<p>Absolutely focus on the academic side. In particular, let them know that you’ve done some research on the political science and history departments, possibly mentioning professors or (if international is your interest) the very well respected area studies programs (East Asian, Middle Eastern and Russian and East European). That will show them that it’s not some cursory safety app to the state flagship.</p>
<h1>2 in your class and a 2230 on your SAT? I can’t see you getting rejected at any public school, and you have as good a shot as anyone at any school in the country.</h1>
<p>I hope so, sgdude. I don’t think that I’d get into any public school (i.e. William and Mary) but I’m crossing my fingers for Ohio State. I applied to tOSU, and my essay was all about the academics. I talked to the tOSU rep for my school when she visited, and I’ve been deluged with mailings ever since so I hope that I’m in!</p>