University of Maryland

<p>Hello all,
The notification date for the University of Maryland College Park acceptance/rejection letters is tomorrow, January 31. I was wondering if you could give me a quick estimate as to whether or not I will be admitted. Thanks!</p>

<p>Age 18, Senior in High School
Wanting to enroll in the University of Maryland College Park to major in Government and Politics.</p>

<p>Goal: to become a criminal defense and LGBT rights attorney, with the hopes of running for Congress in the United States House of Representatives, to enter a life of public service.</p>

<p>GPA - 3.3 (weighted) - This is due to me being bad in math; my low math scores brought my GPA down, but all of my other grades are A's and B's, with an occasional C in Science.</p>

<p>SAT - 1620 (reading, 500) (writing, 620) (480, math)</p>

<p>Classes - Mostly Honors and AP, with the exception of math and electives. I also have a few college courses under my belt.</p>

<p>Extracurriculars - Working with various LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) rights organizations, such as The Trevor Project, the Human Rights Campaign, Equality Florida and the American Civil Liberties Union. My work with these organizations includes advocating for marriage equality, an end to bullying as well as advocating for equal rights. I have also been a member of Future Business Leaders of America for 7 years (3 middle school, 4 high school).</p>

<p>Accomplishments - I created the first Gay-Straight Alliance at my high school. In June of 2011, I went to my State Capitol and successfully argued for two gay rights bills that were passed by the Florida Senate and became law. </p>

<p>Recommendations - Two great recommendations from two great instructors of mine whom have known me for a while.</p>

<p>Essays - Very strong essays. I know that I did well on these.
Additional Note on essays - I explained the reason for my low GPA, being due to my difficulties in math. I also explained that I have taken every opportunity possible to tutor myself in math, and that mathematics is a challenge that I am working my hardest to conquer. I added that my true potential lies in my extracurriculars, as I have been exposed to Politics and Activism, first-hand.</p>

<p>Other info that you should know: In Oct of 2011, I emailed a college admissions officer from UMD, detailing my interest in the college and giving him an explanation as to why I should be admitted, although I have a less than average UMCP GPA. Instead of emailing me back, he gave me a call. He was very interested in what I had to say and could tell that I was passionate about politics. He told me to meet him at a college fair in Florida so we could talk more. I met up with him and we spoke about admissions and the like. I told him that I would be flying to DC in December, and he told me that I should schedule a tour. He was interested in seeing me again.</p>

<p>In Dec 2011, I flew to DC, and went on a MyMaryland guided tour, which the admissions officer, coincidentally, led. He immediately recognized me, and asked me to stay after the intro powerpoint. He told me that I should go to his office after the tour ended, so we could talk more. After touring College Park's gorgeous campus, I headed to the officer's office and spoke to him. After explaining everything regarding my interests, my GPA, and my potential to him, he told me that he was going to submit a recommendation for me to his manager, which he did the very next day.</p>

<p>I am very nervous about getting admitted due to my GPA. What are my chances of becoming admitted?</p>

<p>I’d say very low. Despite your personal connection to that man, your SAT score is below the bottom quartile and your GPA isn’t good at all.</p>

<p>But who knows? Just wait it out until tomorrow as opposed to hearing from strangers on the internet.</p>