Not sure about chances

Colleges and Universities A-Z Grinnell College
1

<p>Well, I'm a senior in highschool and I'm trying to figure out my chances at getting into Grinnell College in Iowa. I've participated in marchingband for 4 years which has won many major conferences, participated in swimming for 4 years, gotten up to star scout in boy scouts, I've played tennis for 4 years, I've snowboarded since I was tiny, and I am a member of the National Honors Society (...). I guess Model UN one year too -_-</p>

<p>For my four years in highschool I've had a 3.8 average weighted, however its a tad bit deceptive. My first 2 years in highschool are what brings this number down (lacking AP/Honors Classes). In my Junior (and soon senior year) I've achieved a 4.0 while taking all honors/AP (APUSH and AP Lang and Comp last year, and taking APecon, AP Physics, AP Lit, and AP AB Calc this year).</p>

<p>My sats:
Crit: 730
Math: 710
Writing: 640</p>

<p>US History: 780
Math 2: 690
Physics: 690</p>

<p>My recommendations I know for a fact are all I could ask for (very generous [extremely well written]), and my highschool ranks in the top 5 of NJ.</p>

<p>Also, I needed a pretty nasty surgery part way through junior year which really took a bite out of my life. I know, Oh well, shouldn't dwell, but might as well add that.</p>

2

<p>You look very good. Grinnell doesn’t look at the writing score (your lowest) and it doesn’t require SAT IIs. Lots of schools (can’t speak for Grinnell here) tend to discount freshman year, especially for boys who mature a bit slower - so I wouldn’t focus on the overall GPA (which is fine) as much as the upward trend. Check out the Common Data Set for Grinnell for last year to get more independent verification for how you compare to the admitted students.</p>

3

<p>Thanks, I really appreciate it</p>

4

<p>I also think you are in the ballpark. Put some effort into your essay. can you visit campus?</p>

5

<p>Yes, I just did, I might arrange an interview off-campus as well when they come around.</p>

6

<p>Isn’t it a beautiful campus? We love the student center and the library and…everything else.</p>