3.5 gpa, 230 psat, 35 act, 2350 sat

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I am a junior St. Louis University High school in St. Louis, MO. It is one of the most prestigious high schools in the country (avg. act 30, avg. sat 2000), see for yourself.
St</a>. Louis University High School - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</p>

<p>The first 3 semesters I had 5 C's because I was unorganized and unfocused. The last 2 semesters I had straight A+'s and I should do the same this semester (so my gpa will be 3.4-3.5.) I have taken 3 AP's so far and I am taking 6 next year. I got a 230 on the PSAT and I took the ACT and SAT early and got a 35 and 2350. My school does not release class rank because everybody is very gifted so it is unfair to the kids toward the bottom. I am involved in Mock Trial, Latin Club (certamen), NHS, CSP, Jesuit Business Club, and Columbian squires. I play varsity basketball (being recruited by small d-1). I know that my GPA is lacking but my other stuff should help me. </p>

<p>I am white, roman catholic, and upper class.</p>

<p>Do I have any chances with these schools: Connecticut College, Wesleyan, BC, Holy Cross, Fordham, St. John's, Hamilton, Bucknell, Lafayette, Lehigh, Chicago, Illinois, Northwestern, SLU, Case Western, Xavier, Marquette, American, Emory, Tulane, Davidson, Duke, Furman, Georgetown, Maryland, Colgate, Vanderbilt, Rice, William & Mary, Virginia, Santa Clara, Notre Dame, and Rochester. (I have connections at BC and Furman: My dad's boss is the VP of a fortune 500 company and he went to and is a major donor to BC, and my english teacher, who is writing my letter of recommendation, went to Furman.)</p>

<p>I also might be able to walk on to play basketball at many of these schools so that could increase my chances of getting in.</p>

2

<p>I’d only be able to help you if you knew what you want to major in. You should cut down your list to around 10 schools but I’d say your in at Fordham, American and Marquette for sure.</p>

3

<p>Your SAT is great, GPA is average. You have a decent shot at most of those schools. Duke would be a high reach. Good luck!</p>

4

<p>I was thinking accounting/finance, political science/international affairs, or maybe english. Money is not really a problem, my parents can definitely afford it but they will be reluctant. They have always said that they want me to go to the school that gives me the most money but my gpa is too low to get anything major even at state schools.</p>

5

<p>I will probably get more consideration @BC, Holy Cross, Fordham, SJU, Xavier, Marquette, GT, ND, SC because I go to a jesuit catholic school. Plus Notre Dame consistently accepts around 5 kids from my school each year (250 in each class) so that is a plus.</p>

6

<p>A lot of colleges toss out freshman grades so I think you have really chance at all of these. Good essay, demonstrated interest go a long way!</p>

7

<p>Holy Cross also has good alumni clubs in the midwest and strong business alumni network.</p>

8

<p>Because of my avg GPA, lack of ethnical diversity, lack of knowing any alumni or having any ties to the schools, and average EC’s should I even apply to the ivies? I know every year we get about 2 or 3 kids who go to these schools from my high school and do you know what the
admission standards are for ivy league athletes (I know they don’t do athletic scholarships)?</p>

9

<p>Just looking at your stats makes me think that you study for standardized tests. Note that admissions counselors can recognize this as well, mainly because of a weak GPA. Now, if that GPA was a 3.9 and you kept the other stats, I would not be able to tell if you studied really hard for the tests.
I know this posts sounds kind of arrogant, but it is just the stark truth. Work hard in classes, and it will pay off.</p>

10

<p>I have consistently gotten 99th percentile on standardized tests since elementary schools. I did study for the tests but any smart kid would. I have adhd and ocd and they were undiagnosed until middle of my sophomore year. In grade school I never learned how to study or be organized because I could just not study for tests and get A’s. I also have not had much of an authoritative, father figure type person in my life so I never gained a work ethic or the wherewithal to succeed.</p>

11

<p>You really, REALLY need to read this book: A is for Admission. Talks about how going to selective private universities, being upper class, and having an important dad can work against you during admissions. They expect more of you.</p>

12

<p>Illinois, Fordham are safeties…</p>

13

<ol>
<li><p>As a junior I think it’s fine to have a large list, but you need to start refining it. Many of the schools on your list don’t offer all of your stated interests. </p></li>
<li><p>It’s great that you turned your grades around but some schools are more strictly numbers oriented so that may work against you (more likely to be true at large publics).</p></li>
<li><p>Your dad’s boss is only a valuable contact if he is willing to make a phone call on your behalf; even then I wouldn’t count on that helping too much.</p></li>
<li><p>If playing basketball is important I’d suggest taking the Division 1 schools off your list. Those schools recruit heavily and you aren’t walking on at those places. The D2 & D3 schools will be interested in your basketball background but you’re going to have to contact those coaches yourself. Just realize that in the lower divisions coaches have far less influence.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>You have a decent profile. You’ll get into many of schools on that list. You’ll probably get into a few of the reaches (Duke, Georgetown, BC, Wesleyan, Chicago, Northwestern, Vanderbilt and Notre Dame) as well.</p>

14

<p>Macsog you are a ■■■■■</p>

15

<p>I think you could get merit aid somewhere. 3.5 is fine and your ACT and SAT scores are amazing. Check out Adelphi on Long Island since you have Fordham there and Adelphi is near NY.</p>