Hi! Not sure if I should add a less selective safety considering my GPA is so low, please tell me what you think as well as if you think I’ll get into SU!
Safeties:
GMU
UVT
Matches:
Lewis and Clark
Ithaca
Reach:
Dickinson
Syracuse (applying ED)
Elon
GPA: 3.228 (weighted), I have 3 D’s on my transcript whihc I’m really worried about
Academics: All IB except for journalism, 5 on IB Econ exam
Extracurriculars: I’m president of our young democrats chapter, an editor of the yearbook, member of our french honor society, journalism honor society, octagon club, key club, women in politics, and a club that helps out elementary schools in the area. I participated in an exchange program, student leadership summit and designed energy saving prototypes, as well as a STEM institute where I built some 3D printers. I play field hockey, was on the swim team, and managed a soccer team. I’m also a local ambassador for the Women’s March.
Work:
I intern for a lot of local political campaigns and I was the design intern for a congressional campaign. Got employee of the quarter at my job.
Newhouse (for Journalism) is the most competitive school at Syracuse; Maxwell programs (economics) at the undergrad level are through the College of Arts and Sciences, which is not quite as competitive. So that’s in your favor. Syracuse offers both a BA and BS in economics. The BS is more math-focused. Depending on which classes you have D’s in, this might matter. You can also apply as undecided to Arts and Sciences and choose a major later. As for the journalism minor, Newhouse only offers two options to students who are not Newhouse majors – public communications and photography. You apply after 30 credits and there is a GPA requirement.
I’d say Syracuse is, as you say, a reach, and applying ED may help, but it’s still going to be a reach. I’d recommend showing strong interest by visiting the school if possible and having the optional interview. If you aren’t able to visit campus, you can book an interview with a regional rep. If you want to show further interest, contact the economics department and ask to sit in on a class or otherwise show that you are serious about attending.
Good luck! I’m an alum and my D is a freshman there now; it’s a special place.