Hi Stephanie,

Thanks for your timely submission of materials and your detailed responses to my questions. It certainly makes my job more engaging to work with enthusiastic students such as yourself! If you approach your applications with the same specificity and care, you should do quite well. Before I give you my own impressions, I want to remind you that you have chosen some very competitive schools, and many outstanding students are turned down every year. Sometimes, there is seemingly no explanation for a stellar student’s denial, and it may simply come down to to chance. That being said, I believe with effort and a bit of creativity, we can maximize your chances of admssion to your top choice schools. You obviously worked very hard in high school, and we will see to it that that hard work pays off.

You clearly are a dedicated and intelligent student with a strong commitment to extracurricular activities: your course load is heavy, and you have challenged yourself with many AP courses. Your SAT scores are on-par with, or slightly below, the median ranges for most of the schools to which you want to apply. 550 Verbal and 650 Math will get your foot in the door, but are not as competitive as many other applicants' scores will be. You had requested that I comment on whether you should re-take the test, and I think that that depends on how much better you feel you could do. Most students who re-take the SAT score about the same as they did on the previous test. I wouldn't want you to undertake all of the stress of re-taking the test unless you felt that your first score was the result of an "off" day. However, if you handle pressure well and simply want to give it another shot, I say - go for it. Another 50 cumulative points could make a difference.

The admissions officers will definitely notice that your GPA lies in the top fifth of your high school class. They will also recognize the name of your high school, and then know that being in the top fifth of your class is quite an accomplishment. Your wonderful grades are definitely a strong point, and if you do retake the SAT test, and do better, your chances will be much higher. There are probably several other students from your school applying to some of the colleges you are applying to as well, so standing above the other students will be a definite plus. Although admissions officials do look at both your numbers and your personal accomplishments, your GPA and test scores are, as the majority of admissions officers would admit, what ultimately make or break your admission chances.

It’s obvious to me that you do far more than just study; your commitment to theater and choir - both in school and out - shows that you are capable of taking on many demanding commitments while maintaining good grades and challenging yourself academically. However, keep in mind that there are many other students who do theater and choir; if you can emphasize any awards you've won in those capacities, it would further validate your commitments. Community service is another good way to help boost your profile; I see that you have done some work at an AIDS hospice, which is certainly a unique experience. I was extremely impressed and intrigued when I saw this, and I was rather disappointed that you didn’t go into more detail. If I were you, I would write an essay on this topic, and use your experience there to highlight your strengths as a caring, hard-working individual.

I think the best thing you can do in your particular situation is show the admissions officers how unique and well-rounded you are. It seems as though you have also traveled quite a bit, and have had quite a bit more experience in the world than many other people your age. While, once again, grades and test scores are the most significant aspect of your application, you should do all you can to highlight your self-changing experiences. I know that when I read about your work at the AIDS hospice and your traveling, I was impressed and wanted to learn more. Chances are, the admissions officers will react the same way.

The personal essay is your only opportunity to show the admissions officers your more “human side.” I have carefully reviewed the writing sample you sent me, and - I hope you won't begrudge my honesty - I found it rather bland in comparison to all of your intriguing life experiences. Your topic, “Life Behind the Scenes,” has an interesting title, but there are many students who are involved in theater and choose to write about some of their pre-performance jitters and backstage antics. If I were you, I would write about working at the hospice, and highlight how it changed you for the better. What challenges did you face? How did you come to question yourself? It’s good to acknowledge your weaknesses as well as your strengths, and it will help you to come off as humble yet determined to change negative into positive. Make sure, however, that you write “from your heart” so to speak, not from your brain. Don’t try to sound like a thesaurus, and don’t try to write in a manner you think the admissions officers will like. Just write with your own voice, as admissions officers can easily tell when an essay is stilted and unnatural.

I think you are wise to apply to a range of schools - some state schools with more relaxed admissions standards, as well as most of the competitive schools on your list. University of Washington is a great choice for you: although it is not terrifically competitive, it has an amazing international studies program, which, as I understand, is your intended major. I think U of W is definitely well within your reach. A nice perk to state schools in general is that they tend to be far more affordable than private schools. Penn State is slightly more competitive, but I think it is well within your reach as well. New York University is a bit more of a stretch, particularly because the school has seen a recent boom in popularity, as urban schools have been becoming more and more popular in general. NYU has a wonderful international studies program as well, but it will be a bit more of a stretch for you to be accepted. Your artistic experience will help you in terms of NYU, but your test scores might hold you back. Don’t lose hope though; you still have a perfectly realistic chance.

If I were you, I would apply to more than three schools. You have chosen a fairly wide spectrum of schools in terms of competitiveness, but I think you would be wise to consider applying to a few more. You never know what will happen in the crazy world of college admissions, and it’s always good to make sure you will be “insured” when it comes to being admitted to a college. I would look into some of the California State Schools such as Humboldt State in Northern California, which is known for its innovative international programs. Also, I would look into Berkeley (although it is quite competitive, I think you have a chance). Carnegie Mellon is another great choice, and well-suited to your needs and interests. Just take a look at some other schools, and go with your gut. I’m sure you will be successful, Stephanie, and I would just remain flexible, and use as much care in filling out your applications as possible.

As always, I’m here for any further questions you may have, and would love to help you out as the process continues.

Good luck, Stephanie, and I hope to talk to you soon!

Sincerely,

Stella Ambrose, College Counseling Staff

The Penn Group
www.college-admission-essay.com
1-800-WRITE90

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