<p>Aside from an early decision I am applying to and three UC’s (a reach, match, and safety), my parents suggested I apply for some private schools that I’d like, be happy at, since my ED and UC choices are more for pragmatic reasons (the programs, the rigor of educations) than emotional or “feeling” reasons. </p>
<p>Don’t bash yet — yes I know Tufts is amazing and is an awesome school overall. I chose it however, because I noticed it highly ranked on a “happiest schools on earth” list and looked into it. It’s breathtaking. The people are quirky in good ways too. </p>
<p>Considering my stats, which I am sure are below their average, do I at least stand a fighting chance for this University? Or should I be spending application money on happy, private schools more near my range?</p>
<p>GPA: 3.56 UW, 4.12 W
GPA Breakdown by semesters: 2.5, 2.5, 2.8, 3.6, 4.0/4.3, 3.8/4.1, 4.0/5.0, 4.0/5.0
(I took 5 AP classes over the summer after Junior Year). </p>
<p>SATI: 2260: 700M, 760CR, 800W (took once, may retake?)
SATII: 770USH, 770CHEM, 790BIO, 800MATHII
AP Tests Taken: BIO (4), CHEM (5), CALC-BC (5), USH (5)</p>
<p>AP Classes Taken:
Biology, U.S. History, Government, European History, Calculus AB, English Language, English Literature, (Chemistry and Calc-BC were self-studied)
AP’s Currently Taking: Environmental Science, Art History, Physics C</p>
<p>EC’s:
Environmental:
Director of Promotions: NCSSC (Sierra Committee, city-wide, not school-related).
-> I write articles that go out in the form of monthly newsletters to members
NCSSC Representative: Roots & Shoots (school-related)
-> I oversee their events and coordinate them with NCSSC’s
Internship: Hong Kong C&G Environmental Protection
-> 2 months filing paperwork and answering calls in professional manner in HK</p>
<p>Martial Arts:
CEO: Lantern-Arts Academy
-> Started up a Martial Arts School in my community. Successful.
Red-Jacket Instructor: Taekwondo & Hapkido
-> YMCA-paid job for two years.
Katana Guide: Fuji-Academy Tours
-> Taught tourists Katana techniques in Japan for a month (paid)</p>
<p>Miscellaneous Jobs:
Waitress: Pho Restaurant
Receptionist: SAT-Test Prep Company (My longest. I love this job)
Receptionist part time: Day Spa</p>
<p>Volunteer: 1000+ hours
Ephata: A Youth Retreat Program I’ve been apart of for 4 years now. I am their piano accompanist, Environmental Team’s Project Coordinator, and the one who proposed and fundraised for the retreat programs to take place outside of Texas, and America (Into California, then Hong Kong, Japan)</p>
<p>My essays are pretty strong, on the creative side. Mostly done. I’m still trying to include somewhere that I’ve moved schools 4 times, and that would account for my lack of school-related EC’s. </p>
<p>Anyway, I’d make more qualifications about my GPA and things, but hopefully it’s implicit that I just didn’t care for my grades in the beginning (no tragic incident or anything). </p>
<p>So… Tufts? : ] if not, recommend any comfortable, happy, sort of vibrant school that’d be in my range?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>