<p>Hi, I am a recently honorably discharged Marine Veteran. I served 6 years, but due to a service connected disability, my time was cut short. After studying and applying myself, I achieved a 2160 on the SAT (680 Math, 710 CR, 770 Writing) with subject scores of 730 in Lit and 680 in U.S. History. I am far removed from high school. However, I went to a sub par religious school where I was the only graduate, and I had a GPA of 3.12. During my time in the Marines, I took 8 classes at the local community college and held a 4.0 GPA. I have been allowed to apply as a freshman candidate at Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Dartmouth, and Amherst. Will my underachieving high school experience carry much weight on my application, or would my endeavors after high school along with my veteran status make me an attractive candidate to these schools? It's getting close to decision mailers, and I'm seeing a lot of articles giving weight to high school transcripts. I have forwarded my CC transcripts to give an academic picture of myself knowing that they will not be accept for transfer. Basically, being brutally honest, what are my chances?</p>
<p>I would recommend you also look into special programs. Yale Eli Whitney, Brown RUE Program, Tufts REAL Student. The application deadlines may be past due at this point, but I think these are excellent programs given your background. Depending on what you did during your service, you have an excellent chance of getting accepted.</p>
<p>Also, I would make sure you know what degree you will be awarded if accepted to one of the schools you listed. I’m pretty sure, but could very well be wrong, that you are not eligible to attend Harvard undergrad proper, and would instead attend their extension school. I am 100% sure that is the case in regards to Columbia and their school of General Studies. I wish you the best of luck.</p>
<p>If admissions at H, P, S, D, and A have OKed you applying as a freshman, as you explain above, then I think your chances are quite good that you will be accepted at one or more of them.</p>
<p>Your 4.0 GPA will be looked at far more than your high school grades. Admissions will recognize that you have grown, matured, and have had leadership experiences in the Marines that far outweigh your high school experiences.</p>
<p>Your SATs are good, your character will be seen as superb (what better show of selfless action for the greater good is there than the military?)</p>
<p>The Ivies are admitting many vets to their undergrad and grad programs these days. (Harvard has even reinstated Naval ROTC as of today!) They get that it is good to have a broad range of students on the Ivy campuses, with real-life experience in the changing geo-political world. </p>
<p>I chance you as admitted to at least 2 of your schools. Good luck!!</p>