<p>Is Tufts way out of my league, or should I think about it? I really like some of the unique academic programs it offers that seem to combine social service interests with psych and political science. I also love Boston, and I want a medium-sized school. </p>
<p>I was one of the stereotypical late bloomers in high school, starting out with a 3.0 GPA ninth grade and ending junior year with a 3.5 GPA (unweighted). My test scores might not be good enough -- ACT 29. I'm a lopsided student -- perfect or near perfect grades and scores in humanities courses and B-B+ range grades and scores in maths and science. My school offers APs only in science, so I haven't taken them, but I have taken all honors in history, language and literature and managed to take extra history classes each year. I have a lot of community service and leadership experience, particularly in stuff relating to third world issues.</p>
<p>I'm trying not to apply to too many places, so I wonder if people think Tufts is too far out there for me. As a point of information, I have heard that Northwestern and Emory overlook academic lopsidedness and slow starting fairly often if applicants are really enthusiastic. Does Tufts do this?</p>