Are numbers really everything? pleease say they are..

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Most students have the problem that their SAT scores and grades might not reflect what a great person they actually are. so the obvious advice is to be involved and write amazing app essays. I have the opposite problem. I hardly have any ECs(certainly not any outstanding ones) and KNOW that I will not be capable of writing a good app essay. However, looking at just numbers I will be just fine. So I was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on my chances at my reaches (duke, caltech, vanderbilt) and my matches (harvey mudd, wake forest). (I'm not really worried about my safety because it's a small private school where both of my parents went that I've already been told by the tennis coach that I'll get in easy.</p>

<p>So here are my stats (not quite as long of a list as most):
I am in the full IB programme at my school and have a 3.8 GPA unweighted
Sophomore year I took AP US history and AP Stats and got 5s on both exams, by the time I graduate I will have taken 10 AP exams and 10 IB exams.</p>

<p>ACT- 34
SAT- 2280
*going to be a national merit semifinalist (score of 227 on the psat)
NHS member
Maryland Distinguished Scholar</p>

<p>I was #1 on varsity tennis team for all 4 years and captain junior and senior year as well as being ranked in the top 20 in my state, but I don't want to play college tennis so that won't be helping me get in
I coach a Special Olympics tennis team and a basketball team a few nights a week</p>

<p>So both of my ECs are decent, but that's really all there is that I do besides a few one-year stints at various sports and activities that I decided not to pursue.</p>

<p>So chances at any of those schools would be greatly appreciated.. Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Good luck. I got a 34 and 2250. Both MIT and Chicago deferred me. I suggest you contact the coaches at the schools you want to attend saying you want to play tennis. This will increase your chances. Then, once you get in, tell the coach your parents want you to focus on academics so you won't be able to paly.</p>

3

<p>Good point, thanks!</p>

4

<p>I think you are underestimating yourself. I would be surprised if you didn't get into Vandy.</p>

5

<p>You need to realize that your numbers wont be a sure ticket. Right now your taking a very idealistic approach and yes it helps to be optimistic but you need to be practical. Now Im not saying you have bad scores or have bad chances but that essay can be something that makes or breaks your acceptance because with your scores you could be right there but they are looking for something just a little special. Also, I know you dont list your ECs but a strong set of ECs can show your dedicated to something and can illustrate your passions.</p>

<p>Good Luck, and if it isnt to late, try writing some better essays get help from peers and teachers, just be proactive.</p>

<p>Afterall: Good things happen whe you do good</p>

6

<p>how could u live in maryland and put Duke as ur first choice and say it's a reach -> auto reject lol
j/k</p>

<p>ur scores are pretty good gpa is high too.</p>

<p>vanderbilt, HM are matches
caltech is reach
wake is a safety for u i think</p>

<p>as for duke, i'm not gonna comment cause I don't know how they do admission lol</p>

<p>their athletes average about 1000/1600 (old SAT) but their students average about 1420/1600, you could play tennis for them to get in.</p>