Chance at UPenn, Duke?

hmom5
Sun, 20 Sep 2009 17:17:21 +0000

It is always advisable to explain your application’s shortcomings in the essay or interview.



I’d have to really disagree with this. It’s always advisable to use your essay to demonstrate the positives.

In all honesty, immaturity is not a good excuse for not doing well for half of high school. These schools are flooded with applications from kids who’ve done well all 4 years and they only have room for a fraction of them. You’re asking them to accept you based on one good year. It’s unlikely they will.

Your best shot at these schools is as a transfer. A strong senior year, higher scores and a good first year at the best college you can get into will make you a strong candidate then.