OOS Chances, please? Thanks.

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Delaware
1

<p>I am a senior from Florida. I intend to major in International Relations and I am considering taking either the Pre-Law or Pre-Med track. I'm being pretty indecisive about my major, so I'm considering applying undeclared (could that possibly hinder my chances?). </p>

<p>Also, I know that UD recommends that we submit SAT Subject Tests, but I do not have any (I decided to apply to UD pretty late). If I do not submit, will that hinder my chances? Is submitting only one recommendation bad as well? </p>

<p>and also, I am applying regular decision. </p>

<p>Anyways, here is my info:</p>

<p>Gender: Female
Race: Asian
GPA: 3.81 UW/ 4.22 W
SAT: 620 Verbal, 520 Math (definitely low, I know), 630 Writing; 1770 total
Rank: 28 of 405, top 7%
9 Honors Classes, 9 AP classes (whole high school career)</p>

<p>EC:
Taekwondo beginning of high school
Secretary of Teen Court (10th - 12 grade)
Member Model UN (10th-12th grade)
Mock Trial team participant
Member of National Honor Society
Member of Spanish Honor Society
Member of Key Club
Member of Interact Club</p>

<p>Created Relay for Life team with group of friends</p>

<p>Volunteered at local hospital during my sophomore year, and currently volunteering at another hospital. </p>

<p>I have about 145 hrs in community service.</p>

<p>I have had my essay proofread and based on opinions, its definitely good. Haven't read my teacher rec, but we have a good relationship, so I trust that it is good.</p>

<p>Thank you so much in advance for the help, guys.</p>

2

<p>The fact that you’re not from New York or New Jersey will probably weigh heavily in your favor, but you are still right on the cusp. I’d bet yes based on GPA, but your SAT scores are low. The SAT 2 recommendation only applies to honors and then it’s not written in stone. Good luck!</p>

3

<p>Yeah… I’m not a fan of my SAT scores at all. I regret not taking the test more. My ACT score is not much better. The composite score is only 24, so I’d imagine it wouldn’t be any better to send my ACT scores instead? I’m not sure.</p>

<p>but thank you!</p>

4

<p>My perspective would be that you stand a reasonably good chance of being accepted as an undeclared major based upon your GPA, class rank, and the high rigor of your HS classswork (AP and Honors courses). UD puts a high emphasis on these, more so than many other highly competitive universities. Hopefully in your Sr. year you have continued to take 5 courses of high quality courses (AP, Honors, and at least College Prep courses) both semesters. UD takes a dim view of HS seniors who decide to “coast” their last year of HS. Send in your first semester grades as soon as they are available. If you have not yet sent in your application I would recommend that you do so ASAP. Your SAT total score of 1770 is at the low end of students attending UD for the class year of 2014 (middle 50% range of attending students was 1770-1980). I would send in both your ACT (average ACT for attending students was 28) and your SAT scores (this would not hurt your chances-let UD pick what they perceive to be your best scores-which is what they use in making their decisions). Best of luck to you. If I was a betting person I would wager that come March you will be a Blue Hen.</p>

5

<p>Thank you for the response, I appreciate it! </p>

<p>One more question, if you wouldn’t mind me asking… would declaring myself undeclared give me a better chance of being accepted as opposed to if I chose a specific major (like international relations)? Thank you.</p>

<p>btw, my ACT composite score was 24… definitely on the low side, which is why I was wary of sending it.</p>

6

<p>I don’t think it would change your chances applying for either Undeclared or International Relations major. I know of a number of students accepted to UD who had a composite ACT score of 24 with similiar rigorous HS backgrounds. UD takes the highest scores from each of the sub-components from the SAT and ACT. Scores not used do not have a negative impact on the decision process. Best of luck to you.</p>

7

<p>If you are trying to get into a specific major that is limited, like nursing, that could be a problem. Otherwise, UD knows that students change their major frequently (and I am very impressed with their advisement because of this) so being “undeclared” (which is called University Studies at UD) or picking another unlimited major doesn’t really matter.</p>

