I am a high school senior, and have been searching for and visiting colleges for many months now, but until today I really had no preference or attachment to any on the 10 colleges I had seen. But earlier today I visited Bucknell and was impressed on every level, I absolutely loved it.
I would love to go to school their next year, but don’t believe I stand out from the competitive pool of applicants, and my grades dont do a whole ton of justice either (they aren’t bad by any stretch of the imagination).
I would just like to hear from anyone who may be able to give me insight on what I can do.
I would tell you to do Early Decision, but the deadline for that has passed. If you really want to go there, then you can try Early Decision II. It is the best way to increase your chances because it tells Bucknell that their school is by far your top choice.
@samf01@TomSrOfBoston I’m definetly strongly considering Early Decision 2 now. My stats are not stellar considering the strong applicant pool.
SAT:1840 (680 on writing)
GPA: Hard to tell unless I knew there specific formula. Out of 100% I have a 95.8%
Class Rank: 20/180 (Its poor since it is not heavily weighted)
AP classes taken: U.S. Gov- 4 on exam, this year taking AP Bio, AP calc AB, AP Literature
EC’s: Capitan of Varsity Golf, track and field, Eagle Scout, deabte/quiz league team(same thing), FBLA regional champ x2 soon to be 3), NHS (everyones in it), Rho Kappa Social Studies Society, Athens History Club member.
Recommendations: can get a teacher recommendation from a Bucknell athlete and alumni English teacher and track coach)
Aspirations: to eventually go to dental school and become a general family dentist.
I don’t think I have anything unique going for me.
Hmmm I was hoping you might be from a state in the Midwest or somewhere that would help your odds. Would your GC say you took the most rigorous course load available to you? Four APs is not a lot unless your school doesn’t offer too many.
The Eagle Scout is a good achievement. With excellent recs and excellent essays and ED 2 you might have a shot but it’s a tough call. Bucknell has a pretty low acceptance rate. Just trying to be realistic for you.
Thanks @surfcity I knew going into it that I’d be a long shot, my essays an recs are unique, but not mind blowing. I’m going to apply, but after a second look I seems like most of the people who get in with lower stats come from wealthier suburban families who went to private schools, not sure if I can fit in anyway. I have lots of other options that seem more suitable right now.
I would definitely apply. Your SAT is a bit low, but most other stats seem okay. Being from PA doesn’t help but working on a farm might. Don’t worry about fitting in. Many students are not wealthy and from private high schools. My D2, an alum, is from a public HS in a small town in upstate NY. Took no AP’s because her HS didn’t offer them.
@morrismm Thanks, I’m definetely going to apply but I still have a lot of colleges to choose from. I’m still visiting and learning new things, and if I don’t get accepted, no big deal.
