<p>I am applying to Boston University College of General Studies for fall semester 2015, I’m really worried that I won’t meet their standarts to be accepted. I have a 4.0 weighted GPA and around a 3.8 unweighted, however, I go to the most competitive high school in my area so I am ranked in the top 38%. Since my freshman year my grades have been dramatically improving, raising my GPA from a 91.3 to a 97.2 and by the end of this current semester I am expected to be in the top 28% of my class. I am very involved in community service, I’m a sunday school teacher at my church, I am a Family Career Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) officer a member of the National Honor Society and involved in several more clubs. I also hold a part time job at a local restaurant and work around 15-20 hours a week. My SAT score is a 1770, with a 620 in math, 600 in critical reading, and a 550 in my writing. My ACT composite score is a 26 with a 28 in my math and a 29 in my English. I realize that my scores are a little below my potential and I am taking both tests again to improve them, especially my ACT composite. I am going to have 3 letters of recommendation, one from my FCCLA advisor and teacher, one from my pre calculus teacher, and one from the coordinator of the sunday school I volunteer for. I also have taken several AP classes including Chemistry, English, Psychology, Biology, Statistics, Human Geography, and Calculus. Along with these I have also taken several honors courses. Do I have any chance of getting in? Is there anything I can do to better my chances before I submit my application?</p>
<p>Many people who go into CGS apply into a different college within BU. If for some reason they are not accepted into the college of their choice but have “potential to succeed” then they are placed into CGS. I would say if you have an idea of what area you want to study in (arts & sciences, communications, etc.) apply directly into that school. That way you’ll be able to have more control of your schedule of accepted into a specific college verses going directly to CGS.</p>
<p>Even though your scores are a little on the low side, I think you still have a pretty good chance of getting in. Your extracurricular involvement, grades, and AP courses will definitely help. If you can raise your scores that’s great but I don’t think your chances are that bad right now. I also agree if you have a general idea of what you want to study you should apply to a specific school at BU then opt to be considered for CGS if you don’t get into that school for whatever reason</p>
<p>Why do you want to get into CGS specifically? Generally people don’t apply directly there–they end up there because they’re not quite competitive enough for CAS, COM, SMG, etc. but BU thinks they have potential. You do two years in CGS (which is like Super High School–you take core classes w/ the same kids and then you do a big research project sophomore year into order to ‘graduate’ from CGS), and then apply to transfer to another school within BU. </p>
<p>Honestly with your GPA, I’d say you’re competitive for any of the “regular” schools at BU. What do you want to major in? Show passion for that thing, write some good essays… you have a great chance at getting in.</p>
<p>(this all said, CGS is great. Some of my best friends from BU were in CGS and ended up in COM with me. They did just as well, if not better, in their COM classes than “regular” COM kids and have done well in their careers. CGS gets a lot of flack at BU but it’s a good program.)</p>
<p>The reason I wanted to apply into CGS is because I have no clue what I want to go into. It sounded like a program where I could get some direction on what career path I want to pursue in the future. Do you think I would be better off applying into another school and seeing what happens?</p>
<p>Do not apply to CGS, it’s as people have said, where the marginal admits get put. You have a profile that would likely be admitted to CAS/ENG/SMG/COM, so apply to one of them.</p>
<p>My suggestion would be to apply to CAS and figure it out from there.</p>
<p>gpa is fine, act is a bit low. I think you need a 30+. I agree with FlamFlex as well…CGS is not worth it. Same with NYu’s liberal studies program. You should do COM and check the optional CGS box if you are worried</p>
<p>I am going to apply to CAS Undeclared, thanks for the help!</p>
<p>Our DD went to CGS and moved into Comm without a hitch. She would be the first to say that the rigorous reading, writing and analytic skills required in the smaller classes of CGS were key, and were not in any way less rigorous than other coursework. (She came in with excellent writing and reading skills and high SATs). If she had it to do over I know she would choose the same path. FYI, BU has a policy that if you get a certain GPA your first semester you can overload without additional cost. She took 18 - 20 units every semester, went to Europe twice (once with CGS after freshman year - once as junior in advertising) and had a fantastic educational experience. Graduating in 6 weeks, and is already working in her field. </p>
<p>r u doing RD? @caimill19 </p>
<p>Yes, I don’t want to risk applying ED and not getting any aid.</p>