<p>(This is going to be a really long post) Basically, I just want to get your opinion on whether or not its worth applying to Vassar. Vassar is my top choice, but I would also like any info you can give me on my chances of getting into Hamilton, Davidson, or Bates. I don't feel as though my grades are good enough for any of these schools (all schools I would LOVE to go to), but I hate thinking that I'm stuck in the position I'm in.</p>
<p>I transferred from a very prestigious high school during my sophomore year because of health problems and resulting absences/stress, and worked fine throughout the rest of my high school career. I was extremely upset after the transfer, and for the few months before it, my grades at my first school had dropped dramatically. I managed an overall 3.6-3.7 gpa by the end of my sophomore year, with a 2010 on my SAT's. </p>
<p>I now go to a decent state school, with good academics and an acceptance rate around 36% in a super cute college town, with a VERY liberal atmosphere. I am in love with the town, and I do love the campus and people, but the academic atmosphere is not matching up to my standards. I don't feel challenged, but DO feel very trapped because of the way my high school condition has held me back. </p>
<p>I am going to start my sophomore year at my current college this fall, and feel even more crappy because of my second semester grades from freshman year. First semester, I had a 3.56 gpa, and then ended up with a C+ in a class second semester. Now, I have a 3.39 gpa. </p>
<p>In high school, I was an award-winning debater (state and national level), was captain and novice-director of the debate team of my second high school, wrote for the school newspaper, participated in many events for the Green Club, GSA, SPARK, and performed in 2 theater productions. In college, I have been an active member of the dance club, worked at the local Youth Program as a mentor who specializes in sexuality, drug use, and sex ed, taught dance workshops, and started an open-forum style organization to discuss, fundraise, and raise awareness for LGBTQ and Women's education issues, violence, and suicide. Outside of school, I volunteered abroad in Spain to teach kids English, I volunteered at a non-profit dedicated to fighting HIV and homelessness, assisted in teaching handicapped kids ballet at another non-profit, and danced and performed in many shows at my own studio (I dance ballet, jazz, lyrical and contemporary). Currently, I am interning at a women's rights organization. </p>
<p>I plan on transferring for admission next fall (as a junior), and am aiming big for the net two semesters. If I were to work my butt off, and maintain my participation on campus, AND manage a 4.0 gpa first semester, do you think I have a shot at Vassar? or Hamilton, Davidson, or Bates? Can you suggest any other schools that might be a decent fit? Other reaches? Hopefully you can tell what type of school I'm looking for from my essay above! I like small, community-feel, liberal, liberal arts schools in nice towns that are convenient. Big cities are not necessary, but something that would be the type with a big supermarket and dance studio would be ideal! Thanks! Sorry again for the huge post!</p>