Anonymous
Post 01/17/2026 02:22     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
Anonymous wrote:Why are none of the schools similar to one another? Seems like a confused applicant.


Prestige seeking but didn’t break the 1500 barrier. All privates except a couple ranked publics, and then Pitt
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2026 02:14     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
Best of luck. They could get into all of these or easily none, tbh.

Pitt would seem to be the only safety as Villanova and BC take so many kids ED and are really yield protective.

Northeastern, if not main campus then hopefully one of their other campuses!

Suggest trying to find another safety or two.
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2026 00:45     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.



agree, applying to UMD RD is huge mistake. And why haven't they heard from Pitt - did they apply late to Pitt too?
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2026 00:39     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


Don't sweat it, OP. It's too early to freak out. Your kid was deferred at WUSTL not rejected, so there's still a chance he prevails at RD. And there's a few schools on the list he should get into (Northeastern, Villanova, Pitt, Michigan).

Hang in there. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Your son sounds great and many universities will be lucky to have him!
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2026 00:20     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
I think the strategy here was off and not realistic (WashU was a wasted ED with sub 1500)…but he should get in somewhere.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 23:51     Subject: Re:Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
Anonymous wrote:No advice - just wishing you good luck - your DC sounds great !


I agree that their DC sounds great! And more importantly, that they have a very good chance of being admitted somewhere.

I would have built the list to include another safety or two, though.

OP are you full pay? You're probably fine.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 23:51     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
Anonymous wrote: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.



+1. A little low for UVA. 75Th percentile had a 1510. But median a 1470.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 23:48     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
Why are none of the schools similar to one another? Seems like a confused applicant.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 23:41     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
I wouldn’t count on Wisconsin out of state.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 23:32     Subject: Re:Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
Anonymous wrote:No advice - just wishing you good luck - your DC sounds great !

Yes! It will all work out, OP!
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 23:27     Subject: Re:Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
No advice - just wishing you good luck - your DC sounds great !
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 23:23     Subject: Re:Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
Personally I'd add a safety still taking applications: Penn State, Colorado State, Bama, Arizona State, Michigan State, etc.

Probably your DC won't need it but minimal cost and effort to have an insurance policy
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 23:16     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
Anonymous wrote:
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?


You need 1500 SAT to be considered for merit.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 23:09     Subject: Re:Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
He should in at Wisconsin. Does Pitt yield protect?
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 23:06     Subject: Worried about acceptance did we build list wrong?
W&M would have been a great target for a student like this, even OOS.