Would It Be Appropriate...?

My dream schools are NYU and Colgate University. I am a good student, with above average test scores (particularly in English, not-so-particularly in Math) and varied extra curricular activities. I stated in my last thread that I excell in the areas of English/Reading/Speech/Communication/Acting/Singing, etc., but am terrible in math/science, and my GPA, rank, and standardized tests scores are suffering because of this.

I lack any kind of means to travel to these schools and meet with the admissions officers, or visit the campus. But I’m absolutely in love with these schools, and would sever my leg in order to get in (joke!).

My question is this: Do you think it would be appropriate if I wrote a very polite, breif email to the admissions at either college, explaining my academic situation, and asking if their college is right for me? See, I figure that before I invest all this time into schools, I should want to know honestly, from someone in that environment, whether or not I would even be considered, and what my chances of acceptance are. Would that be considered too forward or rude, or is that something that college hopefuls do on a regular basis?

If anyone has any info regarding this, and they wish to respond privately, I can be reached at <a href="mailto:swatts1987@yahoo.com">swatts1987@yahoo.com</a>. Again, thanks so much. I have been worried sick over college, and any advice you guys could give me would help me out a lot.

<p>I don't know where you live, but is it possible that there are regional admissions presentations at a high school near you for either of these schools? Also, you can order videotapes of campus tours. You can research the schools on this forum and on the school websites and familiarize yourself with the admissions criteria- i.e. the average SAT scores, etc. Colgate and NYU are extremely different schools. Colgate is much smaller and is in a remote location. It is a gorgeous campus. NYU is a huge university with New York City as it's campus. What are your academic interests? Before you contact anyone in the admissions offices of these schools, you should do a lot a research.</p>

<p>Crap. Posted something incredibly long and it didn't go through. </p>

<p>Okay. </p>

<p>I have done extensive amounts of research on the admissions policies of both Universities, along with a lot of research about the universities themselves. I'm interested in them for various reasons, but more importantly, I want to know what my chances are. From someone in that environment. Both the colleges meet my academic interests, it's just a question of whether or not I can get in. </p>

<p>As I stated before, I am <em>terrible</em> at math. I just plain SUCK. However, my major will in no way have anything to do with math or science, and I excell in a lot of other things. However, it's because of this glorious little disability that my test scores/gpa/rank suck (or at least are not that great). I just want to know, specifically, how they would look at that, from their perspective. Would I still have a chance of getting in?
Or do they place a very, very high bearing on rank and GPA? Is there any way I can redeem myself? etc.</p>

<p>bump! Please, help!</p>

<p>Post on the boards for those two schools and ask for feedback from current students or students who were admitted for next fall.</p>

<p>Emerson College in boston might be a good choice for you. Research it and you'll see why.</p>

<p>Again--I know you're looking at it from the perspective of a junior and I know it's scary, but believe me I have the same exact disability...very high verbal IQ coupled with a near retarded math IQ. I never would have believed it, but it worked out well. You'll end up somewhere good. I know you're afraid to believe it, but keep excelling at what you're good at. There ARE schools for you.</p>

<p>I read through your other thread and I don't think you give yourself enough credit. While math may not be your strongest subject, you're not terrible at it, just mediocre. IMO your other scores and accomplishments in language are good enough to get you into either of those schools and your math/science probably won't keep you out.</p>

<p>I really don't think it would hurt to email either university about your situation, but don't expect to get much out of it. You will most likely receive some sort of canned response (along the lines of "Thank you for your interest, blah blah blah, go browse our website"), because they're not going to give you any definite answer whatsoever about your chances. </p>

<p>You could have a 2400 SAT, perfect grades, and find a cure for cancer and they'd probably still give you the same answer.</p>

<p>Anyways, the best advice I can give you right now is to find a safety school that you wouldn't mind attending. This may be a bit time-consuming, but in the long run will be well worth your effort. While I think you have a great shot at both Colgate and NYU, the admissions process can be erratic, and there's not really anything you can do about it. Most importantly, don't worry yourself sick about college, just enjoy your last year of high school. :)</p>