<p>I've been lurking a lot in the decisions threads of many top colleges here in CC, so I know the kind of students top colleges usually accept (e.g. 2200+ SAT, national awards, magnet high school, etc.) Looking at these numbers makes me feel dismayed and think that I definitely do not have a shot at any of them. But as I talk to my friends who got accepted to top colleges without even achieving any of these, I feel like there is still a chance for me. To tell you the truth, I don't even know who or what to believe in anymore.</p>
<p>One of my friends got into one of the HYPM colleges by submitting only 1 AP score - a 4 (took AP for the first time as a junior), and with SATs below a 2000. And a 590 in a SAT II Subject Test. Another got into Stanford and their highest SAT II Subject Test was a 730 (3 tests taken). Yet another one got into UC Berkeley with 1700s in SAT, which they say is very, very rare. Friend says they probably got in because they write well. </p>
<p>As for me, my SAT I is in the 1900s range, SAT Subject IIs are in the 650-690s range (I have a 570 though). I've been involved in a lot of extracurricular activities, but I have no national achievements, just regional and schoolwide ones. GPA is generic, 3.97. Despite these mediocre scores in comparison to a majority of the talented users here at CC, I keep thinking that maybe I'll "wow" the adcoms through my personal statement as one of my friends did. It's stupid but I can't help but do it.</p>
<p>I know I shouldn't take my friends' experiences as gospel, but I can't help but be hopeful. I don't know what to think anymore. Am I being too idealistic?</p>
<p>You can hope for the best, but prepare for the worst (have good safety schools). Did your friends have any particular hooks (URM, recruited athlete, legacy)? Do you have any?</p>
<p>It is natural to hope you will be another exception, just understand the reality of the numbers–7 out of 100 breathing, hopeful seniors will be getting the YES, 93 of those will get the SORRY. </p>
<p>Use your energy to try to improve your scores. Is your 3.97 GPA unweighted or weighted?
Accept that it is unlikely that you would be admitted, but you can certainly strive to complete the best application you can.</p>
<p>Well, your 3.97 UW GPA is great. The test scores are going to be detrimental though, there is no getting around that (except new scores.). Have you considered taking the ACT? Their straightforward questions are more suited to some students.</p>
<p>Without any of the hooks mentioned above, a knockout essay may or may not help. Be sure to research schools in your score range so you have attractive choices.</p>
<p>I am in a similar situation. I have taken the SATs three times (1330 both times, superscore 1360;today was my third time taking the SATs and I dont think I did much better) and the ACTs once without much studying (30). My GPA is a 96 and by the end of senior year I will have taken 8 APs (BC Calc, Physics, Chem, Bio, Euro, US, Gov,English). My SAT2 scores are 750 Math2, 750 Bio, 730 US. I have also participated in a bunch of extracurriculars (I especially have a passion for music and soccer), I run marathons and I spend my summers doing research at Stony Brook and writing papers for national competitions. I know I would be set if I only had the right SAT/ACT scores. I would really like to apply to Princeton, MIT or Brown but at this point I know I don’t have the scores.
Do I still have a shot or should I just give up now?</p>
<p>It’s likely that very low-scoring applicants to HYPSM who were accepted were somehow hooked.
Go into application season with the attitude that you have now - that it’s very unlikely. Have safeties that you love. Try your best, but don’t expect success. It’s possible, but to be perfectly honest, there’s a lot working against you.
You have nothing to lose - except your pride, if you tie it to the decisions of an admissions committee. Don’t.
Good luck.</p>
<p>Do you have an intended major? Several (competitive) places we have visited mentioned they like to see “passion”. Any EC’s which show you are passionate about something you are planning to study?</p>
<p>It doesn’t help to say “Don’t worry! My friend got in with a 29 on his ACT!” if your friend was a URM or an Athlete. I don’t know why people think its helpful in any way. If the person was not either of those things, say “My friend who was not a URM or Athlete got a 29 on the ACT and got into Princeton,” because otherwise, people are going to assume these are hooked applicants anyways.</p>
<p>What schools do you want to go to LovelyBones? What is your race?</p>
<p>It’s a long shot for you, but . . if you really want to try, give it a go.</p>
<p>Just . . .</p>
<p>1) remember it’s a long shot for you
2) remember it’s long shot for others: e.g., about 3/4 of Valedictorians get turned down at Brown
3) make a college list that includes safety schools and apply to those, too</p>
<p>The rest is details; best case is to be ready to be happy going to ANY of the schools you apply to . . . and it’s OK to include reaches!</p>
<p>Good luck!!</p>
<p>P.S. Don’t bother to play the “chance me” game, because the answers will range from "you have no chance so don’t bother " to “go for your dreams”</p>