<p>Bucknell is really the only school I'm worried about getting into that I am applying for, and I was wondering if I could get an estimate from someone on my real chances of getting in, and maybe my chances of qualifying for the tuition exchange program if anyone is familiar with that? And maybe my chances for major scholarship at a few other schools?</p>
<p>I have a 32 on the ACT (34 Eng, 35 CR, 28 M, 31 Sci) and 3 5's on AP US History, AP Calculus, and AP Government. I also have a 4.0 unweighted GPA and a weighted GPA of 4.35 at a poor public Appalachian high school in East Tennessee.</p>
<p>I only have music and church for my EC's, but I stay busy in those.
Marching Band - 10 hours a week
Orchestra - about 8 hours a week when it gets underway in the second semester
Jazz Band - 2 hours a week
Piano - Practice is on my own time, but I usually practice about 3-4 hours a week if that matters.
In church I play an active role in the youth group, and I've been in leadership positions in Marching Band (Band officer two years and Section Leader 4) and in church (Youth Council).</p>
<p>For all intents and purposes, lets just assume my essays are good, though I won't go so far as to say better than anyone else's at Bucknell. </p>
<p>I'm applying to:</p>
<p>Bucknell
Sewanee: University of the South
Furman
University of Tennessee Knoxville</p>
<p>Oh and I don't mean to add too many replies, but I forgot that I scored a 216 on the PSAT in Tennessee, so I may be a semi-finalist (at least commended) and my class rank is #7/350 or so.</p>
<p>As a current Bucknell student, I will say that recent statistics have shown that Bucknell has become more selective in the students that it accepts (compare the class profiles of 2010 and 2012). However, looking at your scores I would encourage you to apply. I do not know the average ACT score as I took the SAT being in the top 10% of your class and taking APs is impressive. Leadership roles and community service are also important. Before you apply I encourage you to visit. If you wish you can stay overnight and go to class with a host student to see how well the campus fits you. At the end of your stay you can arrange for an interview. While Bucknell may be expensive they do give need based and merit based financial aid. I am unsure of the tuition exchange program you mentioned, is it known by another name? If you have any further questions either post or private message me and I will try to help you. Regardless of where you end up, best of luck.</p>
<p>I would say that you have a really high chance of getting into Bucknell, Your grades are outstanding and your EC's are strong. I am 99% sure you will get in</p>
<p>The tuition exchange piece is the tough one. Bucknell receives many more applicants for tuition exchange than the number of TE slots available. If Bucknell is your number 1 choice, I would recommend thinking about early decision. If TE doesn't work out for you during early decision, you are no longer bound by the ED agreement. Be sure to show interest!</p>
<p>At least apply, because you never know if you'll get financial aid anyway. With the whole national merit thing, you might get a scholarship that is bigger than the tuition exchange scholarship, or you might even get a free ride with both.</p>
<p>Your grades and scores make you a strong candidate but I hesitate due to the limited EC's... If you could communicate a real passion for music, you might be able to turn it around to a positive. Also, I would guess you have geography in your favor...</p>