<p>First of all, some things about me so you get an idea, if these will be suitable for me or now.</p>
<p>I'm an Indian student. I'm 17 year old now (March 2011) and I'll be completing my class XII (high school) in March 2012. So, I'm looking for a Sep 2012 intake.. I'm looking to apply somewhere around August 2011. So, my first question is can I do this? I mean, by the time I apply, my schooling wouldn't be complete.</p>
<p>Here are my class scores from last 3 years.
Class IX = 85%
Class X = 86%
Class XI = 79%</p>
<p>Also, I've been an active in badminton and have represented my school in numerous (50+) badminton tournaments, and won majority of them. I've played badminton at National level for 3 consecutive years..</p>
<p>Other than sports, I've been to other various competitions, and won them.</p>
<p>Next up is my SAT. It was pretty low: 1700. Should I take the SAT again?</p>
<p>Also, some people told me that TOEFL is required, some told only SAT is enough. So, should I take the TOEFL, too?</p>
<p>If you score at least a certain score in Critical Reading on the SAT you will not have to take the TOEFL. Do not worry too much about your Writing score on the SAT as it will only count as placement into writing classes, not general admission. For the combined score of Math + Critical Reading I would aim for at least a 1260 which is the 75th percentile of accepted students, only because of your other stats. Also since you want to get into Computer Science you should be proactive in your final year as it is more competitive to get into that program.</p>
<p>Your math score is pretty good, though it is in the top 75th percentile I’m sure you are capable of improving it. Your CR score on the other hand is somewhat low, in which case I would try to score at least a 600 for UMass. You should still try to improve the CW score as while UMass does not look at it, I’d imagine you are applying to other schools as well when the time comes.</p>
<p>While being the top in your Computer Science class is no doubt a great thing, UMass still remains a state school that receives many applications. If the rest of your application is not competitive in terms of your GPA / SAT scores, I don’t think that doing well in that class will result in a special circumstance of being accepted into the CmpSci program in comparison to your other classes. After all, most schools are looking for well-rounded students.</p>
<p>Your chances are more than good. Actually if you are at a Massachusetts community college you may qualify for free tuition at UMass Amherst through the community college transfer program they have.</p>
<p>Volunteer work is always good, admissions officers like it, but I still think it’s better to do these things because you want to rather than because you want to build a portfolio. I have no doubt that you are doing this because you want to. However overall, what is most important is your academic achievement and what defines you as a person. If you are someone who likes sports, do sports. If you like helping others, then volunteer. Just don’t go out of your way doing something that will just make you look good. I wish you best of luck in pursuing your interests.</p>
<p>@alaroc</p>
<p>I actually think that the program applies to those students who have completed associate’s degrees. However it appears you are still eligible for transfer. The extenuating circumstances of your current situation may prove useful if the essay is effective, which it probably is. Your 4.0 GPA at community college, in my opinion, is a sign of academic maturity and that you are serious about college. I’m sure the admissions officers will see it the same way. Put it this way, the worst that could happen to you is a waitlist or to be deferred to the spring semester. I do not know what community college you have gone to, but your high school GPA seems solid so I do anticipate that they will not outright deny you. I apologize if I turn out to be wrong and imbue false hope, but this is just my educated guess.</p>