Early Decision 2 help!

Hello all, I applied to BU for Early Decision 2 and I got really good recommendations from my teachers and employer. I also have good extracurriculars and sports. My supplement and personal essay were really good according to my teachers and friends. But the only thing i’m scared of is my stats. I took a lot of honors and AP classes, I took 5 AP classes my junior year and taking 3 currently in my senior year. I had a bad year my sophomore year due to family issues (illness in the family) but I indicated it on my essay. Im just scared right now. Are my chances like extremely low?

My GPA : 3.52
SAT highest : 1050

Do you also have a GC recommendation, which is required?

With an acceptance rate last year of 18%, BU is a reach for nearly all applicants. The class of 2023’s average SAT was 1468, so I expect your SAT score is well below the 25%ile. Obviously I don’t know all the components of your application, but based on your stats, it is unlikely you will be offered admission. Did your GC support a BU ED2 app?

Have you also applied to target schools and at least one affordable safety? Have you been accepted/deferred/denied anywhere yet?

Yes my counselor wrote me a good recommendation as well. And yes I applied to other schools but have not received an decision yet.

With a 1050 on the SAT, BU is going to be unrealistic right now. I would recommend seriously studying and re-taking your SAT. You’re going to need at least 300 more points for your application to be competitive enough to be considered. Or you could consider other universities as well. There are plenty that will let you in with those scores.

@timelessmash Just for comparison, I was admitted to the class of 2024 in Early Decision Round 1, and I had a bit higher GPA than you (around a 3.6) with all APs and Honors but my SAT score was 1530 (1550 superscore) and I had high subject test scores. Along with that, I was also a legacy applicant, had extenuating circumstances and had a lot of demonstrated interest.

I think a 1050 (in all honesty) will have a significant impact on your chances. If you look at their CDS, they put down standardized test scores as being as important as your academic GPA (and second only to rigor). BU does have a holistic review process and I go to a very competitive high school that is a BU feeder (last year we sent 20+). I’ve seen kids with similar scores get in from my school but frankly, they are almost always hooked. Either they’re legacies or first gens/URMs.

What does that mean? Look at your Naviance, and see how much of a reach BU is for you. I also don’t know whether retaking your SATs will be much help at your app will already be under review (don’t quote me on this though). Know that BU ED2 is insanely selective! Final piece of advice, apply test optional. Brandeis, NYU and GW are test optional (but still would be reach-y) as are Sarah Lawrence, Union and Denison which are amazing schools and likely matches or low reaches for you.

Good luck!

Hello all, I applied to BU for Early Decision 2 and I got really good recommendations from my teachers and employer. I also have good extracurriculars and sports. My supplement and personal essay were really good according to my teachers and friends. But the only thing i’m scared of is my stats. I took a lot of honors and AP classes, I took 5 AP classes my junior year and taking 3 currently in my senior year. I had a bad year my sophomore year due to family issues (illness in the family) but I indicated it on my essay. Im just scared right now. Are my chances like extremely low?

My GPA : 3.52
SAT highest : 1050

Hello, thank you for replying. I truly understand where you guys are coming from and the thing with me is that I got really really nervous taking the SAT. I usually did way better on the practice tests but I have test anxiety so hopefully you guys don’t feel any sort of way.

Secondly, I am Brown (ASIAN), First Generation Muslim boy. So im not sure if thats going to help my case, but just putting that out there.

@timelessmash These standardized tests are not a major indicator of your academic potential, but unfortunately it’s still the way a majority of America runs it admissions. Being a brown Asian wouldn’t really help (coming from a fellow one, they aren’t exactly underrepresented in academia), but are you a first gen college student? They will consider that. I would again highly recommend applying to some test-optional schools as Regular Decisions!