Advice/Chance at AU?

Colleges and Universities A-Z American University
1

<p>Hello, all; I’ve submitted my RD application for the American University and was wondering if anyone could tell me if I have a decent chance and point me toward more information about AU. I’m really stressed out about college admissions. Thanks in advance!</p>

<p>Stats
Prospective School: SPA
Geographic Location: Southeast
ACT: 30 {34 E, 31 M, 26 R, 28 S}
GPA: 4.3 (W), 3.2 (UW)*
Rank: 10/~50
Low Income (Parents Unemployed, on Disability)</p>

<p>*My GPA is low because I’ve taken insane course-loads (at a total of four schools, including two colleges), have a learning disability, and have just had an incredibly stressful four-years of high school. I’ve asked my counselor to address this in her statement. </p>

<p>ECs
-I help write policy at my state’s education department; appointed by state superintendent of education and state board of education chair; compensation per day of service. 11-12
-Advisory Board Member for major state/national education group, state board of education appointee (first student). 10-11
-Ex Officio City Official (Sworn in at City Hall by Clerk of Superior Court and all); Vice President of City’s Youth Council (100+ members), Former Parliamentarian, State Delegate; Revised Bylaws and City Ordinances. 9-12
-Teen Court Attorney, Featured in Multi-page Local Newspaper Article. 10-12
-Scrabble: High Score of 552, > 4,300 Games Played. 9-12
-International Course-Reviewer, Developer; Major National Education Non-profit (In D.C.). Projects funded by NASA. 10,12
-Paid Community College Tutor (College Employee). 11,12
-Tae Kwon Do: Black belt; 1st Place in Division, State Competition. 9,10
-Secretary/Treasurer of Bowling League (50+ Members), State Qualifier. 11,12
-Varsity Golf (Partner Intercity School), Scholar Athlete. 9
-Founding Captain, Varsity Science Olympiad Team; 3rd Place, Regional Varsity Astronomy. 9</p>

<p>Awards/Recognition
1st Place in Senior Technology, County Science Fair: 9
Symposium Presenter at State University: 9
Published Commentary on Major State Education Lawsuit, State Newspaper: 10
Guest Presentation, State Science Museum: 11
Keynote Speaker at State Education Reception: 12</p>

<p>Not Listed on Common App: AP Scholar, National Merit Scholarship Corporation: Commended</p>

2

<p>I think you have a super chance to get in, good luck</p>

3

<p>You’re definitely in. Have fun at AU :)</p>

4

<p>Thanks, guys. My midterm grades aren’t very good, so I’m even more worried. As far as Fall grades, it looks like the following:</p>

<p>Microeconomics (College)-W
American Lit I (College)-A
Calculus III (College)-C
Calculus-Based Physics I (College)-C
Honors Intro to Philosophy (HS)-Not sure yet, but guessing a B</p>

<p>I’m thinking about writing each college a letter, in addition to my counselor’s statement. Is that a good idea? This has been a really stressful semester: I’m still trying to get my meds right for my learning disability, the course-load was probably too heavy and with a total of three schools, and my mom went downhill this semester–ultimately leading to her hospitalization about an hour away. I’m worried I won’t be able to get in anywhere but some fourth-tier state school. :(</p>

5

<p>What’s a W? And I don’t think it’ll effect you too badly. Your other stats are still very good and AU isn’t -very- hard to get into, you’re above most of their averages (except for GPA)</p>

6

<p>A W means “Withdrawal.” It’s used when you drop a class after the first or week or two but before a final deadline, usually a little before the final exam. I was doing very well in microeconomics, but things finally reached their worst during around the time of the course’s major project… so I wasn’t able to complete the project due to all the chaos and things just weren’t getting much better at home as the semester ended, so I withdrew from the class rather than get a “C” due to missing the major project.</p>