Would I Have A Chance At Getting In?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Boston University
1

Hi, everyone! I’m currently a junior from northern New Jersey attending one of the top public schools in the state. The college hunt has begun for me and I wanted to get the community’s input. In about three weeks from this original post (3/8/16), I am taking a trip up to Boston with my family to tour a few schools. I love the city and could definitely see myself attending college there. On the top of my list is Boston University. Would I get into the College of Communication?

Weighted GPA: 3.88
Unweighted GPA: 3.78

Intended Major: Communications

SAT: 1990
610 Math
650 Critical Reading
730 Writing
(Awaiting scores from most recent test.)

School does not rank.

Classes:
Freshman Year - CP English I (A-), Guitar (A), Web Design (A+), Spanish 2 (A), CP World History (A), Biology (A-), Algebra 1 (B+)
Sophomore Year - Online Financial Lit (P), Chemistry (A-), Geometry (A-), Honors English II (A-), Honors US 1 (A-), Spanish 3 (A), Video Production (A)
Junior Year (current) - AP English Language and Composition (B+), Algebra 2 w/ Trig (C), Physics (B-), Honors US 2 (A), Spanish 4 (A), Advanced Video Production (A+)
Senior Year (planned courses) - Honors Forensics, AP Literature and Composition, AP World History, Spanish 5, Journalism, Functions/Statistics/Trigonometry

ECs:

  • National Honors Society
  • Spanish Honors Society
  • Volunteer at local camp (9)
  • Head counselor at local camp (10, 11)
  • JV Football (9)
  • JV Lacrosse (10, 11)
  • Winter League Lacrosse (11)
  • Ethics Club (9, 10, 11)
  • Teens Against Cancer (10)
  • Business and Investment Club (10, 11)
  • DECA (11)
  • Editor of School Newspaper (11)
    • Iona College Mentor Correspondence
  • Spain Pen Pal Correspondence (11)
  • Peer Leadership Program (11)
  • Intern at award-winning film production firm (10, 11)
    • Helped create trailer for the film “The Westies”
    • Assisted in the creation process of an internship PSA
    • Assisted in the creation process of an video advertisement for “Perfect Limo” limousine rentals
    • Helped market/promote internship as part of a GoFundMe campaign (raised $1000+)
    • Attended and helped edit footage from Barbershop Studios Network Event
    • Shot footage on Canon EOS Rebel T5 camera for Broadway Night at Pascack Hills High School (Guest speakers from broadway musicals, tv shows, etc.)
  • 75+ hours from summer volunteer jobs/church

What mostly worries me is that my grades for junior year did drop a bit in Math and Physics. Will this cripple me during the admissions process? I hope that my extracurriculars show that I am very passionate about what I do.

Should I apply ED or EDII because of these two grades? Or should I just try for regular decision? Any comments are appreciated.

2

@NotSoSerious Hey there! Just by looking at your stats, I would say that you have a good chance of getting in! Your GPA and SAT seem to meet the average of BU, and frankly your ECs are really impressive for a junior! Of course this is purely based on what I’ve researched throughout the year. I would love to give you stats to compare but I’m anxiously awaiting for my results next week.

The best advice I can give you as a senior is not to worry too much about your stats and chances for now. Focus on getting your grades as good as you can for the rest of your junior year and prepare for your senior year. Even if you don’t get the best grades you can, don’t worry about it. Universities look at applications holistically. Make sure your essay and recs are perfect! My best friend had a 1700 SAT and an average GPA but got accepted into Northeastern because of her excellent ECs, essays and recs! Hope this helped and good luck :slight_smile:

3

@nastassjaa Thanks for the encouragement! Definitely eased my nerves a bit. I wish you good luck on getting in! :smiley:

4

@NotSoSerious - I think BU looks to be a match for you. No guarantees, but you are solidly in the mix. Clearly, you are a strong student, as evidenced by your courses and GPA. Keep up the good work.

BU is expensive, so I would only recommend somebody apply ED if they are absolutely certain BU is their #1 choice and that money is absolutely not a concern. Can your parents write a check for $65K each year?

BU is a great school - my daughter has applied and is waiting to hear back. We know a few kids there and they all love the school and the city.

Best of luck to you.

5

@Themclos Thanks! Yeah, the cost is definitely something I’ve been discussing with my parents and will continue to do so. Thanks for the advice and good luck to your daughter!

6

Hey again! My most recent SAT scores came out today and my CR score improved to 670, which brings me to a superscore of 2010. Will this improve my chances at all?

7

I think you are going to get in - Match/low match.
I have the same problem with the cost :-/ .

8

@72soop It’s pretty expensive, but I’ll have to take another look at it after financial aid, scholarships, etc.

9

Hi! I was admitted into COM ED with stats similar to yours (mine were less impressive, if I’m being honest!), so I think you have a great shot at getting in! :slight_smile:

10

@livlev98 Awesome! Which major did you apply for?

11

@NotSoSerious I applied for the Communication major, which encompasses the Communication, Advertising, and Public Relations programs. I will most likely be concentrating in PR. Feel free to message me with more questions!