A Furman-Hopeful!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Furman University
1

<p>Hello! I actually posted this in the "What are my chances?" forum, but I thought if I posted it here that I might get some feedback from students at Furman. I was just wondering whether or not I have a strong chance of being accepted at FU.</p>

<p>My stats are listed below, and thank you to the people giving responses in advance! :)</p>

<p>STATS:</p>

<p>Entering college: Fall 2007
Gender: Male
Prospective Major(s): English, Spanish
Current location: Georgia</p>

<p>SAT: 710 cr 600 m 600 w (I'm retaking this very soon, and I feel like I can easily raise my CR and W scores, just from experience, and I can significantly raise my math score since I have now taken trig/precalc.)</p>

<p>ACT: September 2006 ;)</p>

<p>GPA: 99.0/100.0 (We don't utilize the 4.0 scale at my school.)</p>

<p>Class rank: 3/140</p>

<p>ECs:
Marching Band (July- January, 20+ hours a week): This is why I have a small list of ECs. - 5 years</p>

<p>Concert Band (November- May, 8+ hours a week): first chair soprano and alto saxophonist- 4 years
Part of my baptist church orchestra (Year-round, 3-4 hours a week): first chair soprano and alto saxophonist- 3 years
National Honor Society
Spanish Club President (sophomore, junior, and senior years)
Art Club- 3 years
SAGE Club (future teachers)- 2 years
Literary Team- 3 years
Pegasus (Honors students)- 4 years
Independent study in linguistics, etymology, and language (hopefully I can work this into an app. essay)</p>

<p>Awards, honors, and achievements:
English excellence award (highest GPA in all English classes)- 3 years in high school, 6 years total
AP U.S. History excellence award
1st place region spelling competition winner at literary meet (soph. and junior)
1st place state spelling competition winner at literary meet (junior year)
Perfect attendance (freshman- junior year)
Who's Who Among American H.S. Students (3 years) [note: I realize this is just a scam, but recognition nonetheless... so there's no need for that to be repeated.]
National Honor Roll [probably the same note as above]
National Society of H.S. Scholars (2 years)</p>

<p>Interests:
Literature
Spanish and other Romance languages
Musical theatre (though I have no previous experience, other than having seen lots of it! )
Grammar, linguistics, spelling, etymology
Graphic/web design- 5 years
Writing
Saxophone performance- 7 years
Art</p>

<p>Classes I have taken:
- Freshman year:
Honors Freshman Lit/Comp.
Honors World Geography
Algebra I & II (I actually got to take Al. I in eighth grade for h.s. credit)
Honors Biology
Intro. to Technology I
Personal Fitness/Health (Had to take this...)
Visual Art/Composition I
Band
- Sophomore year:
Honors World Lit/Comp.
Honors World History
Euclidean Geometry
Chemistry (Gifted/Talented)
Spanish I
Intro. to Technology II
Visual Art/Composition II
Band
- Junior year:
Honors American Lit/Comp.
AP U.S. History
American Government (Gifted/Talented)
Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry
Physics
Spanish II (Unfortunately, only Span. I & II are offered at my school.)
Band</p>

<p>Classes I signed up for:
- Senior year:
AP English Literature
AP Economics
AP Calculus
Honors Human Anatomy
AP Art (Visual Art/Composition III)
Journalism/Writing Workshop
Band</p>

<p>(Unfortunately, our school only offers, AP U.S. History, AP English, AP Economics, AP Calculus, and AP Art.)</p>

<p>And, I'm not sure if this matters at FU, but I am visiting the campus soon to express interest in attending.</p>

2

<p>literatus</p>

<p>You have some very impressive stats and should be commended on your efforts so far. However I must tell you that no one in this forum can tell you your chances of getting into Furman. I believe that only the Admission counselors at Furman can determine your chances.</p>

<p>I suggest that you find out who is the admission counselor for your part of the country. If they are on campus when you visit, schedule some time with them and let them know how interested you are in Furman. Also anytime that counselor is in your area for a college fair or anything of that nature, make sure you stop by and fill out one of the interest cards that they have on the table. If you have questions about Furman call the counselor and ask. I believe these things will help and when it comes time for application review, hopefully that couselor will remember your name and interest along with your academic accomplishments.</p>

<p>Hope this helps and best of luck.</p>

3

<p>Great answer, soccerdad:)</p>

4

<p>You are very correct indeed, soccerdad. However, I was just sort of trying to get a general perspective by asking on here. :)</p>

5

<p>I would also recommend spending a great deal of time and thoughtful consideration on your essays to be included in your application. These essays are often feared, but should actually be viewed as a beneficial opportunity for the admissions committee to know you on a more personal level.</p>

6

<p>furman's my first choice, too. </p>

<p>i'm interested in majoring in english as well. possibly a double major in english and music theory. </p>

<p>maybe we'll both be paladins in the fall. :)</p>

7

<p>Statistically speaking, your chances look reasonable. Raising your SAT would definately help. However, essays are a crucial part of the Furman application process. Spend alot of time on them and really try to communicate who you are!</p>

<p>Have either of you visited the campus?</p>

8

<p>i have! and i LOVED it!</p>

<p>i stayed in lakeside housing. i was especially impressed with the music department. extraordinary.</p>

<p>december 15th cannot come soon enough...</p>

9

<p>I was in lakeside both my freshman and sophomore years. I loved it. The music department at Furman is wonderful. It is very competative, however. Many students who are musicians, but who do not want to have a career in music start out as music majors and then drop the major because it is so intense. I have several friends who are vocal majors and a few who are pianists and violinists. They love the department.</p>