Brandeis University

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hello,
I was wondering what my chances are regarding admission to Brandeis University (I know it is a reach, but is there even a slight possibility?). My freshmen year GPA was absolutely horrid (2.5). However, it has risen immensely, with a 3.5 sophomore year and a 3.9-4.0 my junior year, with a number of APs (Between Junior and Senior year I'll have roughly 5 or 6 and I'm assuming I'll get 4s and 5s on the exams). Additionally, my senior year schedule is incredibly rigorous. Also, my SAT score is incredibly average, at an 1860. I have good EC's: I've started a religious diversity club, I am captain of my schools debate team and ranked as the top speaker in NJ, I am teaching debate to younger students, I am politically active, and I've written for a politically oriented online magazine. Furthermore, I am a black belt and work as an assistant, teaching martial arts. Additionally, I will have glowing recommendations from truly qualified teachers. Unfortunately, I am an out of state student (NJ) which I know can hinder my chances. I would love some insight regarding my chance of admission.
Thank you very much</p>

2

<p>You should get in because of wonderful rise of GPA.
chance-<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1663167-chance-business-major.html#latest”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1663167-chance-business-major.html#latest&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

3

<p>Thanks very much for the reply! </p>

4

<p>As far as I know, Brandeis is a private university, so I don’t think being out of state or instate will affect admissions. Your SAT score is at the 25% of admitted students. Your later grades are good. I would still consider Brandeis a reach- there is a possibility of admission, but I would have more schools that match your profile on your list as well.</p>

5

<p>Being from NJ is not a huge factor. You will need to show demonstrated interest in attending and have an outstanding essay. Requesting an interview either on-campus or with an alum or a rep doing a presentation at your high school will help.</p>

6

<p>Thanks, that helps. I’m starting to think that Brandeis is close to an impossibility. I will act upon your suggestions, hopefully I am admitted. </p>

7

<p>I agree with @bookmama22‌
But like @pennylane2011 said, you need to develop a more well-rounded list that also includes safeties and matches. Good luck! </p>

8

<p>Alright, I really appreciate all of your feedback. </p>

9

<p>I am Jewish if that makes a difference. </p>

10

<p>You can apply to Brandeis without submitting SAT scores. Which should help you. </p>

<p>Read about it here.</p>

<p><a href=“Test-Optional Policy | Apply | Undergraduate Admissions | Brandeis University”>Test-Optional Policy | Apply | Undergraduate Admissions | Brandeis University;

11

<p>With such a low cumulative GPA, would applying SAT optional hinder my chances? </p>

12

<p>Also, I am willing to apply ED, if that makes a difference. </p>

13

<p>You have a steep upward GPA trend and unless your SAT helps, you should use one of their other options. ED would help for sure. </p>

14

<p>@soze‌ Thanks! I do intend on taking the SAT again in October, hopefully my scores increase. I am also visiting the campus, meeting with a representative, and applying ED. I think displaying such a large amount of interest will help. </p>

15

<p>If you love Brandeis and would choose to go there regardless of any other admittances – and surprises have been known to happen – then yes, apply ED to Brandeis.</p>

<p>I can see pros and cons for submitting the SAT. If you are worried about it, consider taking the ACT or re-takibg the SAT. Your SAT will be in the lowest quartile among acceptees as-is… but ED helps. And you have shown strong improvement, which helps. Maybe try to explain why you struggled as a freshman and what you did to iimprove so markedly.</p>

<p>But regardless, make sure you choose a few matches and <em>at least one</em> academic and financial safety. That is a school you are 100% certain to get into, one you can afford, one that meets your academic needs, and one that you would enjoy attending.</p>

16

<p>@prezbucky‌ Thanks! I do have matches and safeties. Although, I am trying to develop a list of reaches, and I will probably apply ED to the reach that is most appealing. </p>

17

<p>Well there are plenty of reaches for you in the northeast and you surely know about them.</p>

<p>Here are some (low to mid) reaches and high matches in the Midwest:</p>

<p>Kenyon College
UW-Madison
Illinois
UM-Twin Cities
Ohio State
Indiana
Purdue
Beloit College
Lawrence University
Gustavus Adolphus
Marquette</p>

<p>Obviously some high reaches for your current stats are:
U Chicago
Northwestern
Carleton
Notre Dame
Grinnell
Macalester
Oberlin</p>

<p>Maybe others can help you with reaches and high matches in other regions.</p>

18

<p>@prezbucky‌ That is a really comprehensive list. Obviously, I would love to attend a high reach. That being said, what do you think is the best way to maximize my chances? Also, if it helps, I’m willing to travel across the US to attend university. </p>

19

<ol>
<li>Kick butt in school next year – keep your GPA mojo going.</li>
<li>Re-take the SAT. Shoot for 2000. It can’t hurt for those schools that require tests.</li>
<li>Apply ED for Brandeis. Peer schools in the northeast include (IMO) Rochester , Holy Cross, BU, Colgate and Northeastern. Maybe toss an app at Bates, Hamilton, Colby, etc. Tufts and BC have similar academic quality but are tougher in admissions. Anyway, apply to some of those too (RD). A 2000 would help.</li>
</ol>

20

<p>@prezbucky‌ Yeah, a 2000 will definitely help. My current score (1860) is with extremely minimal studying, so I think a 2000 is a possibility. </p>