Too One-Sided?

<p>I applied early to Tulane and was deferred. I’m worried it was because I am completely lopsided when it comes to test scores and grades. For example, my composite ACT score is a 31, but I got a 36 on the English section and only a 27 on Math, after tons of ACT math prep. My GPA is only a 3.4, with math classes being the factor that brought it down. However, my senior year grades are great so it will for sure be going up. I tried taking advanced math classes because I thought it would show college admissions that I really do put effort into the subject. Everywhere I've applied I've done so as an English major, going in the direction of pre law to show that the area I'm interested in is also my strongest. Now that I'm waiting to hear back from Tulane for the second time, I'm worried that I won’t get accepted because of my low math grades/scores. Any thoughts?</p>

<p>Cant imagine that you were deferred due to math grades…there are a bunch of deferrals the past couple of weeks that make little sense; fallenchemist will probably post as well but you may want to contact Tulane and let them know if it’s your first choice…</p>

<p>Rodney, you know me so well, lol. I agree with Rodney. In fact, I would recommend a telephone appointment with your adcom and you can say exactly what you said in your post. It’s OK, honesty is refreshing and I think you can make the point that you had the guts to attack your weakest subject like that. On a personal note, I think that shows real character, and I bet they will too. Your good first semester senior grades will definitely help, and the thing that will help most of all is if you convince them that Tulane is where you will definitly go if accepted. I think when they take all that into account, there is a pretty good chance they will look favorably on your application. Now I am assuming the 3.4 is UW? If weighted that makes it tougher, but it wouldn’t change my recommendation for your next step.</p>

<p>I think the only way to make sense of the deferrals of some students with good stats is that the number of applications is way up again, they probably already have a number of SCEA and EA’s they are counting on coming, and there is only so much space. Combine that with the fact that some of those people had particular situations, like weaker grades freshman and some or all of sophomore years, so it is natural they would wait to see first semester senior grades.</p>

<p>Certainly ask if you have more questions, but I think making your case and showing interest are the way to go. Oh, and I would wait until you know for sure Tulane has your first semester grades. Starts the conversation on stronger footing for you.</p>

<p>Thank you so much to both of you for all the advice and encouragement! I feel much better about the whole situation now. It seems like a no-brainer, but honestly I had never thought about just telling the admission counselors that you really want to go to their school. I’m hoping I can send in my first semester grades in time, because at my school we don’t start a new semester until the end of January. But really, thank you for responding!</p>

<p>oh, and yes the 3.4 is unweighted.</p>

<p>Oh, end of January is fine. Pretty normal actually. And like most schools, Tulane doesn’t “finalize” decisions until towards the end of March, so you will be fine.</p>

<p>So call the day after Mardi Gras when your adcom is hung over…Nah, maybe not, lol. Seriously, I would wait until your school has time to get the grades into their system, make sure they have sent the grades to Tulane, and then make the appointment and go for it. You might even want to role play the call with a friend or your parents. I know it sounds corny, but it really does help.</p>