<p>Turns out I got waitlisted.</p>
<p>I have decent ecs (11 years dance, life scout, 8 years piano, 6 years guitar, varsity parliamentary debate, 300~ volunteer hours, job as a tutor, etc.), pretty good essay, 3.8 gpa uw (4.2 w), 2240 sat, 35 act, and 790 biom/790 ush/760 math2.</p>
<p>Why??</p>
<p>I will assume you are just venting because certainly no one here can give you any reason. Did you do the Why Tulane essay or just the personal statement? Did you even open your Gibson portal until now? Even if you did these things, there is no way to know. Based on your own posts, your grades were a bit uneven. I wouldn’t have thought enough to reflect that badly on you, but I am not in admissions so my opinion doesn’t matter that much.</p>
<p>Looks like you got wait listed at several other schools, including UC Davis which is really a shocker to me. But looks like you got a very nice acceptance as well, was it UCSD? So that’s a good get, especially for a prospective science major. You were probably overshooting with Yale and some of the others, maybe even with WUSTL although they did WL you. But nothing ventured…</p>
<p>Like I tell everyone (because it is true) don’t take this as a personal reflection of your capabilities or potential. College admissions are funny things, with lots of variables at play. You will do great at UCSD.</p>
<p>It is hard to tell -perhaps admissions offered you a WL spot to see how interested you are in the school. Is Tulane your first choice or are you simply upset that you did not get in?</p>
<p>Fallen Chemist makes a very good point about the Why Tulane essay. While “optional” it is very important. If you did not do that optional part of the application and Tulane is your first choice then now would be a great time to answer the question (of course letting admissions in on your response) ----Why Tulane?</p>
<p>On the topic of the Why Tulane essay - my child applied last year and was admitted. He is a double legacy as both my husband & I are alums. He did the Why Tulane essay and was admitted (not the only reason I know). I have several alumni friends who have had mixed results with admissions and when we get talking it is not unusual to hear " I did not think that essay was important! Why Tulane is obvious - I went there!"</p>
<p>Really good point sportsmom. Rumor has it that legacy status gets less and less important at the top schools every year as the number of applications from qualified students continues to increase. It would be interesting to know how much Tulane takes it into account, they obviously continue to ask the question on the application. I suspect it weights only a little, and won’t come close to making up any shortfall in stats, demonstrated interest, EC’s or service.</p>
<p>My son was also waitlisted with both parents who are alums so apparently it doesn’t carry a big weight (and to be honest, I wouldn’t want it to). He DID write the Why Tulane essay as well. My son’s grades are very good, his test scores decent but not in the stratosphere and I’m guessing that’s why he was waitlisted. He also has excellent ECs and service. So you never know.</p>