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This one kid I know is trying to get into Lehigh and he asked me what I thought of his chances. I said I really don't know because I really didn't want to hurt his feelings, but he has a 3.3 Weighted GPA (top 40-45%) and took only 2 years of language and 3 years of Social Sciences and only has honors/APs in Math and Science. And a really bad essay. Would this really be a long shot for him? He claims that being in All State Orchestra will help him alot(but he is not majoring in music). Am I right to tell him that it is truly a long shot because he has no other colleges on his mind at this point and I am trying to convince him to look at other schools.

By Sophster (Sophster) on Tuesday, October 05, 2004 - 09:27 pm: Edit

I don't think you should tell him that, even though friends are supposed to tell the truth. If lehigh is his reach, then persuade him to look for other schools. You don't want to let someone lose his confidence. Also, you never know, Lehigh might just want to accept an All State Orchestra musician who wants to major in Physics.

By Reidmc (Reidmc) on Wednesday, October 06, 2004 - 01:13 am: Edit

Hard to calibrate his chances without an ACT or SAT score, but Lehigh does appear to be a reach. Even if he has a 1500 SAT score he would still need to explain his gpa and class rank.

However, you don't need to say anything specific about Lehigh. Just tell him to pay attention to his college counselor, who will set him straight. And you could remind him that anyone, regardless of their record, needs to apply to a list of schools that show a range of selectivity, and include a school that he really likes, his family can afford, and he is certain of admission.

Or you could suggest he post his record and interest in Lehigh on this board, where he will likely get torched.