Mount Holyoke College

“Get goodDec 07 2013PreLaw and Legal
Get good grades, and find a subject which you are passionate about which has a context in the greater world. It can be weird. I wrote my admissions essay about how I felt passionate that if America is going to be claimed as a free market capitalist state, I should be able to sell my kidney for slushies. I promise, it sounded really articulate and clever when I was 17.
ACT: 30 Female

“Maintain goodMar 28 2011English
Maintain good grades, visit the school, and, most importantly, interview. The interview is very casual and allows for you to better represent yourself. Keep the interviewer excited about what you have to say and your experiences. They love being asked questions because it shows you're interested in the school.
ACT: 30 Female

“I kept up decentApr 06 2010Undecided
I kept up decent grades in high school, but I never really tried - I knew I could do the work, and that was enough for me, an attitude I regret now, because I know I'm capable of so much more! I did take AP classes, which are useful, because I already have a semester's worth of credits towards college. I also have two horses, and have been riding for roughly fifteen years. I think Mount Holyoke appreciated all of that, but the best thing you can do is have an interview and really let your personality shine. Mount Holyoke prides itself on educating "strong, unique women", which is a line I'm sure you've heard before. But I've met so many women who've embodied this description that I do believe it might be true. If you can really let your personality shine through, your passions and curiousities, you're on the right track. It's also helpful to mention specific details about Mount Holyoke when you are interviewed. I mentioned that I'd already been there for Mount Holyoke's "Riding Experience", and that I'd sat in on a class with Dave Sanford that I enjoyed immensely. You have a better chance when the admissions people can clearly see WHY you want to be at their college, what specific reasons you have and what you love about it.
SAT: 1910 Female

“You definitely need goodDec 14 2009Political Science
You definitely need good grades, but you also have to be a "well-rounded" student. Extracurriculars do count, as do your writing samples - take those seriously.
Female

“I happened to have a family friend who wentDec 11 2009Sociology
I happened to have a family friend who went here and lured me in. As far as getting in academically, it is hard-the students who apply here are overachievers and way over qualified. If you have a 3.7 or higher you are fine. Or even a 3.5 maybe. Students here are extremely intense academically.
ACT: 31 SAT: 2000 Female