<p>I want to apply to LAfayette but I feel like it might be a little bit too selective...
GPA: 3ish (good public high school, nothin that special... 3rd in the state or so)
probably top 30% of my class, though we don't rank</p>
<p>SATs:
MAth- 800
Reading- 740
Writing- 650</p>
<p>Captain of the football team, been a lead role in 8 musicals... good recs and interview probably</p>
<p>what do you think? does anyone know of someone getting in with a GPA that low?</p>
<p>ph1lgiii,</p>
<p>Your GPA would be in the lower half among accepted students, but your impressive SAT scores would definitely help to off-set that deficiency in your application. How intense was your high school curriculum? Did you earn that 3.0 in AP/IB courses? If so, a 3.0 wouldn't be quite as "low" as you may think it is!</p>
<p>I know you are probably just beginning the college search, but if you are serious about possibly attending, you MUST visit the College. Take the tour, attend the group information session, and have an on-campus interview if at all possible. Lafayette places a heavy influence on "demonstrated interest" when evaluating applicants.</p>
<p>Also, if Lafayette becomes your top choice after researching your options, you should seriously consider applying ED. Published data shows that ED applicants are accepted at almost TWICE the RD rate (about 67% versus 35%). In addition, admissions officers may overlook a lower GPA if you make the effort to demonstrate your interest in the College. Keep in mind that Lafayette allows applicants to apply RD by January 1st and "convert" an application to ED status by February 15th.</p>
<p>Your leadership outside of the classroom is nothing to scoff at. If you take the time to put together a solid application, I'd say you have a good shot of being accepted.</p>
<p>I can think of at least five friends who had similar GPAs and were accepted ED. I do not know anyone personally with a similar GPA who was accepted RD. Just something for you to consider...</p>
<p>Best of luck with the college admissions process! If you think of any specific questions regarding Lafayette, just drop me a line anytime.</p>
<p>Oh, BTW, don't think I didn't see the identical post three minutes prior in the LEHIGH FORUM. Go 'Pards, beat Lehigh!</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin ;-)</li>
</ul>
<p>haha both Lehigh and Lafayette look pretty sweet, all of the patriot league schools look good, and I really haven't been able to discern between those two much... so I figured whichever accepted me.
thanks a lot for the advice, ED is definately something I'll consider, my only worry is committing before I know my status with financial aid... I am one of four kids in my family who will all be in college basically at the same time, and money will be a factor, so I'm hesitant about that... is EA the same in terms of effectiveness?</p>
<p>ph1lgiii,</p>
<p>I totally understand your financial concerns. In two years, my older brother will still be in medical school and my younger brother will just be starting his undergraduate education. Unfortunately, my family is not made of money, either!</p>
<p>Be sure to visit all of the Patriot League schools that interest you. Once you get to know each one, I'm sure you'll find yourself having preferences.</p>
<p>EA is NOT as effective as ED in increasing an applicant's chances of admission simply because there is no commitment with EA. Students are allowed to apply EA to as many colleges as they desire (except for single-choice EA), and get earlier notification of the decision. If accepted, an EA applicant is NOT obliged to attend...to admissions officers, where's the "demonstrated interest" in that? In case you are interested, the following web site does a decent job of outlining the benefits of ED vs. EA: <a href="http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/college/earlydecision.asp%5B/url%5D">http://www.admissionsconsultants.com/college/earlydecision.asp</a>.</p>
<p>FYI, Lafayette only offers an ED option.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>Hmm, I really think chances are I'll want to go ED for Lafayette, just because I want to "demonstrate interest" but I really don't think I can afford to take that kind of risk.</p>
<p>ph1lgiii,</p>
<p>Yeah, you really can't take the chance that a college you apply to ED offers you a package full of loans and calls it "financial aid". It is risky, but then again...if you really want to attend a certain college, might it be worth taking that chance?</p>
<p>That, my good friend, will be entirely up to you.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>