Chances for admission to GWU, BU, NYU

Hi, I’m a rising senior at a competitive public high school in MA. Details:

GPA: 4.1 out of 5 :(. Took mostly upper level courses. (Highest level in Spanish, English and History and middle in math and science throughout high school earning grades mostly in the B range).

ACT: 29 (27 english, 27 math, 32 reading, 30 science, 32 writing). Will retake.
School only allows APs once you’re a junior: took APUSH and AP Lang and Comp. Senior year will take AP Lit, AP Psych, AP Gov, AP Spanish, and statistics.

Extracurriculars:

  • 3 season varsity athlete (Field Hockey, Hockey, Track). MVP on Hockey team twice. Will be captain of team senior year. Not getting recruited.
  • Active in school feminist club
  • Speech and Debate: Participated in many events over the past two years, advancing to finals and outrounds in every local tournament attended, advanced to finals at states advanced to outrounds at prestigious national tournaments like the Harvard Tournament, qualified to NSDA Nationals both years, qualified to the Tournament of Champions junior year, captain of the team junior year and will be captain senior year. Competed on international level in debate as well.
  • Mock Trial: Participated on team, was given three roles on the team junior year, playing an important leadership role on the team. Will be captain senior year.
  • Selected for special leadership class in high school. Participated junior year.
  • Summer: On sailing team. 3rd and 2nd place in Junior Nationals in freshman and sophomore year. Various awards at various regattas. Attends debate camp. Works as lifeguard.
  • Part-time job as a lifeguard junior year.
  • Community Service: service trip to Nicaragua at a health clinic (12 hours)…also taught sailing to people of all ages (120 hours).
  • Awarded an independent study (capstone project) for senior year on foreign policy and economics.

What are my chances for schools like American University, George Washington University, Boston University, Boston College and New York University?

You fit nearly all very well. American University/BU/BC are almost certain. NYU and GWU depend.

I don’t think that BC is certain, but all of these schools are worth applying to. I think that you’ll get into a couple that you’ll like if you apply to all five of those schools. Good luck next year.

Well, I got in to BU with a UW GPA of 3.4 and ACT of 32 soooo…

It is easier to get into BU than BC, especially if you choose the CGS option.

BC might be a stretch for you given that you are below the 25% ACT range (30 - 33). I would recommend taking the ACT again.

What is CGS option @TomSrOfBoston

College of General Studies as described on the BU website.