<p>Ok, so rising senior. should I apply EA to increase chances or do well the first semester of senior year instead?
Stats:
GPA: B+ (not sure exact precentage- 3.7 weighted freshman- junior year taken 4 honors classes and 1 AP)
Senior course load: AP Stat, AP Bio, AP Micro/AP Macro, Honors English , Art, Gym
SAT: 2030 (shooting for 2150 in Oct)
African American from NJ
Hold 2 positions in clubs, Same Job all through high school, 80 hours of community service(aiming for 100)
Do I even have a chance of getting in? Should I even bother?</p>
<p>First of all, EA does not increase your chances of acceptance. If anything it’s harder to get admitted EA than regular admission. Scottj has done some very good statistical analysis on this phenomenon, I recommend searching for his user name and scanning some of his more recent posts.</p>
<p>In short, EA is good for the school. They get to see eager candidates and can choose from among the best of them. Since EA is non-binding it’s in the best interest of the school to only admit those candidates that they would definitely admit regardless of the portion of the admissions cycle (EA vs. Regular). From BC’s point of view they can defer average candidates and wait to see how they stack up against the regular decision pool.</p>
<p>As for your chances:</p>
<p>3.5 Unweighted GPA
2030 SAT
URM
Some Community Service
Some clubs
Strong AP curriculum</p>
<p>The average UW GPA at BC is believed to be around 3.7, you’re below that. Your SAT is right around the 50th%-tile. You don’t mention any sports or awards in your profile. Given what we know, that combination leaves you below average as an applicant. The wild card is your URM status. As with many schools BC is actively trying to attract under-represented minorities. How much of a factor this would play in your application is anyone’s guess.</p>
<p>Do you have a chance of getting in? Yes, though, barring information that you haven’t given us, I think you’ll be deferred to the regular pool if you apply EA.</p>
<p>Should I even bother? Well if you don’t apply then you have zero chance. I think BC is a reach for you. But I think that the URM status could be a big point in your favor.</p>
<p>you really helped a lot! I have received a varsity letter in track for my freshman year if that counts for anything. Don’t really think I got any other significant awards though . thank you so much!</p>
<p>Dear collegecrazey : vinceh has provided you with an excellent review here. </p>
<p>My suggestion would be to completely ignore the URM issues and focus on your own value proposition to the university. To be honest, despite close ties with Boston College, I have never been able to calculate how or how much “URM Status” helps a candidate; so rather that using an unquantified factor, use your own skills and abilities in your application to showcase yourself well. (Many readers will recognize that I typically just ignore this entire URM topic in chance-me threads - now you know the reason - quantifying it is a real problem.)</p>
<p>Think hard about what makes you unique. While your academics will be midpack as vinceh has noted, there are aspects here in your profile that go beyond the standard application. </p>
<p>Example #1 : What can be said about your dedication as a teenager to the same job throughout High School? Were there promotions or increasing responsibilities that demonstrate you are on the right trajectory for success within Boston College?</p>
<p>Example #2 : What about your community service? Here’s an idea for you : instead of just measuring your service by hours, what about measuring the amount of money raised? Number of lives touched? Improved community environment?</p>
<p>My point is simple. If you do not think you are worthy of acceptance, you aren’t. Let’s change the discussion that puts your strengths front and center by talking about IMPACT rather than ATTENDANCE HOURS. Are you ready for that type of introspection? I think you are.</p>