<p>My main area of concern is my grades - I have a 3.2. This is due mostly to the D's and C's I received freshman year. My freshman gpa was a 2.5. However, sophomore year I got it together and had A's and B's, same with junior year, and I took two AP classes (environmental and english). I had a 3.5 for both years, but with the 2.5 from freshman year it averaged out to a 3.2.
I used my personal statement to explain these grades and put a lot of emphasis on my improvement.</p>
<p>Besides that, I had a 1970 on my SAT.</p>
<p>I've been involved in theater for all years of high school, including performing in a play at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland the summer after my sophomore year.</p>
<p>I have volunteered for the past two years at my church.</p>
<p>I've had a part time job for over a year, working about 15 hours a week.</p>
<p>I applied early action and I'm just waiting for Tulane to receive my SAT scores and transcript.</p>
<p>Certainly the improvement in your last 2 years is a big factor mitigating the freshman year issues. Hey, it happens, don’t beat yourself up. Your SAT’s are right at Tulane’s average, so that also is solid for you. You didn’t take a lot of AP’s. How much you challenged yourself makes a difference, so a few more AP’s would have helped. Are you taking more now?</p>
<p>Rodney could be right, I could see them deferring you to RD and waiting to see your first semester senior grades. As long as they are consistent with the 3.5 range, I think you have a very good shot there. At that point they would pretty much throw out the freshman grades, especially if you talk to your admissions counselor about it.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your input. The idea of being deferred is a little heartwrenching considering I’m awfully impatient/anxious, but I guess I’ll have to wait and see.</p>
<p>Hi vkh189 - I completely understand, it is so difficult to just have to wait. Focus on your grades this semester, stay busy with friends, etc. There just is no alternative. Personally, I think the way you turned yourself around after a rough freshman year is outstanding, a tribute to your character and good sense. Don’t despair now!</p>
<p>You have an outside shot…and I hope you get in but it will be difficult with the GPA. If you could show lots of AP and Honors classes, then that would be a plus. The upward trend for grades is also good. I would say that since Tulane acceptance rate is something like 25% - 30%, this is probably a slight reach. More likely you may get rejected but then again so do 3/4 of the applicants. Also, if you do get in, you have to look at affordability and see if Tulane throws money your way for merit. Good luck and have a back-up plan.</p>