ED II Here!
**Decision: Accepted **
Objective:
SAT I (breakdown): Math 800 English 730
ACT (breakdown): 34. 35’s in Math, Reading and Science but a 32 in English
SAT II: 800 Math II, 780 Math I, & 770 Bio E
Unweighted GPA (out of 4.0): 4.443 on a 4.5 scale b/c of AP Spam. Something like a 3.9 on 4.0
Rank: Unranked officially, but was privately told I was top 5
AP (place score in parenthesis): Biology: 5, Physics I: 5, Physics II: 5, Calculus BC: 5, Government: 5, Computer Science Principles: (Pilot Year, 5 Equivalent), Computer Science A: 3, Seminar: 3, Language and Composition: 5, and United States History: 5 (Also practiced for and was tested on Mechanical Physics and Electrical Physics, which weren’t taught at my HS. I received a 5 and a 3, respectively) 2 on AP research which I did not self-report
Senior Year Course Load: AP Stat, AP Econ, AP Chem, AP French, Anatomy, and AP Lit
Major Awards (USAMO, Intel etc.): National AP Scholar, AP Scholar w/ Distinction, AP Scholar w/ Honor, and Yale Book Award
Extracurriculars (place leadership in parenthesis): Ping pong club co-captain, Tennis, Wrestling, Track and Field, Book Club, Aspiring Author (Have written 100 page peer-reviewed novel) and Family Responsibilities
Volunteer/Community service: Syrian Refugee Tutoring, Kids’ Lit Quiz Coordinated, Animal Room Head Volunteer
Essays (rating 1-10, details):
Main Essay: 9/10. A solid essay about putting my life back together after going through tough times. 10/10 inspiring. Maybe too dramatic at times so take a point off.
First Tufts Essay: 10/10. I had never visited Tufts but put together an EXCELLENT essay that definitely held its own. Had a poetic style that built a parallel between myself and the university. I would warn others who do this to not sound arrogant and amp yourself up too much.
Second Tufts Essay: 8.5/10. Good work, but nothing that was insanely good unlike the first. Wrote about my learning experiences as a writer and starting a school writing community.
Recommendations (rating 1-10, details):
Teacher Rec #1: 11th grade AP Physics I & II Teacher: 10/10, loved me and such a great teacher.
Teacher Rec #2: 10th grade AP Bio Teacher: 7.5/10, he loved me but its a 10th grade teacher sooooooo idk how much that hurt me… Great teacher who really liked me, but I feel like 10th grade recommendations are frowned upon
Counselor Rec: Counselor: Anywhere from a 6 to a 10/10 idk
Interview: 10/10 My interviewer was AWESOME. Fresh out of Tufts, full of energy, just an absolute joy that was more like a convo than a high-stakes interview. I would highly suggest opting for the interview, it can only benefit your application.
Other
Applied for Financial Aid?: Of course
Intended Major and College: Biology and Physics double major?
State (if domestic applicant): Connecticut
Country (if international applicant): USA
School Type: Huge Public
Ethnicity: White
Gender: Male
Income Bracket: Dad ~115k Mom ~60k (Divorced though)
Hooks: Divorced parents
Reflection
Strengths: Primarily the AP Spam, just doing as many as possible. However, all my sections were strong, but Tufts is a competitive school so they have to be. In my personal opinion, it’s more about the small things you’re missing rather than your strengths.
Weaknesses: Teacher recommendation from grade 10, some small form spelling errors, and never visited campus even though I live ~2 hours away
Why you think you were accepted: I think it boils down to three reasons: First, I’m an accomplished person with scores above the Tufts averages and plenty of clubs and activities. This was probably the least important thing. Second, I know how to write really well when I’m focused. This is critical, because good essays will make or break your application. According to Tufts, 79% of applicants are qualified by grades, so make those essays count! Lastly, I’m just a nice person and that shone through in my interview and essays. I feel like a lot of people are too focused on themselves, overemphasize their accomplishments and are absolutely not playful. Based on the essays, Tufts was looking for someone playful and fun, if possible make that come out.
Where else were you accepted: Deferred from Yale ED I, I know no others b/c this is ED II. Wish I just had went Tufts ED I, because the school is amazing and I’m extremely hyped!
General Comments
Just make what type of person you are shine through! If you’re applying to Tufts, you want to seem intelligent, yet funny and playful. However, don’t fake it. I didn’t use a college coach or anything special or costly in my application. Just shared my personal thoughts and polished them up to make them sound beautiful. Don’t pretend to be something you’re not, just share who you are, be proud, and be confident. Good luck!!!