The things Jim Nondorf said this evening were not exactly unknown, but he provided some nuance and emphasis. These are my notes:
--Big stress on "positivity" in the way you present yourself, especially in the present circumstances: show that you can handle crisis, show that you can overcome adversity. Do not criticize others, show what you yourself are all about.
--The Class of '24 is "the most academically gifted and most diverse in the history of the College" (but this is said every year, isn't it?).
--Last year some 300 apps sported perfect SAT's: 60 percent were rejected. He seemed to be de-emphasizing SAT. By implication, though not said in so many words, "we're looking for something more."
--Of the 35,000 apps received "30,000 were more than qualified". Again, implication is, we're looking for something more.
--Big stress on the importance of the essays. This sounded to me like the "more" they are looking for. Should choose topic you know something about or feel something about, something that expresses your nature. Don't try to be funny if you're not a naturally funny person. Let someone read your essays, but not a parent. "We can always tell when a parent has had a hand in the writing." [not good]
--Recommendations also important: whoever writes should know what you're about, should not be a "blah" sort of thing.
--EC's were downplayed. You can have many interests, you can have few. There's no secret list. Looking for passion and commitment in whatever form it takes in your life and interests.
--GPA: "Do not obsess about this". He seemed to say that they were looking more at the type of courses you have taken in the context of your school - i.e. they would not expect the same level from all schools but rather that "you have made the most of the environment you are in". Again, seemed to be looking for something more than GPA.
--Videos optional but sounded like a very good idea in that they appear to be looking for a certain type of personality (intellectually curious, determined, positive, etc) which might most cogently come across in a video. Another good way to show the "something more".
--They do not pay attention at all to "demonstrated interest" as indicated by a visit to campus (even if this were possible). Read the materials you receive carefully, however. There are many videos you can look at.
There seemed to me to be a distinct theme running through these remarks.
--Big stress on "positivity" in the way you present yourself, especially in the present circumstances: show that you can handle crisis, show that you can overcome adversity. Do not criticize others, show what you yourself are all about.
--The Class of '24 is "the most academically gifted and most diverse in the history of the College" (but this is said every year, isn't it?).
--Last year some 300 apps sported perfect SAT's: 60 percent were rejected. He seemed to be de-emphasizing SAT. By implication, though not said in so many words, "we're looking for something more."
--Of the 35,000 apps received "30,000 were more than qualified". Again, implication is, we're looking for something more.
--Big stress on the importance of the essays. This sounded to me like the "more" they are looking for. Should choose topic you know something about or feel something about, something that expresses your nature. Don't try to be funny if you're not a naturally funny person. Let someone read your essays, but not a parent. "We can always tell when a parent has had a hand in the writing." [not good]
--Recommendations also important: whoever writes should know what you're about, should not be a "blah" sort of thing.
--EC's were downplayed. You can have many interests, you can have few. There's no secret list. Looking for passion and commitment in whatever form it takes in your life and interests.
--GPA: "Do not obsess about this". He seemed to say that they were looking more at the type of courses you have taken in the context of your school - i.e. they would not expect the same level from all schools but rather that "you have made the most of the environment you are in". Again, seemed to be looking for something more than GPA.
--Videos optional but sounded like a very good idea in that they appear to be looking for a certain type of personality (intellectually curious, determined, positive, etc) which might most cogently come across in a video. Another good way to show the "something more".
--They do not pay attention at all to "demonstrated interest" as indicated by a visit to campus (even if this were possible). Read the materials you receive carefully, however. There are many videos you can look at.
There seemed to me to be a distinct theme running through these remarks.