Question about getting into Syracuse

<p>So I really want to get into the Newhouse school. I'm a writer, I love journalism. And my background in English and Journalism is very strong. However, I fear my overall transcript may not get me in.</p>

<p>But before I put my profile up for you guys to mull over, consider this:</p>

<p>My school has an amazing relationship with Syracuse. We send dozens of students there each year. In fact, the lady comes over to our school to interview our guys. One of my good friends got a 34 thousand grant to go there with only an 88 GPA, 1650 SAT, and good EC's. I know a bunch of other kids who got in with GPA's of only about 84, medicore SAT's, etc. So that puts me at ease. I am a writer so the essay should be good, and I have a great amount of work with doing interviews, and do them well. I believe it is with the assistant director of admissions at Syracuse. No doubt I can get into Syracuse..</p>

<p>BUT</p>

<p>Those kids weren't applying to Newhouse. Well, I'm not sure. But my good friend with the 88gpa didn't. Now here are my credentials: </p>

<p>I am coming from a school that has been ranked as one of the top 50 Catholic High Schools 5 years in a row. Solid GPA, average SAT scores, very good EC's for me.</p>

<hr>

<p>GPA: 88.5. I've taken honors courses each year, and 3 years of Latin. As a senior I will be taking AP English, most likely AP economics as well. My grades have gone up each year since freshman year (only by a point or two though. I'm always a consistent 85-88 student overall). My English grades are always in the 90's, but science kills me. Not sure about rank, but it's top 20 percent.</p>

<p>SAT's: I've only taken the test once. 610 Writing, 590 Verbal, and.. well, this is where it gets ugly... 480 math. Yikes! I'm hoping to break at least 550 in Math and I'll be happy. I'm a writer, not a math guy. I have also received some training and great tips for the writing and verbal sections, things that will surely help me increase my scores. I am taking the SAT II's in Latin, Literature, and US History come June. And then the SAT in October.</p>

<p>Extras:
-Editor-in-chief for the school newspaper. I've wrote since Freshman year and became editor this year.</p>

<p>-Captain of the Mock Trial team.</p>

<p>-Selected to take part of Job Opportunity Program, a program that trains top students in the NY Archdiocese on interview processes, working in a corporate setting, etc.</p>

<ul>
<li><p>Interning this entire summer for Bloomberg L.P. Information Systems.</p></li>
<li><p>Selected to compete in National Hispanic Institutes (NHI) Youth Legislative Session. They take only the best students from not only America, but we had kids from Mexico and Puerto Rico. Highly selective. It was an 8 day leadership program at the University of Rochester. While there I campaigned for the Supreme Court, and at the programs end, was one of three nominees for male with most potential.</p></li>
</ul>

<p>-I will be doing another NHI program in NYU this summer, called the collegiate world series. Here I'll be meeting with the admissions officers from top universities and going over building relationships, interviews, college life, etc. We also get drafted into colleges and negotiate financial packages. Good stuff; admission officers from Yale, Boston, and others will be there.</p>

<ul>
<li><p>I'm starting my own website revolving around interviewing bands, doing reviews, etc. Should help a lot especially when I apply to journalism programs. I am trying to get this off the ground ASAP so I can have a nice product going when it is time to apply for schools.</p></li>
<li><p>As a freshman and sophomore I helped out every Saturday from 9:30-11:30 as a Catechist aid for a bible class.</p></li>
<li><p>As a junior, and next year as a senior, I help every Tuesday and Wednesday again as an aid, but this time with high school students. I help out teachers, teach when necessary, etc.</p></li>
<li><p>I'll be doing the Photography club next year</p></li>
</ul>

<p>-Various intramural sports</p>

<p>Now here is my question: should I apply to Newhouse? Can I try to get into a different program other than Journalism and then get into Newhouse? I guess what I am asking is: I want to do journalism and business, how do I maximize acceptance chances?</p>

<p>I will be asking my guidance when I get back to school, and I am sure the woman who will interview us come senior year can guide me too, but it would be nice to get any words of advice now. Thanks!</p>