<p>The SATs are well above Tulane’s mean, the grades are below, but not horribly so. Most colleges assign admissions officers regionally, so that they can get to know the high schools. </p>
<p>In other words, they understand that some schools have harder grading standards than others. It’s one of the problems with ‘chance me’ threads here. None of us here really understand the nuances of an A- at one school vs a B+ at another. </p>
<p>Based on what Tulane publishes, with decent academic rigor and these grades and scores from a top high school – your son certainly has a shot at Tulane, probably even a good shot. Coming from the northeast may help. </p>
<p>With all highly competitive colleges, it’s impossible to say more than that – no one on this board has figured out the admissions process and no one knows why certain kids get accepted and others get denied.Don’t take Chance Me threads too seriously. The people responding have the same data regarding average admissions stats as you do. They have no better knowledge of the process.</p>
<p>My guess, and this is only a guess, is that with these statistics, , admission at many top schools will come down to a how the admissions committee views the eintire application, and won’t be based on any one feature. </p>
<p>My recommendation – make sure to show ‘demonstrated interest’ at Tulane or any other school he is very serious about. i.e., visit, apply early action, if possible (e.g., unless he is applying early decision elsewhere). If this is his first choice, let them know it. </p>
<p>Most important, don’t get too stressed out about your son, and don’t let him get too stressed. Though his grades are not spectacular, the are solid. His SATs are excellent. If he takes the admissions process seriously, spends time on the essays, etc., he’ll get into an excellent school, be it Tulane or somewhere else.</p>