Where would you go? Amherst vs Bowdoin vs Others?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I finally broke down, and am asking for advice about the schools on my list. What do you think my chances are for the schools on my list, and which ones seem to be a good fit for me? And, what do you think my ED/ED II chances are?</p>

<p>I'm interested in these colleges, listed alphabetically:</p>

<p>Amherst...RD/ED
Bowdoin...RD/ED II
Colby...RD
Colgate...RD
Connecticut C...RD
Hamilton...RD
Middlebury...RD/ED II
Swarthmore...RD/ED II
Williams...RD</p>

<p>Mahalo in advance. :)</p>

<p>My Info
1490 SAT (760V, 730M)
3.99 w/3.93 uw out of 4.0 (1 point for AP only, 4 APs, could only take 2 maximum during junior & senior year)
750+ SAT II (Writing, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, French, Math IC, Lit)
Public School in Hawaii
URM Male
Major: Theater/Dance/Computer Science/Philosophy</p>

<p>Extracurricular Info
Theater, 9-12; 25+ productions with lightboard, production, set design, acting, dancing, singing, choreographing experience.</p>

<p>Community Service, 9-12; Key Club, 9-12; Middle School Tutor, 9-12; Food Bank volunteer, 9-12; Student Coordinator, 11-12; Wilcox Hospital Charity Fashion Fundraiser Volunteer, 9-12. Hawaii State Special Olympics Volunteer, 9-12.</p>

<p>Dance, 9-12; Gold, Silver Medals, Hawaii State Games; Studied Ballet, Jazz, and Tap 8 years.</p>

<p>Swimming, 9-12; Tres, 9-10; Co-captain, 11; Captain, 12. Honor Athlete, 9-12; District All-Star, 11-12.</p>

<p>Band 1st Sax, 9-12; Jazz Band-1st Sax, 9-12; HI State Honor Band--1st Sax, 10-12.</p>

<p>HI State Honor Choir--Baritone, 10-12.</p>

<p>School Newspaper, 9-12; Layout Editor, 9-10; News Editor, 11-12.</p>

<p>Rowing (Outrigger Canoe), 9-12.</p>

<p>School, District & State Science Fair, 9-12; Various awards, 9-12.</p>

<p>Other Info
UNIX certification. Started a small business; teach ballroom dance to under-priviledged kids. Build computers for low-income families, from donated parts.</p>

2

<p>Blaineko, you know I'm one of your biggest cheerleaders on this forum! I think you have a great chance at all these schools. I do not KNOW how they will look at your applying after a couple of years out, but I would think that with your unusual background, that at worst being older will be neutral, and probably will be a help.</p>

<p>I think that you (and I know that you've been working hard with this) have to look at your interests/potential majors and activities and decide which ones are the most important to you (I know that it will be hard to distinguish among things you love) and rank the schools accordingly.</p>

<p>Will you miss the sea? Think Bowdoin and Connecticut College.
Swat is on my daughter's list, and some would say doesn't fit, but there is just something about the challenge of that reputation that appeals to good students. I consider it a special case on her list, and possibly yours as well - decide where it fits on Swat's own merits.
Good luck - your problem is going to be which one of acceptances am I going to take!</p>

3

<p>You look as an untypical and strong academically applicant.</p>

4

<p>Cangel:</p>

<p>Thank you again for you insight. I guess it's the second guessing by many on CC that is starting to be a little bit of a concern. I definately agree with your D about Sawrtmore--the challenge to stretch oneself is appealing, to say the least. :)</p>

<p>I'm also thinking about my top choices, and the sands seem to be shifting just a smidge. But, again, it might be because there is still some time before hearing back from the colleges. Perhaps, it is because my list has gotten smaller, and I cannot 'read' what my chances are, as opposed to a more traditional applicant. I don't know if it is due to growing older, or being outside the norm, but it is an unusual feeling.</p>

<p>As for my interests, dance or a theater and dance major is what I'm leaning towards. The interesting thing is that even at those colleges that do not have an organized dance major per say, I can design one through independent study and/or inconjunction with study opportunities with other colleges.</p>

<p>Intellectually, I understand I have done as much as I can on my applications to college, but because I've also been out of school for a few years, I almost feel as if I'm a bit out of touch. Maybe a sense of limbo is a more correct description--not a traditional applicant, but yet not an adult applicant, either. </p>

<p>A benefit to my situation, however, is that I am beginning to realize how much determination and focus it takes as an adult student who has been out of school for a longer period of time who then goes back to finish a degree (balancing family, professional, and school responsibilities). And, I'm encouraged by their examples. :)</p>

<p>Thank you for your always encouraging posts. Likewise, I'm sure your D will have her choice of the schools on her list. I'll be waiting, expectantly, to hear how things unfold. :)</p>

