Yep, chances

Colleges and Universities A-Z Brandeis University
1

<p>White (Jewish) Male, Philadelphia area
GPA: 3.4 UW, 3.6 W (I shouldn’t have insisted on taking honors math classes…)
APs: Biology 5, English Language + Comp 4
Currently taking APs: Chemistry and Physics (any juniors reading this, do not attempt this combination, DON’T DO IT), AP Calc AB
Not taking AP English and History, but I’m taking the highest level available at my school, it’s a very rigorous integrated curriculum.
All honors except for Spanish and math Junior year.</p>

<p>SATs:
Math: 750
CR: 740
Writing: 760 (1490/2250)</p>

<p>Biology: 740
Math II: 750
Physics: 690 (not sure if I have to/should send this one in)</p>

<p>Extra curriculars</p>

<p>Ultimate Frisbee (lots and lots of Ultimate Frisbee), Captain of JV blegh. been playing since sophomore year, won a bunch of awards and such.</p>

<p>Write the parent newsletter for the Ultimate Frisbee team</p>

<p>Clarinet soloist in the full orchestra, been playing since 5th grade</p>

<p>Glowsticking club - it’s a student-run thing (we perform at rallies for the school), so there isn’t really a specific leadership system, but I would say I’m perhaps vice-president. Been glowsticking for 5 years</p>

<p>Physics Olympics, Junior and senior year, event captain</p>

<p>HiQ club member, Junior year</p>

<p>Marching Band, Clarinet, all 4 years</p>

<p>Symphonic Band, Clarinet, all 4 years</p>

<p>As a hobby I do graphic design</p>

<p>Awards:
National Merit Semifinalist
Honor roll freshman year, junior year</p>

<p>I have visited the campus twice and interviewed on one of the visits, I think that went okay. I expressed my interest in science journalism, using the ease of double-majoring, and the benefits of a small liberal arts school within a national university (with that sweet-looking science building).</p>

<p>I don’t know how my recommendations are because I didn’t ask to see them, but I can’t think of a reason why they wouldn’t be good.</p>

<p>I’d like to say my essay is pretty decent but again that’s subjective.</p>

<p>I’m applying ED II.</p>

<p>I know my chances aren’t terrific.</p>

<p>Schools I’m applying to:
Safety: Penn State (already in)
Match: Bard?
Reaches: CMU, Wesleyan (already rejected yay), Oberlin?</p>

<p>Bard may also be a reach, I’m not sure.</p>

<p>If anyone can think of a good Brandeis-type safety or match for me I’m all ears.</p>

2

<p>I’m actually pretty surprised that Wes rejected you.
Your SATs are about 100 points above their mean.</p>

<p>Your GPA is not great, but you are apparently taking a very rigorous curriculum.
What kind of rep does your HS have?
On paper I’d say you were are pretty good candidate for all the schools you mentioned (Brandeis included).</p>

3

<p>Your SATs look amazing, everything seems pretty solid.</p>

<p>Penn State was my safety too, it’s nice to know that you’re in somewhere!</p>

4

<p>I also had a legacy with Wesleyan, I guess it comes down to a crapshoot in the end. Hahaha.</p>

<p>Apparently my high school is well-regarded. Probably a lot of schools say that, but that’s what I’m told.</p>

<p>Yeah, Eliyahu, it is pretty nice, haha!</p>

5

<p>Given that you are a legacy, now I’m totally not getting your Wesleyan rejection.
Did you have an interview?
I think you need to have your guidance councilor give them a call. The fact that you were not even deferred is absolutely flabbergasting to me.
There will be freshman at Wes next year with grades and scores less than yours, I think you should get an explanation as to why.</p>

<p>Don’t think they will not do this either. Last year a friends daughter was rejected ED by Columbia and the school called them and got a very nice explanation.</p>

6

<p>I did interview. I’m done thinking about the Wesleyan thing, honestly, it was probably just my grades. There’s nothing I can do about that now.</p>

7

<p>Ok, back to your original question. Have you considered any of the following:
Colgate
Hamilton
Washington in St. Louis
U of Rochester
Vassar
Sarah Lawrence
Emory
Case Western</p>

8

<p>You could also consider TCNJ, small liberal arts.</p>

9

<p>I think your chances are great!</p>