<p>Congratulations on your fine scores.</p>
<p>I am not sure you are getting what we are saying. Thematic Option applications are accepted only from admitted students. Trustee, Presidential and likely Mork scholarship awardees will be invited to apply, as well as other students presenting the qualifications madbean mentions. Students who have not been invited to apply may still do so, though in some cases they may be asked to submit supplemental materials.</p>
<p>All TO applicants must submit an essay describing how they interpret depth and breadth of education, and describe why they would like to be a part of TO. Students who simply want to have an “honors” designation on their diploma will be disappointed to find that there is no such designation, though there will be a notation on the transcript that they participated in TO. On the transcript it will be referred to as “Thematic Option” and no mention of honors will be included, so only those familiar with the program will have an understanding of what it means.</p>
<p>It is my sense that once an applicant is among those being considered (in other words, the selection committee is satisfied that the individual can handle the coursework), the decision at that point will have nothing to do with scores or GPA. It will be based on the student’s commitment to pursue the most rigorous and challenging education available simply for the sake of that challenge and education.</p>
<p>In conclusion, it is impossible to give “chances” for Thematic Option based on your scores and GPA. Continue to investigate the program and think about why you would (or would not) like to be a part of it and if you still want to apply after you are admitted, do so. Because you are starting now to consider your reasons, your essay will be a natural.</p>
<p>Best of luck.</p>