<p>Allow me to introduce myself:
Hello, I'm Lia, a 16 year old sophomore who is intimidated by the word "college."
You see, I've been reading all of these "What are my chances of getting into these specific colleges" posts and I have to say I'm quite impressed with everyone's "resume." </p>
<p>But, I have to propose the question of, can the average student even get into the college of their choice? I know that to a certain extent, getting into a good college requires a lot of legwork, but still my goodness. Students these days are like freaking super people. You see students completing service work and participating in clubs- the norm. THEN you see other students delivering an infant on the other side of the globe whilst founding clubs and being the president of them. </p>
<p>I personally am dumbfounded of the achievements my fellow peers around the world have, well, achieved. Also, I'm constantly comparing myself to those all around me cause I actually do nothing special. I just think, "Wow, I'm so inferior to others. I can't do anything and I'm not good at anything, wow I'm so screwed for college." I know, I know, excuses. But hey, I have my reasons too. </p>
<p>This was just my little rant- no hate is appreciated if people even read this. If you do, (thanks by the way), I'd like to hear your opinion on this matter as well. </p>
<p>Let’s see, in my opinion a good college would be equivalent to a recognized or reputable state school? Not necessarily an Ivy League or such. As for the average student, someone who is in a couple of honors classes, as well as regular. Does a sport or two, but is not necessarily good at it. Someone who participates in clubs, but is only a member; does not hold a leadership position. I suppose the average student is just an all-rounder. @halcyonheather </p>
<p>In short, yes. Many “average” students go to my state U (Illinois), which is a great university. Sure, some extremely qualified kids go there as well, but they also end up at Northwestern and University of Chicago (GREAT schools). For the most part, an “average” student should have no problem going to state U</p>
<p>I think part of the thing with college confidential is that most of the people on here are the ones stressing about college (myself included). A lot of that has to do with specific personality traits, the same ones that tend to drive people to be overachievers. The kids who push themselves to do an insane amount of EC’s are also the ones who start reaching for top schools at a young age. The ones who are more relaxed about the process don’t spend as much time on CC, so the perspective is skewed. </p>
<p>I personally think the attitude is more important than your accomplishments, past a certain point. Perhaps for Ivy League schools, the bar is higher since so many kids have good accomplishments. But if you have a lot of motivation, it is likely to show in your application if you do it right.</p>
<p>@BrownParent Well, my situation is a bit complicated to answer that question. Technically, I am OOS for UC’s because I attend school by myself in a different state. However, my mother lives in California so I guess I’m a resident? I’m not so sure about everything. Also, my goodness yes, I am aware of the OOS cost. It’s horrendous. I was wondering if I could take advantage my mom’s residency IF I even got into a UC. Probably not, but it’s worth a try I guess. </p>
<p>I would say I am like that. I am a little smarter than your average student but I play sports, I haven’t done an insane amount amount of EC’s. I enjoy Leadership at my school which is why I have been an officer at my school. I have taken a manageable amount of AP classes not a ridiculous amount.</p>
<p>That’s a significant range of SAT/ACT scores you provided. With a 3.5 and 1800/26 you could probably get into a Top 25 state school, which imo is quite respectable. With a 3.5 and only a 1500/20 you’d be looking at MUCH more mediocre schools.</p>
<p>It is difficult to establish California residency. But you have a shot if your mother lives in CA. If you are in boarding school and she is your custodial parent then it shouldn’t be a problem. If you live with another custodial parent and attend in another state that is a different issue. The most important thing to do is to make sure you will meet UC eligibility a to g requirements, which you OOS high school may not cover. And to read everything about meeting residency requirements, start here:
<a href=“UC Legal - Office of the General Counsel | UCOP”>UC Legal - Office of the General Counsel | UCOP;
<p>Yes. I know lots of people with similar stats who have gone on to places like U of Wisconsin and U of Minnesota. Getting into your state school shouldn’t be too hard.</p>
</p>