<p>You mentioned that your school is very competitive, but one thing that schools compare is grades vs AP scores and having an A+ in the class and then a 2 on the test (the adcoms won't know you were sick) might make them doubt the competitiveness of your school.</p>
<p>Good luck nonetheless.</p>
<p>I got the Gettysburg College Book Award to counteract that. Not many colleges want to know the AP score. I am hoping it won't affect things. I mean one test, one bad day. Argh. Unlike the ACT's or SAT's I actually would have done well on that if I were not sick. I am kicking myself now because I heard that you could notify them that your sick and you could possibly get a different date to take it. :*(</p>
<p>my old Orchestra harpist got into ND with similar scores, she's Polish and Catholic as well. </p>
<p>I think she had like a 3.8 GPA, high 1300 on old SAT, I think like 1360 or something like that...</p>
<p>as far as EC's, she volunteered, Varsity tennis and solo harpist of our orchestra.</p>
<p>her test scores seem higher. A 26 on the ACT is less than what she got on her SAT's. Maybe I will get in. That would rock. :) It is always nice when someone gets into their dream school.</p>
<p>NDjake--You seem really busy trying to get people's opinions here and that is understood. You might want to spend some time strengthening your application through some positive conatct with the admissions rep for ND in that handles your territory so they KNOW you when they review your application. Have you visited, interviewed and met with any alumni? You have spent alot of time volunteeering at your church..could you have the pastor send an additional recommendation telling them about your service to the church and community? I applied ED to a school that I thought was a long shot for me. I showed a ton of interest even to the point of going there last summer for three weeks to take a course I had no interest in to let them know I was 'test driving' the school. I even took the opportunity in the additional comments section of the common app to tell them I would do a winter start (second semester) because I felt so comfortable at the school that integrating a semester late wouldn't bother me...I ended that small essay with the line.."in some ways I already consider myself a part of the community." Not only did I get in...I got a handwritten note from the admissions counselor covering my area that I was a perfect match for the school...and they gave me the option of starting in September or January. I think the interest I showed in the school and the relationship I developed with the admissions person was the strongest part of my application. If you still have any opportunity to do any of the above...DO IT!!!</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. Actually, I did have my pastor write me a rec. He seems to be very involved with ND. He knew the former president, and had dinner with the whole ND football team, coach, and president a couple months ago. He knows the bishop of that area. Maybe it could help, who knows. Thanks for the advice!</p>
<p>The above sopunds great..but make sure they know you through contact with you...not only a third person. It will really help!</p>
<p>yeah, I knew my pastor for many many years. He really did write a great recommendation.</p>
<p>So, you guys think I should email these top schools and maintain some form of contact?</p>
<p>NDjake--you need to do more than email, you need to develop some relationships with people who can help you. You GPA is fine and your EC's are ok--but your ACT and AP exam score are low for ND. Given the initials ND are in your name, I am guessing this is pretty important to you. You never answered my question about getting to campus and interviewing..did you do that? If not, schedule it right away. Do research on their website to find a few key people who you would see as important to you if you get in and eventually enroll. For instance, a professor in an area you would like to major or who has accomplished soemthing you'd like to know more about, the person who runs the radio staion if you're interested in that...basically anyone you can develop a relationship with who might put a good word in for you. The emails start after you meet them in the form of thank yous and some other general (but not nuisance) contact. </p>
<p>You've worked hard to get where you are but your test scores are very average for ND and won't help you alot. All I am trying to say is you need to do more to stand out.</p>
<p>Oh sorry. No I have not visited. I live in CT so it would be very expensive. Family doesn't have that kind of money right now unfortunately.</p>
<p>Jake-if it's too expensive to get there now think about the expense back and forth over the next four years...it's something we don't take into consideration and realistically, the travel costs are something we need to consider when thinking about the overall expense for college. That being said, you could develop some relationships through email, albeit not as strong as in person, but you need to start doing it anyway. Figure out your interests, research ND some more, and get going on it..there really isn't much time.</p>
<p>I took a quick look at their website and Michael Seeley is the admissions rep for CT. Start with a short email to him and see if there is an alumni rep in CT you can meet with. Do some work and find others that can help you out as well.</p>
<p>The mid 50% range for ACT in entering class last eyar was 31-33...you need to do this stuff.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. Now that I remember, ND came to CT last year. I went to the information session when they came as a Junior. I met the adcom and shook hands with him. I will try to think of something clever than email him.</p>