<p>I agree with mwallenmd that your GPA, class rank, and the high rigor of your HS classswork will be postive factors for you. Those, plus the fact that you are from Florida (and not from NJ or NY!).</p>

<p>Good luck to you! We were in your shoes last year and my D is now a Blue Hen and, in her words, is “obsessed” with UD!</p>

8

<p>LINYMOM, did your D come home for the whole break? Mine told me last night that she’s sick of being home and wants to go back.</p>

9

<p>Thank you for the help, everyone! I appreciate it!</p>

10

<p>My D is currently changing her major because her adviser (Honors Program: she has a GOOD adviser) mentioned that it would be an issue to double major across the BA and BS tracks resulting in her not graduating in 4 years. She did not take Chem 103 1st semester. Changing to the BS track major after BA stuff in 1st semester.</p>

<p>For PreMed, you get into a certain track and that requires Chem103. SO, she needed to take Chem in the Winter Session in order to go into the Spring session second part since there are courses down the road that will require it as a prerequisite. There wasn’t FinAid for Winter and she didn’t have $ leftover from Fall session FinAid. We choked on the bill for Winter (no local Chem in our area for courses available during Winter break)! Careful if you expect assistance $ and don’t take Chem early on for premed track or BS requirements. As far as Undecided it’s fine but try to take basic required courses for BS if you plan on premed down the road.
@LINYMOM & zoosermom: I think the Winter break is too long. Mine is back on campus!</p>

11

<p>Thanks, polkadotma369. Can I ask you what you think about UD’s financial aid overall? Financial aid is definitely a big issue, especially since I’m out-of-state. Plus, I didn’t apply by the priority deadline. Do you know if there is any way possible that I could still be eligible for merit scholarships even though I didn’t apply by the priority deadline?</p>

12

<p>I’m not sure how closely they follow the priority date but I have heard that they do give preference to the people who applied by that date. My D received generous merit and need-based aid. We are very grateful.</p>

<p>Polkadotmom, my D will have to take Chem 103/104 next year and then organic chem the year after. My blood runs cold at the thought of organic chem.</p>

13

<p>UD was very generous with my D on all counts. However, she did apply by the priority deadline and wanted to get into the Honors Program. 2 recs -no subject test scores. I think that merit is heavily weighted towards Honors Program applicants although this is not written in stone. I think your SAT score might be a bugaboo for your entry into Honors. Only 2 people out of 400 were under 1800 in the Class of 2014 Honors program (1650-1790).</p>

<p>You have some other compelling items that may get you admitted. Ethnicity (UD needs to boost their diversity), OOS, decent GPA, class rank so good luck on those counts!
@zoosermom: LOL, the Organic Chem is gonna be scary!</p>

14

<p>polkadotmom, my D wanted the honors programs too and was adamant about getting her application in on time for that. I think your’e right about merit money being weghted toward honors students. Mine didn’t take any subject test scores. She couldn’t be happier and neither could I.</p>

15

<p>My D has several friends who were offered merit $$ but they went elsewhere. D is not in honors and didn’t get any FA. Such a bummer. But she is really happy there and doing well, exploring various classes, deciding on a major (which, I know, can change). </p>

<p>The break is very long. D is up in Westchester for a few days visiting friends; she and I will go to FL on Saturday to visit grandparents (my parents). She has worked a couple of days at her old job; I hope they give her more time. </p>

<p>I’m going to talk with her about planning for next Jan - either class at CC, internship in the city or study abroad (which she can only do once due to the $$ - unless I win mega-millions!). She will be ready to go back at the end of the break - no doubt! But this is the longest she has been home since June and I love having her here - especially without the stress of school work.</p>

16

<p>

We’re going to have that same talk! There seems to be an abundance of internship opportunities.</p>

<p>I think my D is at loose ends because this is the first time since the end of 8th grade that she didn’t have something pending to work on and has no idea what to do with herself.</p>

17

<p>Can you explain the New York or New Jersey comment? You have me worried!</p>

18

<p>A huge percentage of applicants to UD come from New York and New Jersey (like my D and LINYMom’s), so the competition among them is fierce.</p>