<p>Have a great day.</p>

5

<p>Check out the crew/rowing rpogram at Holy Cross. HC's home lake/course is the home of several of the best national crew races. With your stats might get some merit aid at Holy Cross. Also what about Duke.</p>

6

<p>Par72:</p>

<p>Thank you for your suggestions. :)</p>

<p>I actually did look at Duke while I was putting together my list, because I had heard that they have an amazing philosophy department and a newly minted dance major. The university is, unfortunately, a bit larger than I'd like, so I eventually had to take it off my list of possibilities. </p>

<p>As for Holy Cross, it's a bit too close to my relatives. That usually is not a problem except they believe that I should visit every weekend during the school year (my Sis experience this going to school in Providence). My Sis told me they felt hurt, when she was unable to make it to Fall River on the weekends. At first, she thought it was just disappointment, but I guess it went further than that. Often, even when she brought work with her, some relatives would keep interupting her until she put the work aside. Anyhow, as for my college choices, I don't mind being relatively close (3-5 hours away)--because I still want to visit from time-to-time. I'm a little less focused than my Sister, so it might be harder for me to put my foot down. My Sis had a hard time, and she definately has no problem putting her foot down when necessary. Just trying to keep from creating additional problems,</p>

<p>In any case, you two suggested schools are great. Again, Mahalo for you thoughts and suggestions. :)</p>

7

<p>Jpsi:</p>

<p>Thank you for your thoughts about my candidacy to the colleges on my list. :)</p>

<p>I hope, you are right. Heh-heh. Like I wrote to Cangel, a non-traditional applicant, like I am, sometimes can be out of touch with current admissions going-ons. Even the required essays are more dicey. Oh well.</p>

<p>Have a good one.</p>

8

<p>Par72, get out of here already! I looked at your posts. In EVERY SINGLE ONE, 42 to be exact, YOU TOLD PEOPLE TO LOOK AT HOLY CROSS. You are obviously rediculously bias and contribute nothing of real value to anyone!</p>

9

<p>Hey there...</p>

<p>Hamilton College has been eliminated from the running. The representative at the Seattle NACAC College Fair, suggested strongly, not to major in Dance or Theater (even though Hamilton has both majors) because, in his opinion, it is not practical. I appreciate pragmatic advice, but I was truly surprised--especially since working at a dance studio gave me the opportunity to start one of my own, and teach at Evergreen State College.</p>

<p>He said that would make it hard to find a job after graduation and that the College strongly suggests majoring in something else and then minor in dance or theater. It was definately not what I was expecting, especially after some of the other colleges and universities encouraged my application at the same college fair (i.e. Colby, CWRU, Middlebury) or at student receptions (i.e. Bowdoin, Amherst, Connecticut). Maybe I misunderstood, but the rep was pretty firm on dance and theater being a secondary endeavor.</p>

<p>Oh well, my possible list is getting shorter. :)</p>

10

<p>My question is: Why leave Hawaii?</p>

11

<p>I was a non-traditional applicant (started 3 years after leaving HS)...so I know what you're going through. IMO it helped me in the admissions process. I had 3 years of work experience at the corporate level and I got into some schools I'm not sure I would have right out of HS. I'm betting some adcoms will see it as a positive thing and others will not. I had it broken down to me by a counselor thusly:</p>

<p>Some adcoms will view you as an unique applicant. If you spent your time away from academia wisely, they'll view you as something special. You'll be set apart, in their minds, from the mass of applying HS seniors.</p>

<p>Other adcoms will view you as an oddity. Taking you, someone that is atypical, will take a spot from the "normal" HS seniors. </p>

<p>I spoke with MANY adcoms, as I wanted to see where I stood. I got some that were super helpful. Others were very standoffish (<em>cough</em> Swarthmore <em>cough</em>).</p>

12

<p>Amherst...RD/ED (reach)
Bowdoin...RD/ED II (in ED, probably in RD)
Colby...RD (in)
Colgate...RD (in)
Connecticut C...RD (in)
Hamilton...RD (in - but you've taken it off your list)
Middlebury...RD/ED II (semi-reach ED, reach RD)
Swarthmore...RD/ED II (reach both ED and RD...)
Williams...RD (reach)</p>

<p>Obviously your URM status plus your high grades/boards will help. Like I said above, I've gone through nearly the same situation and it was a toughie. I'd really, really suggest looking at larger universities. I know the LAC atmosphere seems more "cozy" and that it looks like the better undergrad experience...but it's really hard to say. Did you consider the following for theatre/dance:</p>

<p>Vassar
Yale
Brown
NYU
USC</p>

<p>All have exceptional theatre and dance programs (or at least I'm pretty sure they do).</p>

