Do I have a shot?

Colleges and Universities A-Z American University
1

<p>Right now I’m a junior, and looking for some advice! American is a stretch for me, I know. I want to know if I have a shot at all, and are there any other schools you could recommend to me? I think I want to go into Journalism, but I’m not sure I would major in it. I’m definitely looking to stay on the East Coast, I would say DC is the farthest south and Boston is the farthest North I would be willing to go. However, I am really interested in going to a city school, particularly in DC.</p>

<p>Thank you in advance!</p>

<p>I have only taken the SAT once so far, with no prior preparation, and I got a 1690 (Math-529, Reading 570, Writing 600), and I’m thinking I can get it up to a 1900 or very close to that, I’m taking a course with the Princeton Review right now and will probably do some work after that as well.</p>

<p>GPA: At the end of sophomore year it was something like a high 89, borderline 90. I’ve done much better so far this year, so by the end of the year I’m hoping to have around a 90-92, at least.</p>

<p>ECs:
SADD - 2 years
Newspaper - 3 years (very selective, hold page editor position and hopefully editor-in-chief next year)
Homework Help Center volunteer program- around 30 service hours for this year, will probably participate again next year and get another 30, and definitely do some additional community service in the mean time. This is a selective program as well.</p>

<p>I know I can get two very good recommendations from teachers as well.</p>

<p>Other schools I’m interested in:
Northeastern
Drexel
Rutgers
Ramapo
TCNJ
Rider
Quinnipiac
Temple
Arcadia
Catholic University</p>

<p>Anyone have any opinions/ advice?
I’m a white female from New Jersey, if that helps.</p>

2

<p>Don’t mean to be a pest but… anyone?? I would really appreciate some input!</p>

3

<p>Well I got into Northeastern this year with a 3.2 UW and a 31 on my ACT…I had a lot of EC and good rec. letters as well…I think if ur able to bring up ur SAT scores like u say u will u shud be fine. =) good luck.</p>

4

<p>Thank you!!</p>

5

<p>Arcadia is in the suburbs, far from the center of the city.
Temple has a great journalism program and is right in the center of Philadelphia.
Drexel is located in the city also, next to U of P. I don’t
believe they are as well known for their journalism program as Temple.</p>

6

<p>Thank you!
But can anyone tell me my chance at American?</p>

7

<p>Come back when you get your actual junior year grades and new SAT scores–till then it’s impossible to even guess. Since your SAT’s are currently your weakest element by far, you may wish to consider colleges that are SAT optional.</p>

8

<p>If you don’t bring up your SATs, then its really a stretch, but if you bring them up, probably.</p>

<p>I have a degree from Rutgers from many years ago, from what used to be the journalism department. There are a lot of successful people who pursued journalism with that degree, so there is a good network on alumni, but also people who were not successful. But Rutgers is a lot less expensive than AU.</p>

9

<p>Your SAT is below the 25th percentile for American, it’s definitely a reach for you. Consider taking the ACT–some people do better on it. There’s some evidence that suggests that girls do better on the ACT, and that may be true for you because the math section of the SAT seems to be the thing that gives you trouble.</p>

<p>Otherwise, you should begin focusing on schools more in line with your SAT scores, or SAT-optional schools. Good luck.</p>

10

<p>This year, AU is SAT optional for early decision candidates. I don’t know about their policy for next year, but if that is a possibility for you financially and AU is your top choice, it may be something to consider.</p>

11

<p>Ok, thank you for the advice!</p>