Chances at Brandeis?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Brandeis University
1

<p>Hey! I’m developing my final list of colleges to which I’m applying this fall. What do you think my chances are at Brandeis? Any other college recommendations? Thanks! </p>

<p>Senior at a top 10 public high school in California
GPA: 3.45 UW/ 3.65 W (upward trend with the most challenging curriculum- maybe a little too low, though)
SATII Writing: 800
SATII Literature: 690
SATII US History: 650 (bad day)
I took the SAT in October and will take again in November- will probably be around 1400, but I’m not sure
By the end of senior year, I will have taken 8 APs and 1 honors class (AP Music Theory, AP Psych, AP Euro, AP US History, Hon. English, AP English, AP Gov/Econ, AP Stats, AP Calc AB)
I’m probably going to major in Classics and either English, History, or Poli Sci
I got 4’s on the AP US and AP Psych tests </p>

<p>-Member of Junior Statesmen of America- 4 yrs
-Mock Trial- 2 years
-Vice President of Philosophy Club<br>
-Member of Amnesty International- 3 yrs
-Member of History Club
-Member of the school district’s Diversity Committee, which works to combat such issues as homophobia in the school environment
-I’m starting a book club with a friend of mine, so I’ll be a co-president of that
-I work closely with the local Democratic club and do outreach work with my school through the organization
-Member/Volunteer at Feminist Majority Foundation
-Leading Volunteer/Organizer for John Kerry for President/ Kerry Campaign Writers Bureau/ Students for Kerry (about 15 hours a week)
-Participated in National Youth Leadership Forum for Law in Washington DC this spring
-Nominated to be my high school’s representative for the US Senate Youth Program
-Won the underclassman award at my school 2 years in a row, once for English, once for Precalculus (each teacher picks one student from years frosh-junior to give an award to for academic excellence)

  • Won the California Governor’s Scholars Award for high STAR test scores
  • National Merit Commended Scholar
  • I’m in the Gifted and Talented Education Program (GATE) at my school
    -Took classes at UC Berkeley every summer I’ve been in high school (got straight A’s in them)
    -Taking classes at local community college as well
    -I’m taking an evening dance class
    -During budget cuts, I led a letter-writing campaign among the students to protect the teachers and programs that had been put in jeopardy
    -Wrote a novel (unpublished) and 2 plays, one of which was performed at UC Berkeley
    -I don’t know if this will factor in at all in assessing my grades, but my mom has been unemployed for a year, on top of which there was a death in the family, the combination of which made for a stressful junior year to say the least. :frowning: However, my grades have definitely rebounded significantly.
    -I’m a very strong writer and will be able to get great recommendations </p>

<p>200+ hours of community service</p>

<p>If someone could let me know what you think my chances are, that would be great!! Also, does anyone know what Brandeis’s financial aid is like? Thanks!!</p>

2

<p>Lefty: You are a good applicant for Brandeis, and perhaps for some merit aid, although your GPA might keep that from becoming particularly substantial. Brandeis has various merit aid awards, but some of them are more dependent on the numbers (GPA, SAT. APs) than others. However, if you are a URM (under-represented minority) that could make up for the GPA (which is very good, but not spectactular, even from Berkeley High).</p>

<p>Look at the Brandeis website for more information about aid available.</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the support! I actually wasn't expecting to be a candidate for merit aid anywhere (I have a lot of financial need, so I'm pretty much just relying on that). Do you think that my GPA is still high enough that Brandeis might be a match instead of a reach for me, even though I'm not a URM but have taken really challenging courses? Oh, by the way, I actually go to Campolindo High School (on the other side of the hills)- really tough on the grading and so forth. (I grew up in Berkeley and spend all my hang-out time there, which is why I listed it as my location.) Thanks again for the feedback!</p>

4

<p>I got a 1410 on my SAT if that changes things admissions-wise.</p>

5

<p>Lefty: your SAT score should entitle you to some merit aid if you are admitted, but I don't know how much; if your GPA advances some this semester, that would help. Campolindo is also a good high school. Check with Brandeis' financial office; in some cases they go very much by a formula.</p>

<p>Can't provide any information on need-based aid, but of course they do give it. Again, check with the financial aid office.</p>

<p>At the same time, if you are seriously looking to major in classics, you should track the news at Brandeis, as last week the dean announced that he was thinking of dropping it as a major. Naturally that raised a lot of opposition, and the issue is very new, so keep an eye on it.</p>

6

<p>My son will be competing for the limited Wien International merit scholorships. He is looking to major in Computer Science, and a possible minor or certificate in psychology.</p>

7

<p>I think you have a solid shot. </p>

8

<p>I don’t think OP has a shot any more since it’s been 10 years since he graduated high school! A little late to offer an opinion, preamble, dontcha think?</p>

9

<p>I work in the Financial Services office and I can attest that the counselors work hard to meet one hundred percent need. If you have high need and you make sure to communicate with them effectively and calmly, you will be all set. As far as employment goes, if you are admitted, I would start looking for jobs right away both on and off campus. You can even send your resume into Hiatt (or go in person if that is feasible) and get it approved so that you have an even better shot.</p>