Got deferred from Emerson College, what are my chances now? (VMA/Film)

<p>Hello!
I recently (today) got differed from Emerson College, applying as a Visual and Media Arts major. I was wondering what my chances are of getting in now that I'll be in the regular decision pool. </p>

<p>Here is my academic info:
GPA: 3.2
SAT
Critical reading- 520
Math: 560
Writing: 620
Total: 1700</p>

<p>The main reason that my GPA is not as high as it could be is because I have dyslexia and had a hard transition moving into my Freshman year, as my middle school did not prepare me for high school in any sense. </p>

<p>Other info about me:
White, Male, from MA.
I helped create a student run technology help desk at my school
I am the leader of a video club/team at my school.
I have been working in Film since my Freshman year of high school.
I founded and run my own media production company, filming weddings, promos, corporate and other video work, as well as photography.
I have worked at a local production company.
I have worked for my towns local access channel.
I have done many pro bono videos for my community and town.
I am an elected Student Rep. for my class.
I got an outside recommendation (not a teacher) from an exec of a internationally known organization.
These are just some of my ECs, don't want to bore you with random stuff though.</p>

<p>I did everything I could to try to get admitted with EA. I visited the school 4 times (twice for tours), I had a face to face meeting with my admission counselor and one of the heads of departments, exchanged emails with another faculty member. The head of department I met with even sent in a letter to admissions vouching for me, as she thought I was a good fit for emerson. </p>

<p>I'm not sure what else I can do. Emerson is my top choice, but I'm not sure what to think now that I've gotten deferred.</p>

<p>Any suggestions or ideas of my chances are greatly appreciated. </p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>bump</p>

<p>Hi Filmmaker647, Though it wasn’t the news you wanted, the good news is that you weren’t rejected so there is still hope for you to be admitted. Based on our experience with Emerson admissions, I think that they do put more weight on grades than standardized test scores. That said, it would be helpful if you could try to get your test score up. Your 1700 puts you in the bottom 25% of admitted students - it’s not out of the ball park but if you could boost it to a 1750 I think that would put you in the middle 50%. You have definitely shown an upward trend in your grades and I have a hunch that they want to wait and see how you do gradewise for your first semester. If you don’t have a recommendation from a teacher I would suggest you get one. An academic recommendation that talks about how hard you work and the challenges you have overcome would really speak well for you. Your EC’s are really outstanding and you have much to be proud of. Lastly, if you don’t get in for your freshman year and Emerson is really where you want to be, you might be successful with a transfer. If you can stand it, check out Fitchburgh State - they have an outstanding film/media program and it’s incredibly affordable. It’s really the best little program nobody’s heard of.
Best of luck to you! </p>

<p>Thank you for the reply!
I am definitely going to try to keep my grades up and will also look into retaking the SATs.
As for Fitchburgh State, I have looked into it before, but I wasn’t sure what the film connections that I would make would be like (as film school is really all about the connections). Have you heard anything about Fitchburgh’s connections?
Thanks again!</p>

<p>bump</p>

<p>I think you’ll be fine! I was admitted to Emerson and my test scores were in your range. If I were you, I would call and ask them what you can do to increase your chances of acceptance. You might want to send in like a resume or any other work you’ve done to show more interest. Good luck! </p>

<p>I think you will be fine. Emerson is not that selective. But, to get in EA, you probably needed at least an 1800. Don’t fret though. I wouldn’t. </p>

<p>Thanks for the replies everyone! </p>