Hello! I’m currently a Junior in High School and obviously am starting to think about college. Georgetown is my #1 choice and I’m planning on applying Early Action next year as a Government major.
However, I’m extremely nervous about getting in. I just want to know if I have even a chance of getting in, because if not, then half the stuff that I’m doing isn’t going to be worth it (since my other choices for college aren’t as competitive).
Okay, here goes.
GPA: (I’m still in my Junior year so this is tentative and just me doing calculations) 4.2 on a 4.5 scale
SAT: 1350 (Yea, i know this isn’t great but I’m planning on taking it one or two more times)
APs/Other: I’m currently taking 3 APs (Euro, Psych, and CSP), two of which I’m taking the exam for. Next year I’m also taking 3 (Gov, Stat, and Lit) and I’m doing two classes at the community college for Dual Enrollment (the classes are in criminology so they relate to what I want to do in college).
EC:
I’m a part of NHS, NEHS (which I want to apply to be an officer for), and (going to be in) CIVITAS.
I haven’t done much in school because I am very active in the Ukrainian community where I live. I’m a first generation American (both my parents immigrated from Ukraine) and, because of this, I’ve taught Ukrainian at a Sunday School for four years (two of which I was an assistant teacher). I also taught at a Ukrainian School on Saturdays for two years (but I stopped after I became a teacher at the Sunday School). (I’m not sure if this is important, but I worked at a Ukrainian grocery store for a year as well!)
Additionally, this summer I’m going to intern with a state rep. and, hopefully, next year I want to volunteer with another rep/congressman.
I was a part of a journalism workshop/internship with the Philadelphia Inquirer where I wrote an article about the effects of online translating systems on educational environments.
So, I don’t know. I feel like I’m not too impressive. However, if I thought I had at least a bit of a chance I would really have to go all in and pursue a bunch of internships/community service opportunities. If not, then I feel like it would be best just to strictly focus on my academics. Is there a good chance of me getting in or am I wasting my time?
Also, I forgot to mention that I’m trilingual (English, Ukrainian, and Russian), plus I’m in the process of learning French.
Additionally, I’m going to take subject tests later this year so I don’t know what those scores will look like.
I’m also in the top 2% of my year.
I’m a fellow 2020 hopeful, and I sucked at foreign language in school, so I’m hoping that won’t hurt me too much. It definitely disadvantages me, though.
My view is that Georgetown puts more emphasis on test scorss than many, if not most, highly competitive colleges. My S was rejected by Georgetown with a 1350, but was accepted by Princeton, Amherst and Berkeley. Other students had similarly experiences. So for Georgetown I would definitely focus on my scores.
I’m just a parent. No connection to college admissions or Georgetown.
If you’re doing this stuff just to get into Georgetown, then yes, you’re wasting your time. Maybe I misinterpreted your post, but I can’t imagine any school wanting an applicant that is faking it.
Assuming that wasn’t your intent, I think your credentials are incredibly unique and interesting. Just the paragraph on your teaching, working in a grocery, and interacting with the Ukrainian community make you way more interesting than someone just going through the motions in a high school club. If Georgetown doesn’t agree, there are many other places that will.
BTW, a 1350 SAT is fantastic. Don’t sell yourself short.
You do sound like you have the ECs and language background that Georgetown likes. I don’t know that you would have to make too many additions to your EC list just to be more attractive to Georgetown. Non-school ECs, and a job, count, and you have a plan to add some pretty great sounding activities. Also, adding a bunch more senior year typically isn’t effective…they want depth, and leadership, not sheer number.
I Agree that test scores are important especially SAT subject tests. Remember that ALL scores must be reported, so if you haven’t prepped hard for those, reschedule and take them when you are really ready.
Remember…staying your course and trying your best IS absolutely worth it even if you are aren’t Georgetown level (I’m not saying you are or aren’t…you sound like a great candidate. But no one can pin their hopes or entire senior year of high school on one school). There is the huge consideration of merit aid at your other, less selective colleges. Aside from that very concrete benefit, you will continue to learn and grow as a student and person.
@sdeneka Yes, you definitely have chances, and focusing on your activities in the Ukrainian community is a great idea, as another person posted. A few weeks ago, I attended an info session about Georgetown. The rep said they strongly recommend subject tests but do NOT require them. They are only used for placement. In your situation, I recommend skipping them to focus on SAT improvement. In fact, that is what my son decided to do after speaking with the rep. I first heard about this shift re SAT subject tests here on College Confidential, and was a bit skeptical, but I heard it myself.
Will you need financial aid? Run the NPC and ask your parents if they can afford the expenses. Georgetown was my first choice as a HS junior. Even back then, it was very competitive, so I had other choices at excellent private colleges and universities, as well as my state flagship. You mention your other choices are less competitive. How much less competitive? Be sure to check how much financial and / or merit aid is awarded at each school and run the NPC. Less competitive schools with higher endowments will generally offer more aid than Georgetown.
Finally, remember things have a way of working out! Georgetown was my first choice but I was not accepted. I received a lot of aid from another private university in the Top 30 and years later went on to Georgetown for grad school.
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Be positive and do stress what makes you unique. Good luck!