Good morning all,
I am taking this forum to post my stats for someone to help me solve my dilemma of being deferred and if I still have a chance of being admitted in Regular Decision?
Deferred CSOM
SAT - 1410
730 Math 680 English
4.0/4.0 UW GPA
White Male from a Private Catholic School in New York
7 AP Classes (4 on U.S. World and 4 on World History Exams) - Rest of Workload is All Honors
National Honor Society. - 9,10,11,12
Math Honor Society - 11,12
Social Studies Honor Society - 10,11,12
Spanish Honor Society - 11,12
Volunteer Tutor. - 11,12
Involved in over 5 Leadership/Service Clubs at my high school
I work two jobs, two sports team (high school, club) all 4 years, where I have served as captain of both teams my entire high school career.
I serve as an Advisor of a highly notable non-profit.
Volunteer with other organizations that are highly respected in the Tri-State.
Started a Social Media Campaign aimed at promoting awareness for special needs children that attracted the likes of many notable people and trended - 9,10
Outside Letter of Recommendation from a very notable politican I have known since I was born.
Both Essays VERY Strong - My best writing for my dream school.
Do I still have a shot? Appreciate all, honest responses. Thank you!
My Common App Essay was about growing to learn how a family situation was a blessing rather than a burden and how it has opened my eyes to consider those you wouldnt at a first glance.
My supplemental was about a man who inspired me to act for the common good by forgiving a man who seriously injured him. I talked about how his lesson of forgiveness and passion for helping others acted as a source for me myself to follow in his footsteps. I tied this into how Boston College puts a great emphasis on service to others.
To answer your question, the above did not go into my essay at all, as I did not want to repeat information already stated in my app.
You have a chance, but there could be some red flags.
How is it you were able to be in NHS all four years? Many high schools only offer it to juniors and seniors. Is your school a K-12 by any chance?
How can your GPA be 4.0 weighted and unweighted? With seven APs, the weighted number should be higher.
The outside LOR probably didn’t help, unless you by chance interned or volunteered with that individual? If not, it might have been construed as name dropping.
You have quite a high number of extra curricular activities. If you described them on your app the way you described them here, it is difficult to ascertain what one’s are the most important to you.
In which were you the most effective and how did you make an impact? How were you challenged? How do these activities demonstrate you match what the college is looking for?
1) The NHS in 9,10,11,12 is a complete mistake by me. It should have been 11,12. My apologies.
2) The 4.0 GPA is on an unweighted scale from what my high school has given me. I am using data I was given.
3) The outside LOR I have worked countless hours with the organization that individual runs.
4) I think the most important activities to me would be the advisor position because I complete meaningful work that assist others in a positive way. I made that clear on my application. I was challenged in a sense that I wasnt in a high school classroom but in the real world making decisions that could change someones life forever.
agree with Tom. your posts here come off as rather arrogant (“I was…in the real world making decisions that could change someone’s life forever…”), where humble achievement might be a better sell to BC. Now perhaps the quote above is 100% accurate, but many adult adcoms will roll their eyes when they read such a thing from a teenager. Much better to have your recommender report that you ‘change lives’.
After your other apps are in by the RD deadline, I’d start crafting a ‘Why BC?’ essay, i.e., what do you bring to the table. Remember, ‘show, not tell’.
Thank you for your honest response. I will work on showing and not telling. When I craft a “Why BC” Essay, should I send it to my admissions officer, or will I come off desperate in a sense. I am stuck as to what I should do as a deferred applicant I do not want to make the wrong move(s).
Usually one would write a “letter of continued interest” after being waitlisted, but there is no reason you couldn’t submit one after a deferral. This would state “why BC”, reconfirm your interest in BC as your #1 choice, and you can add any new accomplishments since your application was submitted. You can also clarify or correct any misunderstandings you feel need additional explanation.
Do not say you will attend if accepted, unless you are certain you can afford to do so without financial aid. You may, however, reiterate your interest in attending.
Thank you for the feedback. To follow up, are you allowed to ask for an interview to put a “face” to the name? I plan on visiting again to do the Eagle for a Day Program.
Absolutely. 'Dear Regional Rep, I was extremely disappointed to hear that my ED application was deferred as BC was my first choice…
I’d wait until after first semester grades so you have something new to add. (pro tip: don’t tell BC how great they are and therefore that’s why you want to attend – doh, they know they are great. Instead, essplain how you fit and what you have to offer fits into the Jesuit ideals and service for others as pb notes – google it.)
Thank you so much everyone. Looking forward to working towards an admissions offer from BC! If anyone has anything to add for myself or others, please do. This advice is helpful for everyone in my situation.
A defer is not a loss. They liked something enough to re-review you. But whether that’s some higher probability, no one knows. Depends on the RD apps from your area.
You’ve told us reasons you think you have a great app. But they’re looking for more than stats, titles, AP/honors counts. Or how mighty your family friend or some orgs are.
Take some time to dig into what they do look for. Be sure you show that, rather than disappointment, (who isn’t? It can sound arrogant.) They aren’t swung by emotions. Know what matters.
Perhaps within your email of continued interest, you can make it known you will be on campus and would they offer you five minutes to introduce yourself. Short and sweet.
Some great advice to take into account. I am definitely going to mail them a continued letter of interest. I also am going to ask for that 5 minutes of a face to face. privatebanker, I do see you are very active in the BC forums. In your opinion, what are the odds of someone deferred to be accepted in the RD round? Also, I am curious if you think that BC will communicate to my guidance counselor some idea of what was lacking in my application.
HSSenior49, I’m a LI, New York mom and I heard of a number of kids coming off of the wait list and going to BC in fall of 2019. You sound like a very good student. Stay optimistic, but also have a plan B and plan C. BC is a great school, but you can be happy and successful at any number of schools. Ask your guidance counselor for advice & good luck to you.