If anyone can help me out, I’ll really appreciate it. Any advice or comment helps!
I’m currently a Senior in a really great high school in a Northwest suburb of Chicago (District 214). I moved from a small town before my freshman year, so I had a tough time adjusting to the academic rigor for my first couple years. But, I did a lot better my junior year, and I’m absolutely killing it in my Senior year so far. I also got a really great ACT score from the Sept 2017 test, and I feel my common app essays are all really solid. I also have committed extracurriculars, which I’ve excelled in, most of them being in the school’s music programs. The only problem is my lackluster GPA, but I did my best to explain my situation in the extra information part. Any advice or comment on my chances help! Thanks!
I plan on applying Undecided for my major.
Schools I’m Thinking About Applying To: (in no particular order)
University of Chicago
Northwestern University
Washington University at St. Louis
Amherst College
Boston College
Bowdoin College
Claremont McKenna College
Pomona College
Colgate University
Duke University
Emory University
Hamilton College
Lafayette College
Swarthmore College
Trinity College (CT)
Vassar College
Union College
Wesleyan University
Williams College
Georgetown University
Villanova University (Safety?)
STATS:
Cumulative GPA (9-11): 3.29 UW, 3.73 W
Senior Year GPA (12): 4.0 UW, 4.9 W
ACT: 34
English 35, Math 35, Reading 35, and Science 31
Writing 9
Most of the schools are going to be reaches because of the GPA. If you have extenuating circumstances such as illness, that might help somewhat.
Cut down the list as well. You have too many schools ranging from LACs to nationally rated universities. Spending over 1500 dollars on reaches is a waste of money. Also have you done your research as to why those schools are a fit? It looks like you have a list of all Top 20 LACs plus multiple Top 20 universities.
Some schools you could target are George Washington, Boston University, Temple, Fordham, UMiami, Syracuse, and Rutgers (more reasonable based on your grades/test scores).
Thanks for the advice Hamurtle,
This isn’t my final list, just potential options. I chose a lot of schools with flexible curriculums and smaller class sizes. They all have good financial aid too. I’ll consider your advice.
I agree with @Hamurtle. Have you met with your guidance counselor as a 34 ACT is good, but only a typical score for an unhooked applicant at these schools - unfortunately the GPA will take these schools out consideration as realistic reaches. Schools ranked in the #40-60 range are much more realistic.
I’m not sure I would count any of the schools on your list as a safety. Check to see if any of your possible schools report average admitted GPA and compare to yours. Can’t just count on your ACT score.
Small class sizes, flexible curriculums, and good financial aid are good considerations. Also consider:
school culture/vibe
geographical location
LAC vs. research U
merit vs. need-based aid; and do they include loans in package?
strength in academic areas of interest