<p>I don't know about BU not being a safety because at my school some kids with GPAs below 3.2 and SATs below 1250 (m/v scale) got in pretty easily.</p>
<p>They probably got into CGS... which i hear is considerably easier to get into.</p>
<p>Collegebound07 - I like that analysis you made where you said all the parts of the application have to support one another, and that really makes sense. Extra curriculars cannot just be thrown out there. If one says for example that they published a book, it makes no sense if it is tied together with the rest of the application and shows no passion. You are right in that the academic parts of the application need to support each other and the extra curriculars need to. Admission officers can probably easily tell the difference between someone with genuine interests and passions that have been developed for years and those that are contrived or last minuite slapped together as a means to impress.</p>
<p>As far as safety schools are concerned, I was rejected from (or could not afford) all the schools I applied to - including two safeties, but I still got in to The Ohio State University with a nearly full ride. I dreaded the possibility of being "forced" to come here; it was my last resort. But now that I'm here, I love it. The honors program is challenging enough to keep me interested, and I am enjoying not worrying about money. Plus, unlike some "elite" schools, I don't have professors who get off on destroying your GPA, so I will have a better record when I apply to medical school.</p>
<p>My point is, don't assume your safety school is the worst possible option. If you throw yourself into it, especially if it's a large school, you're guaranteed to find something you enjoy.</p>
<p>That happened to me. I applied to three schools at got wait-listed at every single one. I ended up at a small liberal arts college with $15k in merit scholarships after applying in May. It was stressful and I thought I was going to have to take a year off and try again but it all worked out. Don't worry.</p>
<p>Worst comes to worst...what's wrong with California's community colleges? $13 per credit and a guarantee to get into any UC or CSU of your choice.</p>
<p>Heh, UCSD engineering is my true safety, although I'd like to think of myself already in to Berkeley EECS (which is where I want to go, along with Princeton and Stanford).</p>
<p>
[quote]
Safety problems usually only occur when a student (or guidance counselor) selects a safety school that is, in fact, rather selective. Sometimes, being above average, or even in the upper quartile, in terms of stats isn't enough to guarantee admission. Big state schools are the most likely to take a fairly predictable "by the numbers" approach.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>That depends on your record, though -- I felt safe using UCLA as my "backup", but I had a 4.0 GPA and 1580 on the SAT.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Worst comes to worst...what's wrong with California's community colleges? $13 per credit and a guarantee to get into any UC or CSU of your choice.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Having taken 70+ credits worth of community college during high school (yes, I was one of those ubergeek chick types who didn't bother with a social life), I'd go so far as to say community college professors are often <em>better</em> than those you'll find at a lot of four year schools, even highly prestigious ones.</p>
<p>It's pretty simple: community college professors don't do anything but teach, wheras the ones at most universities are researchers first and teachers second.</p>
<p>Univ of Massachusetts is my safety and quite a favorite one to go to. I am taking community college courses while in high school. The reason is that I want to take a semester off to travel in Africa while still being able to finish college in 4 years. I too think the teaching in the community college is pretty good, I understand 100% of what is being taught, then I supplement it by reading up at home. The class mates are not very motivated though, I am the only one turning in the home work. If you are self-motivated with a huge goal, community college + State Univ can be a great fit, imho.</p>
<p>I got rejected from my safety school (Florida State University) but I got into Purdue.</p>
<p>Some time after May, Canadian universities make public a list of openings at each university by particular division (Liberal Arts, Engineering, etc.). These are schools that are looking for students. I believe that there is a similar US list. I had them bookmarked last year before my hard disc died--but I can't find my back up. Maybe somebody else who has seen these lists can help here.</p>
<p>That would be a great list to have!</p>
<p>I've seen it before too. I'm sure someone around here has it. If there are no replies here, try creating a new thread asking for it. Or search a lot.</p>
<p>I believe that the list of schools with openings is on <a href="http://www.nacacnet.org%5B/url%5D">www.nacacnet.org</a>. It is not there right now of course- is posted in May or early June. Right now, there is information there on college admission fairs. Also remember that some schools, especially state schools, have January admissions. January admission is often less competitive and can be a good opportunity for someone who doesn't quite have the grades or test scores, but does have the desire and ability. You would get a little break from school, be able to work or do something else, and be able to focus on your applications. Not a gap year, but a miniature version.</p>
<p>Good information, OneMom. Thanks.</p>
<p>I don't believe for a second there's anyone who could be rejected from ALL colleges they apply to. If you do the right thing and pick the RIGHT safety schools, you should have no problem getting in there at least. Every state there has to be SOME colleges that has acceptance rates from 70-90%. But some people, I guess, are too confident and sometimes they do get rejected from all colleges because they pick all the top schools thinking they're a shoo-in.</p>
<p>My DARK thought -- and it probably will come true -- </p>
<p>I get into every school I applied to, </p>
<p>but I can only afford to go to SUNY. </p>
<p>WAKE ME UP from this nightmare! Somebody!</p>
<p>Now I really regret not applying to the Cal State Universities [I live in CA] =[[</p>
<p>Can't you still apply? Do they have Nov 30 deadline or something?</p>