into their “dream schools” even if it means adjusting your dreams. But thanks for having good manners.</p>
<p>I agree with some of the other posters’ points-do you really want to get into one of the most academically difficult schools with little/no grade inflation? (Not just the OP, but other lurkers)</p>
<p>My second son struggled his first semester. He was taking (still is) a new language. Average was 77, he went to all the office hours, extra help sessions, etc. etc. His Dad(college professor) and I said-“don’t worry, it’ll curve to a B” Hah! He got a C, not even a C+. Boy, were we all surprised. He has clawed his way up to an A(at present) after 2 semesters and a j-term, but it was a struggle and a real change from HS. He studies for HOURS. So be careful what you wish for. We are proud of him, and he certainly is acquiring a worthwhile skill, but he would definitely have higher grades with less work at some of his safeties(or the college my H teaches at)</p>
<p>I expect college to be difficult, but yes I know that Middlebury is especially difficult. While I like my safeties, I am hoping my fits pan out, so schools like Hamilton or Colgate or GW are more realistic for me obviously. Just curious about Middlebury since I really like the area and know it is an excellent school. On a side note, I have heard good things about Bates, but I already felt I had too many colleges, so I decided to just let the Maine schools go. Unless I get a fee waiver of course :p</p>
<p>There are a lot of small liberal arts schools that are free to apply to (Colby, Carleton, Colgate, Denison, Grinell, Hobart, Kenyon, Rhodes, University of the South). There’s a long list here, but check out each one individually to be sure they’re still free. Also, they may have supplement essays, so check that too.</p>
<p>Hi everyone, thanks for the help on everything. I have decided not to apply to Middlebury at at all. Not necessarily completely because of my lower test scores, just that the more I read about it the more I found that I was not crazy about it. Thanks for all the help, and I am not bashing the school - I am sure it is a wonderful place.</p>
<p>Hi gheffty-i’d say apply to the school if u really cant forget about it. i know a chinese girl here who got in midd in ed with 1900 in SAT. but she has an essay that “fits” midd’s commitment to environmental protection. i wrote an essay which many people told me wouldn’t have those “hooks”(though i did think i wrote it in my own voice) and i didnt get in.
word of advice from my personal experience-try to fall in love with schoolS you really want to spend the next four years with. please please dont just fall in love with midd. do campus visits and list the collegeS that you really want to go.</p>
<p>I think my essay is really good, but it doesnt exactly touch on environmental issues. And not saying she got in on this, but colleges do look for diversity. So as a white male I am sure they have an influx of white males applying. I don’t think I will apply just because from what I have heard, it is a stress fest, but I could change my mind before december. I have time and they dont have a supplemental essay. And I cant really say I am in love with one school. That is kind of my issue, I like most of the schools I have visited. as a result, I am applying to 10-12 schools. But knowing that does help a little. Good to know they do not view test scores as the end all.</p>
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