u/AU_Memer

Rejected from pretty much everywhere I'm interested in attending at this point. I have a 3.77 GPA, public policy major, very high impact ECs (endorsements revoked, successful issue based campaigns that have delivered policy wins and funding in the millions) but it seems like none of that has gotten me anywhere with admissions.

Should I have done more stupid extracurriculars like knitting or something? Entered competitions? Retook some classes for a 4.0?

I got kinda wiped this cycle personally, 6 decisions left but at least a couple I've heard are already out of space.

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3.77 GPA Policy major with a lot of political ECs that I feel like had a good amount of impact personally (got a major city Mayor's endorsement yoinked) but I've been met with rejection after rejection. Currently have about 6 decisions left right now but feel like it's all schools I can't count on. Idk if it's my GPA, my political endeavors being too controversial, or the being broke. Feel like I'm fucked all around rn

current acceptances: Pitt, Duquesne (seem to really want me but expensive), NYU (also very expensive), Syracuse (yet to give me an aid offer though I am expecting one, not certain it will be enough)

Rejections: CMU, URochester, Swarthmore, Haverford, UChicago, Wesleyan, JHU

Awaiting: UPenn, Northeastern, Boston University, Tufts, Cornell, Lehigh

Demographics: White male, low income, disabled

State: TX to PA

Good public HS (almost dropped out with a 1.55 GPA due to poor health, then graduated a year early at an alternative HS.) been dealing with chronic illness much of my life and has put college on hold

Intended Major(s): Public policy/environmental policy/health policy

ACT/SAT/SAT II: didn't test

UW/W GPA and Rank: W: 3.77 GPA at CC with 54 credits

Coursework: AP/IB/Dual Enrollment classes, AP/IB scores, etc: regular classes at CC though took my math and chem classes in 5 week form (5 week chem is torture don't do it I barely got an A)

Awards: no formal awards but have had sitting public officials recognize my work

Extracurriculars:

1. Recall campaign: was on the steering committee of an org trying to remove a certain politician from office via recall petition.

2. Budget campaign: advocated for City funding to go to services that prioritize the working class over giving a supermajority of funding to police.

3: Council campaign: A seat opened up and since I was already organizing around City issues I decided to jump in and run for a city wide seat to put the eyes on the issues being neglected. Ended up catching some political charges (got dropped within a week) but worried that may affect my chances.

4: Immigration campaign: worked with other orgs around my city to pack Council sessions to push for an end to the ongoing collaboration with ICE and local PD.

5: Barring of endorsement: same guy we attempted to oust via recall petition we were able to rally his party around a resolution barring him from further support. Was involved with this effort early on and personally collected signatures from precinct chairs to get it into committee and later to the general body.

Schools:

Acceptances: Pitt, Syracuse University, Duquesne, UMass Dartmouth

Rejections: Rochester University, CMU, Wesleyan

Waitlist: William & Mary

Awaiting decision: UPenn, Lehigh, Swarthmore, Haverford, Boston University, Tufts, Case Western, NYU, Cornell, JHU, Northeastern.