<p>Hi all, I am considering applying to Vassar through Early Decision Round II as it is one of my top choices. I am a male, FULL PAY, INTERNATIONAL student.</p>
<p>Here are my quantitative and qualitative stats:</p>
<ul>
<li>Rank and GPA not calculated, though on Naviance it appears as 3.5/4.0 unweighted. Most challening full IB course load, strong upward trajectory.</li>
<li>My SAT reasoning stands at 2150 and 1400. I took it for the final time last time and the results have yet to come out, but in practise tests I've been ranging 2200-2300.</li>
<li><p>770 SAT Chinese with Listening, 780 SAT Literature, 700 SAT Math II (re-taking).</p></li>
<li><p>I'm a strong writer and put a lot of effort into my essay. My regional UC Berkeley admissions counsellor said she loved it. The English teachers raved about it too.</p></li>
<li><p>Recommendations: From history and English teachers, both of whom know me very well and told me they would be great. My counsellor who I am also very close with rehashed his rec for me (e.g. leadership, determination, personal qualities etc)</p></li>
<li><p>EC: A few long-term activities in basketball, community service/teaching, and entrepreneurship. Nothing spectacular compared to those of the Ivy League hopefuls here on CC, but I believe I have focused my time on quality activities in my areas of interest, and shown good initiative and passion. One of my activity leaders also wrote a "very good" rec for me.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Generally, my main cause for concern is GPA as it's been pulled down by my struggles to transition into the rigour of the IB diploma in Junior year. I have had a strong first semester this year, but it's evident in my record that my strengths are in the Humanities, especially English and history, both of which I mention as my intended areas of study at Vassar.</p>
<p>I recall the ED rate at Vassar to be around 40%. I just hope that almost every other area of my application are strong enough to make up for my less than stellar grades, and that through ED, I have a better chance. What do you think?</p>
<p>My other top choice is NYU CAS/Gallatin, whose ED and RD rates are around 34%. I do recognise the differences (and similarities) between them. My impression is that NYU in general is quite a bit less selective than Vassar, though their ED rates seem to suggest otherwise. Does this hold true? Do I have a better chance at NYU? Any other comments?</p>
<p>Thanks a lot!</p>