<p>Hi everyone,
I have recently become less found of med/large state and private schools. Now, I am looking at a few other liberal arts schools in addition to University of Richmond, which I have had interest in.
I see that almost all of the elite (top 30 or so) liberal arts schools have acceptance rates of 35% and below. I know that they all get a large amount of qualified applicants, so what can I do as a Senior to stand out? </p>
<p>Best thing you can do as a senior at this point is fill in any gaps in your education with a set of as many rigorous courses as you can manage. They’ll all tell you they want rigor and high grades above all else, and in all five core areas, math (4 years), social studies (3-4 years), English (4 years), science (3-4 years, including at least one class in each of biology, chemistry, and physics), and foreign language (up to Level IV). Those requirements are not cast in stone, but that’s what most of the ideal candidates have, along with strong test scores and some long-term ECs, plus great essays that address each school and why you want to go there.</p>
<p>There isn’t really much you can do now to stand out. Just keep doing what you’re doing and stay strong. LACs are very big on holistic admissions, but definitely listen to what MrMom62 said (although I only did 3 years of foreign language). </p>
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<p>Math should include precalculus/trigonometry at the minimum; generally, calculus is desirable if you have the opportunity to take in high school (statistics should be treated as an additional (and often desirable) academic elective, not a substitution for precalculus/trigonometry or calculus). Some schools may prefer or require a visual or performing art course.</p>
<p>Many LACs look for “demonstrated interest” in the school. So if possible visit, interview etc. at the school. My D even shadowed a student for a day at her LAC. If distance makes a trip to the college not doable then contact your admissions rep and ask if you can do an interview with a local alumni. There is also an advantage to applying ED to many LACs so if that is possible for you, consider that option…</p>
<p>Yeah I have covered all the classes; 6 sciences (Earth Science, Biology, A.P. Biology, Chemistry, A.P. Chemistry, and Physics),French VI (A.P.),
A.P. Calculus, numerous social studies classes (pre-AP World History, A.P. World History, A.P. Government, A.P. Economics, American History, and A.P. Human Geography).
Now I’m working on my essays and studying for a final ACT attempt. </p>
<p>And 4 years of honors English </p>
<p>The next thing you need to do is figure out which LACs are for you, both for your stats and for which environments you prefer. Most are rural/small town, a very few are suburban/urban, but they all have different vibes. Some are extremely politically active while some others are more indifferent, some are dominated by Greeks or have banned Greeks altogether, etc. Even more so than large universities, it’s doubtful that anyone would be equally happy at all Top 10 US News LACs - in fact it would be the unusual person who wasn’t miserable at least at some of them. Even among the Top 3 (Williams, Amherst, Swarthmore), it’s not unusual for someone to like one or two, while HATE HATE HATING the remaining ones.</p>
<p>Also, different LACs and other small schools have different academic strengths and weaknesses, so keep in mind the academic majors that you may be interested in when looking at them.</p>