Hello, I need some insight on exactly how low my chances for getting into Tufts are. Here’s the info:
Junior
GPA: 2.8(Sophomore year)and hopefully 3.0(Junior year)(…I know, it’s painfull)
SAT: 1850 (retook it in May)
AP Courses:
-Took AP Euro this year
-Taking AP Calc A/B next year
-Taking AP Bio next year
-Taking AP World next year
EC:
-Political Science(Public Relations Officer for next year)
-Tech Club(Treasurer)
-Chess Club
-300 L.I.N.C.S hours
-Presidential Classroom
-U.N. Club (This is for next year…)
-Trying out for the Soccer team for next year
-I take Art classes, it’s outside of school but I can make a portfolio
-I’m making a website for Political Science over the summer
-Taking summer courses for Physics and Analysis
Misc.:
-Fluent in Russain
-Previously worked and I’m getting a job this summer
-I travel ALOT, I don’t know if this has any significance whatsoever but since i’m aiming for an international affairs major… I’ve been to France, Italy, Austria, Hungery, Germany, Ukraine, Switzerland, Russia, Northern Africa, and of course Canada, USA, and Mexico
-Going to apply for Early Decision
What i’m worried about is they’ll see the 2.8 and will just laugh while throwing the application into the fire… is there any, any little, hopefull chance I’ll get accepted? Hell is there any College out there that won’t just laugh at my GPA and throw it into the trash? Please tell me what my chance for Tufts is, and recomendations on how to improve my chances. Do colleges even look at senior year at all? And will Early Decision help at all?
<p>To answer your questions, Tufts is not that competitive, but your scores are a major blow. I'd give you a 25% chance.</p>
<p>The only recommendation is to focus a lot more on your GPA, and not so much time on your EC's. Be honest on your apps, maybe even explain if there are any mitigating circumstances (illness, death in family), and hope for the best.</p>
<p>And no college looks at the Senior year grades. Sorry!</p>
<p>Consider keeping even your senior courseload tough though. I am pretty sure most colleges will continue looking at your senior year to observe on whether or not you began slacking off. </p>
<p>Actually, Tufts is very competitive. They admitted only about 26% of their applicants this year, with an average SAT score of about 1450. Also, senior year grades are extremely important. Work really hard the first semester of senior year and apply ED if you are sure Tufts is where you want to go. Your SAT scores seem bit low, but you never know. They have an optional extra essay, so if you can blow them away with that, you have a chance.</p>
<p>Tufts is pretty competitive these days. A very good student who is a friend of my son did not get in with a lot higher unweighted GPA. I wouldn't take Tufts for granted. Even the 'Tufts syndrome' thing is not true anymore. </p>
<p>I also know someone who got into Tufts and it was the best school for him to go. His GPA was a high 4. something and high SAT scores. So I wouldn't look down on Tufts anymore. It is a great school for international relations and Biology. It is well funded in medical sciences.</p>
<p>I would consider applying ED to Tufts and show a strong fit into the school if you are that interested in the school. Your application should refect your strong interest.</p>
<p>You definitely need to find some matches since at the moment your grades and test scores are well below Tufts admission averages. Did you take SAT IIs? I would classify Tufts as a high reach at this time. Look at their average SAT scores and GPA of admitted students. You are no where near either. Since you do not appear to be a URM or have a significant hook, your chances are extremely low. If you are interested in international studies, consider American U. This might be a good match school for you although your grades might be a problem.</p>
<p>"And no college looks at the Senior year grades. Sorry!"</p>
<p>They will look at first quarter and midyear grades - and final grades in a WL situation. This will be especially important to the OP - at excellent match schools such as American and GWU.</p>
<p>I'm sorry, I don't understand some of the acronyms posted, can you please elaborate on what OP and URM mean?</p>
<p>No, I did not take the SATII yet... any suggestions on which ones I should take?</p>
<p>I forgot to mention a couple of things in my original post so i'll say them now.
My minority status is that I'm Jewish and was born in Ukraine, although I'm not sure the latter counts as minority status...</p>
<p>OP: orginal poster (which is you!!)
URM: under-represented minority (african american, native american, etc)
I would take Hisotry and Math for your SAT2s...do you speak another language? If you do, you could take that as your 3rd subject.
I don`t believe Jewish will be counted as minoriy status.
Normally, 2-3 recommendations are required for admission. You should go check each individual college`s site to see specific requirements. What your grandfather did will not help your admissions.
Hope this helped.</p>