i want to get in sooo badly. chances?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Tufts University
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<p>Hi, I'm about to start my senior year of high school and I desperately want to go to Tufts. I've been worried from the start though that my statistics aren't anywhere good enough to get me in. I have a 3.91 UW GPA, 4.3ish W GPA, ranked 9/462 (the other 300 or so in my class dropped out), and I'm a white, nonreligious Jewish female from Florida. On the new SAT I scored a 660 on math, 670 on critical reading, 740 on writing, and have yet to receive my scores from the SAT IIs on US History and Literature. I've taken AP US History, AP English Language, AP World History, 3 years of French, and will be taking 4 more APs next year, plus more French, and newspaper. I was in Key Club (9-10), Homeless Helpers (10), Model UN Club (10-12) for which I'm a charter member and vice president, French Club president (9-12), newspaper editor (11-12), and NHS (11-12). I've also done summer language programs in France and Quebec, received a Bright Future Scholarship (given to Floridians who meet certain academic criteria), the Smith Book Award, and various school awards for French and for getting straight-A's.</p>

<p>I realize though that none of this is in any way special from the thousands of others who will be applying to Tufts in the fall, and that score-wise I'm below average. Despite this, what do you think my chances are assuming that I apply ED? Is there anything I could do that would help my chances? </p>

<p>Please give me your thoughts. I would love nothing more than to go to Tufts and any advice, even if it's harsh, would be most appreciated.</p>

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<p>I think you have a good chance from what you have stated alone.</p>

<p>From what I have heard, Tufts is one of those schools where showing interest is VERY important. You can do that by:</p>

<p>(1) applying early decision
(2) visiting Tufts before you apply
(3) attending one of Tufts summer programs</p>

<p>If you visit or attend on of Tufts summer programs, make sure you mention it in your application.</p>

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<p>Apply ED. :)</p>

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<p>Have you seen this? <a href="http://admissions.tufts.edu/admstat.htm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://admissions.tufts.edu/admstat.htm&lt;/a>
It will be updated soon for the Class of 2009 I'm sure. </p>

<p>Your stats are within the range of those accepted, and the caliber of your coursework and your ECs are very good indeed.</p>

<p>I agree with the advise from thegreatgatsy and astroalex. Tufts especially wants applicants who love Tufts and will certainly attend if accepted. I'll betcha that visiting the campus and applying ED will secure you a spot. Start working on your "Why Tufts?" essay! </p>

<p>Good luck! :)</p>

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<p>your stats look like mine. that being said, i got into tufts.</p>

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<p>Thanks everyone for your input. I really appreciate it. :-)</p>

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<p>I would suggest really evaluating why you think you would be happy at Tufts, and then making sure that it comes through in the application/interview. By that I don't mean saying to them "I want this and this and Tufts has them" etc.Tufts knows what they have. Write candid, honest essays about things that are important to you. When you talk to teachers who will write your recs, be forthcoming about what you hope to do with your education and they'll likely include it in their letters. It seems like you have what it takes to hold your own academically there, so it will be the person that you are and want to become that will make the difference, as long as you give them the opportunity to see him/her (sorry).</p>

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<p>I certainly see what you mean about avoiding the typical "Tufts has all the things I want in a college" type of essay. As far as what I hope to do with my education though, how do I answer that when I'm not even sure of what I'd like to major in?</p>