<p>I REALLY like Brandeis… but I have never visited since I’m from the Midwest and my family wasn’t up for it. If I were to be accepted, I would get to go visit before making a decision, but I can’t visit before Jan. 15 (the application deadline). Right now, I’m thinking that my chances are so slim that the only way I have a real possibility is to apply early decision. </p>
<p>I’m about 70% sure that Brandeis is my top pick. I know that early decision is supposed to be only if you’re absolutely sure you want to go, but if this is the only way I can get in I think it’s worth the risk that I might prefer someplace else (I don’t even know where). Even if I would prefer somewhere else, I would not be unhappy with Brandeis.</p>
<p>If people think I have a good chance at Brandeis without applying early decision, I may just go regular. But if my chances are bad regular I think I will apply early decision.</p>
<p>So I have 2 questions:
- What are my chances if I apply early decision?
- What are my chances if I apply regular?</p>
<p>–</p>
<p>I know my grades are horrible, but I have an explanation. My mom became significantly mentally ill when I was in 6th grade. I went from being an A student to barely passing. My freshman and sophomore years were spent trying to help take care of her, and since I had less time for schoolwork and a lot of additional stress my grades suffered. Near the end of my sophomore year she was in and out of a mental hospital; the summer before my junior year she died in a car accident. Although I was very sad about it, I brought my grades up afterwards; you can see an upward trend. I will explain this in the additional information section.</p>
<p>So! Basic info.</p>
<p>GPA W: 3.47
GPA UW: 2.81
ACT: 34
SAT: 2260 (not sending; just for National Merit)</p>
<p>National Merit Semifinalist (may become finalist since my SAT is higher than my 220 PSAT), National Forensic League Distinction, Co-captain of debate team (got a few minor awards), Co-president of poetry club, poems published in school literary magazine, volunteer tutoring, worked on campaign for Democratic U.S. congressional candidate.</p>
<p>Looking at: Politics, Sociology majors; Politics, Sociology, Creative Writing minors</p>
<hr>
<p>1st Semester Freshman year:
Algebra I: D
English: D
World History: C-
Latin 2: B</p>
<p>2nd Semester Freshman year:
Algebra I: C-
English: D
World History: C+
Latin 2: B</p>
<p>Over the summer:
Biology: B first semester, C+ second semester</p>
<p>1st Semester Sophomore year:
Geometry: C
English: D
Modern World History: C-
Latin 2: B
Debate: A</p>
<p>2nd Semester Sophomore year:
Geometry: B-
English: C
Modern World History: B-
Latin 2: B
Debate: A</p>
<p>Over the summer (the summer my mom was constantly in and out of the mental hospital and died):
Algebra II: C’s both semesters</p>
<p>1st Semester Junior Year:
Precalc: B-
English: B
U.S. History: B-
Chemistry: B+
Latin: B-
Debate: A</p>
<p>2nd Semester Junior Year:
Precalc: A-
English: B+
U.S. History: A
Chemistry: B+
Latin: B+
Debate: A</p>
<p>1st Semester Senior Year (prospected):
AP Calculus AB: B-
AP English Literature: A
AP Economics: B+
Physics: A-
Debate: A</p>
<hr>
<p>Please chance me? I’m going on vacation soon and won’t have internet access, so I have to submit my applications within the next few days…</p>