<p>Hi guys! Im currently a junior and American is my dream school! I went to preview day and flew out from CA to go there. I am doing one of AU’s summer programs for high schoolers over summer too. I have a 3.3 weighted and an 1800 on my SAT. I have taken a lot of Ap’s and honors if that makes a difference and go to a competitive high school. I am planning on retaking the SAT and taking the ACT too. Can you chance me for Early Decision next year?</p>
<p>The GPA is kind of low - what scale is it on? And I’m assuming the SAT is considering Critical Reading, Math, and Writing? A good range to be in for each section would be as follows:</p>
<p>SAT Critical Reading: 590 / 690
SAT Math: 570 / 670
SAT Writing: 580 / 680</p>
<p>That being said, the interest you’ve shown in the school is great - colleges love that kind of thing. And AP and Honors courses look great. As long as you keep yourself challenged academically, American would be happy. I would retake the SAT and take the ACT - aim for around 28 or so (I got a 34 and got in, but I read that 26 is good for AU). </p>
<p>Honestly, I think you might get deferred and then accepted. What do you have for extracurriculars and community service?</p>
<p>I think you’ll find that most posters on the AU forum aren’t fond of chancing. Rather than asking random strangers to evaluate you, delve into Section 2 of the AU Academic Data Reference Book (the book is here: <a href=“Error retrieving uploaded document”>Error retrieving uploaded document), which will give you all the data you need to compare yourself to AU students. I’ll also issue the standard parent warning that it’s foolish to have a “dream school”. There are many, many colleges that will suit you just fine, I promise. You may not be admitted to AU, or you may be admitted with unworkable finances. Avoid disappointment by developing a list of colleges you’d be happy to attend–in the usual categories of reaches, matches and safeties. You’ll be much more likely to have your dreams come true.
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<p>It also depends what you want to major in at AU. They are more likely to accept you to a program that is not as popular such as theatre or music.</p>
<p>Tick up the GPA. 3.3 weighted is on the low side. </p>
<p>ALSO- tagging on to what these guys said from my own experience- I also had a 3.3 gpa and I didn’t submit my sats and what admissions really grade their decision on as side from your community service type stuff and visiting the school is THE ESSAY. Make sure it is pristine!! I went to a meeting for incoming students after I got in and that was something major so have parents look at it, friends, teachers, whatever you can do to make it perfect. Have a good rough draft this summer so you don’t have to worry about it senior year. I wish you the best of luck!</p>
<p>On a side note, I almost didn’t apply to American because people said I wasn’t good enough. DON’T BELIEVE them. If you have determination and really think you can do it, GO FOR IT. You sound like you have a lot better stats than I did going in and now I’m an incoming freshman! When I got my acceptance letter I wished I also applied to North Carolina State too because that was my other dream school but people said I didn’t have a chance. Don’t be dismayed by others, be encouraged by their disapproval to strengthen yourself to succeed! It’s worth it to at least apply!</p>
<p>My son had a 3.3 and good SAT scores, he applied ED1 and got in. If you really want to go to American, I would apply ED1 as your chances will be better than during RD. My son wrote a killer essay too which helped. The thing the 3.3 GPA will do though, is decrease your chances of getting merit aid. You might be still eligible for financial hardship aid if your family finances qualify you. My son did not get any merit aid and we didn’t quality for hardship aid so we are footing the bill entirely. I am hoping if he does well at American, that maybe he will qualify for something after his Freshman year. He got a huge scholarship from Seton Hall in the Diplomacy Program but his heart was set on American.</p>