<p>I thought since a lot of the parents here, have kids who are or already went through the admissions process. That this would be a good place to ask.</p>
<p>Here's my situation. I'm worried that I won't be able to get in my dream school, Indiana University. Reason why I say that is because I am out of state, and rank 52%, with a 21 ACT. I have a lot of good solid EC's, but afraid that they won't even take that into consideration. I currently have two good, reccomendations, a personal essay, a resume (listing all my EC's), and a 250 word essay explaining my situtation in math (math is the main reason why my GPA is so low). So is doing all of this, really just dragging it out, and make my chances of getting in even worse? Perhaps I'm doing it right, or even maybe there is some stuff I need to change?</p>
<p>I don't think it is too much HOWEVER large publics like Indiana are going to look mainly at your stats - your grades, SATs, etc. - if you meet the minimum, they'll possibly look at your other information. I am not familiar enough with Indiana to comment on what their minimum admissions numbers are, and don't have time this morning to research it for you, but I would suggest you double check how your stats compare to out of state requirements for admission --- if you are significantly below those numbers, all of the "extras" probably won't make a huge difference in your chances.</p>
<p>Here's an email I send out, along with the response.</p>
<p><em>My email</em>
I've seen on the site that it says out of state students must rank in
the top 3rd. Does that mean if your in the top 3rd you won't get
accepted?</p>
<p><em>Indiana</em>
Derek,</p>
<p>We like to see that students have graduated in the top half of their
High School graduating class. Even if you attend a highly competitive
high school, we like to see that students are competitive in their own
environment.</p>
<p>Since large public schools are primarily numbers driven, I suspect you will get more mileage by working your tail off to bring up your grades in the first semester of next year so your rank is higher than 50%.</p>
<p>You need to find out from the website whether or not IU is rolling admissions. If it is rolling, they make decisions as soon as they receive all of your materials, so you might want to hold off. If you are planning to apply RD, the schools would not consider your application until after the (usually) Jan 1st or 15th deadline. So they would see your rank AFTER your first semester grades.</p>
<p>Indiana is indeed rolling and their class fills up quickly so applying early in the year is advantageous for most people.</p>
<p>If I recall, your GPA is currently 2.9 (I could be confusing you with someone else however), which is low for IU out of state. That and your class rank make you a weaker candidate for out of state admissions, so I'd go for the boost of early application UNLESS you seriously believe you can boost that GPA and class rank in first semester. </p>
<p>Give IU a shot -- and best of luck! -- but please, please make sure you have some solid safeties on your list as well.</p>
<p>Can you retake the ACT? If you didn't study that hard the first time you could probably come up a few points if you go through a practice book. (The average ACT at IU is about 24). I think that is your best best--you have more control over your ACT score than your class rank at this point. It is hard to change class rank this late. It also depends on what program you're trying to get into at IU. If your intended major is not math related and your ACT scores other than math are much higher, that might be a consideration. Good luck. If it is your dream school, keep trying all avenues.</p>
<p>I talked to Indiana on the phone today. It doesn't matter when you apply, it won't affect your chances. Also, being out of state, from the way they talked on the phone, along with emails I had sent, showed that you don't need to be in the top 1/3 to get in out of state. When I visited the school, students told me that they accuctly favor out of state students. Really because we simply pay more. </p>
<p>On the phone though, I told her about my rank 52%, and she stated that not being in the top half, wouldn't affect weather I get in or not. Being that I have a upward trend from freshman year (2.3), shows that I've been really pulling through. Also with the tough course load of 4 AP's next year, shows that I am challening my self as much as possible to be prepared for college. Which is exactly what they are looking for, I was told.</p>
<p>I second atomom - retake those ACT's or take the SAT and try to get a better score. In-state they want you to be in the top half of your class but they have also made it clear that they look at the difficulty of your schedule. Your class rank is not a huge drawback because you're pretty close. Was that at a competitive high school? And taking a moderately difficult course load? We're not talking the all honors/AP route that much more selective schools would be basically requiring but more along the lines of four years of science (three of them lab)? AT least three years of language? Any honors or AP's? What level math? What type of electives? Your EC's probably aren't going to matter much. But if you could get those ACT scores up to the average IU applicant you'd be in much better shape.</p>
<p>I really don't know how hard it is to get in out-of-state but I don't think it's terribly difficult. I would advise you apply early in the rolling admissions process - if they want to see your grades, they'll just tell you that.</p>
<p>Good luck - IU is a VERY fun place to go to school, very big but very fun!</p>
<p>I ususally avoid electives and try and focus on core classes. For instance, I took two history classes last year, along with two science courses. Here is my senior schedule.</p>
<p>AP Art History
German III honors (didn't have german III last year)
Debate/Sociology
AP English Lit.
AP Euro
AP US
Finite/Stat</p>
<p>I go to a competive school, by no means are we cut throat, but we do have our share of kids who strive to attain the highest level possible. Recently we had 6 people who will be attending WashU, 2 at Duke, 2 at Northwestern, and one at Berkeley.</p>
<p>Kinglin, Carolyn as is often the case, gave you solid advice. The school you describe is not highly competitive. Just don't put all of your eggs into this basket when the school clearly states that most oos kids are in the top third. No school discourages applications.</p>