Should I go for/risk EA? Thanks!

scottj
Fri, 16 Oct 2015 12:02:34 +0000

Dear Windhunde : Boston College in their preadmissions tours will underscore the importance of demonstrating four High School years of English, social studies, science, mathematics, and foreign language while taking the most competitive level of these courses that you can reasonably handle. The expectation will be to conclude with some type of AP or IB coursework if possible.

Your sophomore and junior years both include coursework in all five areas. As you head into your senior year, reconsider your decision to “drop” foreign language if at all possible.

The jump from Honors Trigonometry (also called Algebra II in some areas) directly into the Calculus AB course without a course in precalculus will be substantial. If this is standard for your High School, perhaps their curriculum has accounted for the jump, however the caliber of the mathematics is radically increased so beware of the investment needed.

Your most concerning academic line item presented is the junior year AP Composition score (B+/3) as you are aware. Without seeing the quality of your writing, one cannot be sure of what this means, but this is a “low” grade and AP score by Boston College standards where 85% of the class is taken from the Top 10% of their High School classes. Be sure to think about your AP Literature course grades early on and think about having your essays reviewed by a trusted English teacher NOW rather than waiting another week. If you think you will do better in the AP Literature course mid-year, it might be worth waiting until some additional senior year grades are available, specifically for English.

Let’s turn to the essay section. Can you address the question “Why BC?” In other words, can you articulate why you make the incoming class better with you than without you? Your essay is very likely going to be a major swing factor in your application. We understand that you want to attend Boston College, but why would every other student think the campus is a more attractive proposition with you? While this sounds trivial, the best essays, the ones that are truly heartfelt and meaningful, will be able to answer this question in line with the “Men and Women for Others” concept that embodies a Jesuit institution.

The band participation - along with jazz band - throughout the year is important and should not be downplayed in your application. What instrument do you play and would you continue into Boston College?

Are there honor societies or other leadership roles in your portfolio?

In closing, apply EA to the school that you would attend if extended an offer (ignore the financials for the moment). Applying EA to somehow beat the RD competition is not the right reason to use EA for schools such as Boston College or Notre Dame. If you have a clear choice, apply EA. If you are still fuzzy, you might not display the right level of passion in your essays to pursuade the admission’s counselor to immediately accept you. Think about it.

Good luck!