Chances?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Tufts University
1

<p>caucasian, female, middle class, public school in Michigan (not particularly competitive, but not a bad school either)</p>

<p>GPA: 3.865 (uw, don't know weighted)
Class Rank: 44/293
PSAT: 233
SAT: 760 R, 720 M, 660 W (didn't do too bad on the multiple choice, but totally bombed the essay for some reason; I'm normally good at writing-type things)
ACT: 34
Likely to become a national merit finalist
took AP Eng Lang and AP US History this year; will probably get a 4 or 5 on the English, and a 3 to 5 (my teacher wasn't very good) on the History
SAT II: 730 USH, 780 Lit</p>

<p>Taking two classes at a Washington University (in St. Louis) over the summer, and will probably get an A- or A on them (if grades are given).</p>

<p>Freshman:
American Studies (two-hour block class, English and US history) A
German I A
AGS II (algebra, geometry, and statistics) A
Earth Space Science (semester) A
Integrated Physical Science (sem.) A
Orchestra A</p>

<p>Sophomore:
Literature and Composition (sem.) A
Speech B+
Biology A
Economics (sem.) A
US Government (sem.) A
Orchestra A
German II A
AGS III A</p>

<p>Junior: (not sure of the grades, but I think the average is an A-)
APUSH
Pre-Calc
AP Eng Lang
Orchestra
German III
Chemistry</p>

<p>I've taken the most challenging schedule possible so far, excepting science classes (just took Chem last year instead of AP Bio) and taking orchestra instead of another academic class.</p>

<p>Next year:
AP English Lit
AP Calculus
Honors Humanities (two hour block class for one English credit and one social studies credit)
German IV (not officially AP, but I'll most likely be taking the test)
Gym (required for graduation)</p>

<p>I'll probably be able to get all As or A-'s next year.</p>

<p>Extra-Curricular Activities: (when I say present I mean I plan on continuing them through senior year)
Destination Imagination: first grade through the present
Violin: school (as a class) orchestra, 5th through 11th; private lessons, 5th through the present
World Cultures Club (at school, like a combination of the language clubs with some other cultures thrown in): 10th through present
I attempted to join German club freshman year, but it dissolved after just a couple meetings due to lack of participation
Quiz Bowl: 10th through present</p>

<p>Awards:
likely a national merit semi-finalist, possibly a finalist
various academic awards throughout school (don't remember what subjects I got them in)</p>

<p>Also, if it makes any difference, I'm planning on studying International Relations.</p>

<p>My main weaknesses seem to be ECs and not having a senior year science course; how much would those affect my chances?</p>

2

<p>Your stats, are good enough, although they are a bit on the lower side of the spectrum of accepted applicants. In regards to ECs, playing violin isn't very impressive, if you just play in the school orchestra. Have you won any competitions? Do you play in a youth orchestra? Your only other ECs are World cultures and Quiz Bowl, which both seem pretty average. Try to get a leadership position your senior year. Also, have you done any community service? It would help if you take a class at Tufts this summer, and apply early decision if you really want to go to Tufts.</p>

3

<p>I agree with the above poster -- take on some leadership positions you can put on your resume before you apply to Tufts (and other schools). Also definitely add in some community service as people who are engaged with their communities in positive ways are a big draw to Tufts -- their motto is "active citizenship" after all!</p>