Chance a legacy student?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Colgate University
1

<p>I don't ever use CC, but I wanted to get some input from people who might have some good insight. Here are some general stats:</p>

<p>-ACT: 34 (one sitting, didn't submit SAT)
-GPA: B+/A-
-AP Courses- AP World (4), AP US (4), AP Micro (4), AP Macro (3), AP Bio, AP EH, AP Lit
-Extracurriculars:
---Community Service Club (President), Soccer, Acting, other various clubs.</p>

<p>-White Male
-Non-Financial Aid Applicant
-I attend a small independent school in central New York.</p>

<p>Clearly my main problem is regarding my GPA. Freshman, Junior, and Senior years I got mostly more A's than B's. However, I missed a great deal of school my sophomore year, causing my grades to drop so much that I had exclusively B's in my core classes. I'm afraid that this would be my biggest hindrance during the admissions process. </p>

<p>However, I am hoping that my other factors could mitigate this. I'm hoping that my ACT score will make me an attractive applicant, but I am a bit unsure of whether or not Colgate values this particular test. I am lucky in that if admitted, I would be a third generation legacy. My father, grandfather, great-uncle, uncle, and two aunts all went there, and many of my uncles and aunts children will most definitely be applying/attending in the years to come. Also, although I know Colgate says that they do not take into account demonstrated interest, I have met with my regional admissions counselor many times. My father and grandfather are also very active in the University, volunteering their time and donating money, which has led to my grandfather having a close friendship with Gary Ross. Typically I am not the type of person who would try to capitalize on this, as I prefer to get in on my own accord, but in this situation I have no problem using any connection I have.</p>

<p>Right now Colgate is at the top of my list, the only qualm I have is that it is located pretty close to my house, but that's something I can get over. Basically, if anyone can tell me their opinion on what they think my chances would be, that'd be great.</p>

2

<p>The acceptance rate for students with a legacy at Colgate was 46.4% for the class of 2015. I think you have great chances with that ACT and your grades seem to be decent.</p>

3

<p>Thanks, I’ll keep my fingers crossed. I’m considering switching my application to ED II, but if I have a good shot without doing so then I’d prefer just to see where else I get in as well. I just hope that my bad grades won’t hurt me too much (I only got above an B+ in one class sophomore year, for example.)</p>

4

<p>The idea of applying early decision is to show admissions personnel you REALLY want to attend that school. I feel applying early decision, especially if you don’t need aid, increases your chances significantly. Where else are you considering?</p>

5

<p>I applied to a few other similar liberal arts school as well as a few medium sized universities. Colgate is at the top of my list, but I am not absolutely positive if it is my unequivocal first choice. Because of this, I’d probably avoid switching my application to EDII unless I believed that I absolutely should in order to gain admittance. Mainly I’m just worried about my grades, but I have my fingers crossed that they will be considered okay.</p>

6

<p>Closing thread - post on “What Are My Chances?” board.</p>