Hi, I've seen parchment.com as a resource to check my chances of getting into certain colleges. Has anyone used it? How reliable is it, and is it worth using?
Hi there! Parchment.com is a platform that allows students to assess their chances of getting into a particular college based on the self-reported data from other students who have applied to that college in the past. While it can give you a rough idea of your chances, it's essential to keep in mind that it relies on self-reported data, which might not always be accurate. Additionally, it doesn't account for the holistic admissions process that most colleges now use, which factors in more than just your academic scores and qualifications.
That being said, Parchment can still be a useful tool to get a general sense of whether your academic profile aligns with a specific college. However, it would be best to also consult other resources and tools, like CollegeVine's chancing calculator (which considers extracurriculars and demographics) or Cappex, to get a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of your chances. Remember that no tool can perfectly predict your chances, as the college admissions process has many subjective factors involved.
In the end, it's essential to build a balanced college list consisting of reach, match, and safety schools based on your academic profile, extracurricular involvement, and interests. Don't solely rely on online chancing tools – do thorough research on the colleges, speak with current students or alumni, and consult your school counselor or a private admissions counselor for personalized guidance. Good luck!
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