Quote:
|
Also, if you have a 4.0, 2300+ SAT, and a slew of extracurriculars, you don't need a chances thread-- you know you have a decent shot anywhere.
|
So true. In many cases, the type of schools that these students are applying to have unpredictable admissions anyway. Unless circumstances are exceptional or you're looking for advice on your list, there's just no point. I
do think it's fine for a student with high stats like these to ask for advice or suggestions, i.e. "I love my safety, but I'm overqualified and I know that some schools tend to dislike this. Does anyone know if this school has a reputation for doing so, or have suggestions of similar safety schools?" That's no problem in my eyes, but "I have a good GPA, good scores, and good other stuff. Can you chance me for every Ivy? ...bump...bump...bump" is not going to garner a lot of helpful info.
Finally, I originally neglected the OP's question about what makes a good reply to a chances thread. A few thoughts:
- Be considerate and polite. Be
honest, but be reasonable. Remember that there's someone (a 16-18 year old, at that) on the other end of the thread. If something reads strangely, try to give the benefit of the doubt and ask for clarification.
- When possible, expand on your reply (either after each prediction or just once overall) rather than leaving it at simply "accepted/rejected" or "safety/match/reach." Is there a particular weakness in the applicant's profile that makes you think every school will be a reach? Is there something the applicant might be able to do or re-frame in order to better her chances? Is the applicant lacking a true safety, or could she be shooting higher?
- Don't hesitate to address the positive!
- Consider saying a little something about where your opinions are coming from. It could be as simple as prefacing your predictions with "Based on numbers alone..." or it could be more anecdotal, like "I used the same safety, but was rejected even with high stats. I don't know if they have a reputation for this, but be careful."
- Pet peeve here: please don't write out "REJECTED" in all caps (as in "School A: Probably accepted; School B: Accepted; School C: REJECTED). It's just not nice.