<p>Man, I really love Tufts...this University hands down is my number one choice. The campus was beautiful, my older friends already go there, and I LOVE THEIR SWEATERS LOL.
But looking at all these other candidates on this forum makes me cringe a little haha...it really doesn't seem like I have a solid chance because of my GPA and lack of APs.</p>
<p>GPA: 3.65/4.0
SAT: 1450/2210 (660R, 790M, 760W)
SAT2: 750Chem, 660Bio, 790 math 2c
My HS is in maryland and has an advanced college level class but it's NOT an AP class. You get the college credits but there's no ap test. SOO the only AP before senior year was AP european history and I got a 2 on it...partly because I took it lightly b/c i wasn't really expecting it to be difficult (first ap test) but also because I'm weak in the social studies field..
i did however take English college level as well as precalc(counts as college level).</p>
<p>I made up for my junior year with my senior year
-AB AP calculus
-AP Gov
-CL English
-AP Biology
-Honors Physics
-AP French
I have NO free periods and all the classes are do-able. my first quarter average should be good...
For my extracurriculars, I'm set, as well as my essay and recs.</p>
<p>I'm just extremely worried that my NUMBERS like my GPA especially will ruin my chances...I know it's really on the low side and I just keep regretting screwing up my freshman year..</p>
<p>can anyone please tell me honestly? I mean, I am still applying, but I can't even apply ED because I'm going to need time to boost some of my SAT2 scores up as well...
If anyone could help me out with some alternative choices, I would also be thankful...schools around the similar level to Tufts? possibly lower...Pre-med/Biochem major :(</p>
<p>You’re taking this forum too seriously. I think my UW gpa in HS was around 3.65 (granted a took a lot of honors/AP courses) and I go to Tufts, so that shouldn’t count against you too much. Your SATs are pretty decent, above a lot of people I know who go here.</p>
<p>Whether it’s in college admissions or somewhere else in life, don’t give up on something you really want just because you think your odds are poor. If you try hard enough you may surprise yourself.</p>
<p>As far as your chances for Tufts, you’re certainly in the ballpark so stop fretting about what you can’t change (e.g., your freshman grades) and if your grades show an upward trend then admissions will look favorably on that too. Forget about trying to raise your SAT II scores—they’re absolutely fine and I would not dismiss applying ED (which would help your chances) just to retake those. If you’ve done your homework on Tufts (which I assume you have because you’re smitten with it) then you know that Tufts is much more concerned about what you’re all about beyond your quantifiable stats. So, to repeat the advice so often given on this forum, get to work on your essays to reveal to Tufts all the wonderfulness that you are. (Tufts publishes on its admissions page essays from the previous year that really grabbed the adcom. It’s a good place to start when thinking about your essays, but don’t let them intimidate you either—remember that they represent the cream).</p>
<p>Yeah you are certainly in the range for a Tufts student. Don’t know exactly but my UW gpa in high school was probably around a 3.6 or so. Your test scores are very respectable, and like a said, good enough for Tufts. All I have to say is work on your essays…a lot. Have fun with them at the same time though, and make sure that a reader can truly understand you as a person after reading them. Best of luck!</p>
<p>The only “number” that I think is slightly problematic is the SAT reading score, which is below the Tufts middle 50%. Other than that, you’re fine (yes, the Bio SATII score is the same, but I think it’s of less concern).
If it’s truly your first choice, I would apply ED. You’ve got a real shot. Just give the AdCom a good sense of what makes you tick; why you’d be a good part of the “mix” for next year’s freshman class. If you have a natural sense of humor, show it; if you’re more serious, just show your passions.
Good luck.</p>
<p>If your classes are labeled “college level” by your school it doesn’t matter that they aren’t “AP” classes. The point is that you took a demanding curriculum. My son’s unweighted GPA was in the A- range because his school counted orchestra, he had a B+ average otherwise. His SAT scores were similar to yours though his top score was CR. Since Tufts only requires two subject tests you can apply ED if you want to.</p>
<p>I agree with others that writing good essays is critical.</p>
<p>My son’s interests were different from yours, but another good all round school in the Boston area would be Brandeis. If you don’t mind the core curriculum Chicago might be worth a look.</p>