13

<p>Blaineko, I think you are most likely in everywhere you apply. I would not worry about your chances at all, in fact I think you will get into Amherst and will never have to even look at other schools. But in the slight chance you get deferred (unlikely), i think there is one school that might be a great fit and that you are missing: Vassar. A very open minded student body plus a great dance/ theater program make it a must apply I think. I also recommend Wesleyan, although having personally visited both schools I liked Vassar alot more. Wesleyan was a little too militant PCU for me. </p>

<p>If you are willing to go a little bigger I think you might enjoy Dartmouth or Brown. I personally would cut Colby, Colgate, and Connecticut.</p>

14

<p>College:<br>
Hawaii does not have a really rigorous college or university, although sunshine is a definate plus.</p>

<p>Enviroman:
Yes, I echo your experiences, although Swat was significantly friendlier than Vassar
when it came to housing and non-traditional issues. It was a bit odd going to college fairs and prospective student receptions. Admissions reps were definately surprized, although many did point me in the right direction. At a few (Vassar, Emory & Hamilton), I was prepared for the attitude towards a non-traditional applicant, but was truely not prepared for the superior attitude. Vassar, especially, was a bit hard to take. </p>

<p>I did find 2 universities which were very friendly and accomodating (Case Western and Trinity U) to non-traditional applicants. All of the schools that have been taken off my wish list would do well to model their behavior on how they interacted with people at the college fairs. I did observe some of the interactions at the college booths where my experience was less than positive. I felt that it could just be my perception of things--for the most part, even when students were more traditional, they recived similar treatment. I was, indeed, perplexed.</p>

<p>As for Yale, Brown, NYU and USC, they were early options, but I did not want to apply to a school that does not guarentee to meet need financial need (NYU), or was bigger than John's Hopkins or URochester (USC, Yale, Brown). Great suggestions though--I have been thinking more about universities.</p>

<p>In any event, I'll keep you all abreast of my foray into the process. Mahalo, again, for all the help. :)</p>

15

<p>Slipper:</p>

<p>Thank you for your suggestions. I'm in the process of evaluating my college list (it keeps evolving), and I'm planning to look at a few, slightly larger universities and colleges. I'm not sure if I will add any others or take a few off my current list, but I'm more than willing to entertain suggestions.</p>

<p>I'll let you know how it goes. :)</p>

16

<p>Bump. Just for Snuffles & Canuck. :)</p>

17

<p>Blaineko, I read another post of yours on another thread where you shared a little more of your background. Without trying to disturb your privacy, I'm curious about one thing, and I think your answer might be useful to others. You said you were admitted to some prestigious unis and was not able to attend as a graduating senior, now you are looking at LACs - why the change in size and focus? I know you are interested in dance, I don't know anything about dance training, but I would think NYU or a large uni would be better for dance. You've "been out in the world a little" why LACs?</p>

18

<p>Cangel:</p>

<p>The main reason I decided against applying to larger universities this time around and focus on LACs, is that the latter group of schools are more flexiable to my needs, and have proven to be more caring and transparent than the former. After being in the real world for a while, I've gotten lost in some of the more mundane tasks of paying bills,etc...</p>

<p>And, I must admit, I lost touch a little with my dreams. I did come to realize that not striving to reach goals is also a way of letting yourself down. For a while, I listened to those that were a bit negative--that dance was a dead end. I've found, in the meanwhile, that if you believe in yourself, and surround yourself by supportive and positive people, amazing things can happen.</p>

<p>That being said, I've come to believe that such support and friendship, is often a function of personal interactions and sense of community. This is missing, at some of the larger universities. At big schools, it seems that there is a greater danger of disconnecting from class, ECs, etc...where people sometimes sleep in class or read the newspaper or do not get involved--I have seen this even at the better universities. </p>

<p>I believe that at smaller LACs, you are given more opportunities to connect personally with professors and peers, as well as feel a part of the college. It does not feel frenetic, nor impersonal. My opinion is that someone like myself succeeds best when those around me are cooperative, rather than competative, at least when it comes to class work. I do not think it's an issue of drive or lack of direction for me that I prefer the LACs to the universities. Rather, it is the combination of characteristics that set the small colleges apart from the larger ones.</p>

<p>After being out in the world, I'm beginning to crave the smiles and greetings that make for pleasant interactions, as well as the unity and comfort that comes with sharing ideas with my profs, friends, and peers--and reaffirming that we can change the world, or at least our community, even if just a bit at a time. Somehow, several classes of a few hundered, primarily at larger schools, seem to make cooperation seem more difficult than it has to be.</p>

<p>Anyhow, I hope this helps a little bit. Have a great day. :)</p>

19

<p>The ED deadline is today. Now for the wait. At least it's only 30 days, broken up by Thanksgiving.</p>

<p>Crossing fingers (just a little superstitious). :)</p>

20

<p>where did you apply ED?</p>