<p>Hi – My older brother is a sophomore at BU. My stats are on the lower end (unweighted GPA of 3.2, SATs of 1900, average extra-curriculars, but I’m wondering if I’ll have a better chance of getting into BU (engineering) because my brother is already there (in engineering). I hope to apply early decision. Do you think having a sibling at BU will help my admissions application? I really want to go to BU.</p>
<p>We are in the same boat. My younger son wants to attend BU but he does not have the grades, test scores or extra-curriculars that his brother has. His grades are very good but not outstanding and he has not taken the SATs yet (he’s only a junior). He’s interested in applying to CAS with a major in Geography/Art History & Architecture. Since I am a BU alumna, we are hoping that legacy will help as well.</p>
<p>I really doubt that siblings will increase your chances. Legacy would probably increase chances. </p>
<p>Try EDing to CGS.</p>
<p>Are you taking lots of APs and honors this year? If you are… try to get a 3.7+.</p>
<p>I don’t think siblings will give you an edge but legacy probably will.</p>
<p>Actually, I think any kind of family connection couldn’t hurt. At the admissions process event I went to last spring, they did seem to take into consideration a family connection. Not sure if they care if it’s parents or sibling, though. I think, planningnow, you should should just be super-careful to make sure your entire application package makes sense. Make sure you answer the additional short essay questions reasonably and explain why BU is important to you. Don’t make silly mistakes on the main essay and get some teachers to look it over for you before you submit. And if you really want to go to BU, check the box that says you’re willing to be considered for CGS, unless CGS would be a total dealbreaker for you. I think you have a good shot. Engineers don’t always have 4.0s and you say unweighted GPA, so I assume you are taking some classes that get weighted. That’s a good thing – strength/difficulty of curriculum plays a role. You performance in courses matters more than extracurriculars, so don’t sweat that.</p>
<p>LBowie
Do you by any chance know whether they care more about the strength of the curriculum and your grades in it? For engineering specifically, if I am taking the hardest curriculum available (ib with math hl and physics hl) would that compensate for a slightly low sat, 1340 (m+cr)? I plan to get 700s writing in December as it is easy to improve in, but would they overlook the low sat? Also I have a brother who is doing engineering there(freshman) and a family member who graduated from engineering and used to be on the board of trustees</p>
<p>Strength of curriculum seemed like the main thing. I think your SAT is not too bad, but I don’t know if different schools at BU care about different things. I think you are in good shape. Good luck!</p>