Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 23:05     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:MD and Wi are targets, all the rest are reaches if applied RD. Ideally would have had another true target or two.


UMD takes the vast majority of their class in EA. So an RD app from anyone would go in the reach pile for UMD. Pitt is a very good school with happy students. But for peace of mind, the student should have applied a long time ago. With rolling admissions, they could have had an acceptance in their pocket a while ago. The rest of the list is far to top heavy with reaches. No doubt, the student will have options. But this is a very stressful list because there are zero guarantees for any of these schools. Relying a little too much on luck here.



Agreed on UMD. They take 90% of their class EA. Very hard admit RD.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 23:00     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
Anonymous wrote:Undecided was a bad decision. They won’t know how/where to slot your kid in RD

Add any school still taking apps?


My kid got into Duke RD as “undecided”. From DMV public.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 22:57     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
For all the ones considering demonstrated interest, get on it now if you haven’t already. Hit the online sessions this week and next. Consider a Boston trip for tours if you haven’t.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 22:56     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
Anonymous wrote:MD and Wi are targets, all the rest are reaches if applied RD. Ideally would have had another true target or two.


UMD takes the vast majority of their class in EA. So an RD app from anyone would go in the reach pile for UMD. Pitt is a very good school with happy students. But for peace of mind, the student should have applied a long time ago. With rolling admissions, they could have had an acceptance in their pocket a while ago. The rest of the list is far to top heavy with reaches. No doubt, the student will have options. But this is a very stressful list because there are zero guarantees for any of these schools. Relying a little too much on luck here.

Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 22:55     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
I think if you feel really good about your safety, you're just fine having one.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 22:49     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
There are MANY kids with lower SAT scores who don't submit and get into many of these schools.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 22:48     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
Two kids similar stats 2 & 3 years ago. Once accepted Vanderbilt, the other in at Rice, Tufts University,Duke, BC, Michigan (chose Rice)
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 22:46     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Male, undecided


male/undecided will be helpful at BU.



Why?
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 22:43     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
Anonymous wrote:ED Wash U - Deferred
1490 SAT, 3.9 unweighted, 4.6 weighted, solid activities & leadership, eagle scout, applied undecided most places, strong science/math classes
Anyone having doubts? Very worried. Waiting on:
Rice University
Tufts University
Duke
Boston College
Boston University
University of Michigan
University of Virginia
Northeastern University
Villanova
Pitt


First semester of high school senior year: write, apply, write some more.

Second semester of senior year: wait, worry, wonder, repeat until decision day.

There goes last year of high school and PreK -12th.

What a game. Sigh.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 22:35     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
MD and Wi are targets, all the rest are reaches if applied RD. Ideally would have had another true target or two.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 22:34     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
Anonymous wrote:Sorry UMD, Wake Forrest and Wisconsin got cut off. EA at
Boston College
Boston University
Northeastern University
Tulane University


Boston U doesn't have EA. Do you mean RD but submitted by 12/1 for merit scholarship consideration?
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 22:33     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
OP, what were your expectations with this list? It is chock full of reaches. Your student will be fine, but may not have many choices.

A 1490 is a great SAT, but unfortunately it isn’t helping the application for most schools on your list.

Also, when did he apply to Pitt? That is an “apply in August” school.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 22:30     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
^girlfriend (singular)
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 22:29     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
BC is tough if you aren’t coming from a Catholic feeder.

I think his choices are going to be
Villanova
Pitt
Tulane
UMD
Wisconsin
Maybe UM and Northeastern
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 22:29     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
I went to Pitt undergrad and was top of my class and got a free ride to a top 10 MBA program. My Pitt husband got a free ride to Georgetown and my best girlfriends went to Harvard Law.

No need to freak out.

Stay flexible and calm about wait lists. Be prepared to redeploy but don't pin hopes on it.