*Braces herself* What are my chances?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Currently I'm a junior in a TINY private school, so honestly, at this point I could throw applesauce on a paper and turn it in for an essay for the rest of the year and I'll still be in the top 10.</p>

<p>But as for the real world, that's where the worries start. I'd love to go to MIT or Berkeley but I can't say I exactly trust myself to make it.
My safety schools would be University of Florida and Florida International University.</p>

<p>As of now I rank somewhere in the top three of my class.</p>

<p>Gender: Female
Race: Black
GPA: It probably dropped to a 3.7 by now
SAT: Not pretty...I'm not good at standardized testing...
- Critical Reading = 610
- Math (Yes, I put MIT as a wish list college, so please don't laugh...) = 470
- Writing = 570 {Multiple Choice =57} {Essay = 8}
AP: My school doesn't offer any
Honors:
- Freshman: Science, History, English
- Sophomore: English
- Junior: English, Bible, Spanish
College Credit Classes: Intro to Computers (3 credits at Barry University for Dual Enrollment)</p>

<p>EC:
- Freshman: JV Volleyball, Teacher’s Aide
- Sophomore: National Honor Society, JV Volleyball, Class Treasurer, joined the church orchestra, joined the church choir, Accounting class
- Junior: National Honor Society, Class Treasurer, Church Orchestra, Church Choir, joined an organization called the Leaders of Tomorrow (part of the NBMBAA), Business class, Dual enrollment at Barry University</p>

<p>~~~~~
Although, to be honest, I started slipping grade-wise in my sophomore and junior year since my sister died and then the following year I had a not so pleasant experience when I arrived at a to party find two kids shot in the head and a family friend dead...that freaked me out...we were the first to the scene so it wasn't cleaned up yet...</p>

<p>I know there no excuse to start messing up my grades like that, but there was a decline in my grades after those, nevertheless. So far I've been getting A's and B's this year. Plus, my school's grading scale is supposedly harder than the surrounding public schools' scales.</p>

<p>So would any of those factors apply?
~~~~~</p>

<p>Future:
-Also, I definitely plan on taking another college-credit class during the summer at the community college.
-I'll retake the SAT of course
-I'll take the ACT
-I'll play volleyball again for senior year
-I'll do another two dual enrollment courses at Barry University. (Statistics this time and maybe Speech…unless there’s a better one I should take? If there’s a more beneficial one then please share.)
-Join the school band for my senior year
-Take at least three honors classes</p>

<p>Future (maybe):
-I might be spending a week in London at an International Leadership Conference this July. (The conference is still iffy since I have to qualify first, but my chances are decent.)
-I may go to a National conference in September as well but I need to get permission to miss school first...
-I plan on deferring enrollment and taking a gap year to go on a student exchange program after I graduate. Hopefully, Japan...
-Tryout for cheerleading
-Join track and field</p>

2

<p>No way your getting into Berkeley or MIT. Good luck with getting into UF</p>

3

<p>The decline is explained. Write the essay about the deaths if you can, to make sure admissions knows about that -I'd be surprised if finding a sister and other friends dead wouldn't impact somebody.</p>

<p>The GPA is fine, the class rank is fine, even though your school is extremely small.</p>

<p>It's just the ECs, but mostly the SAT. ECs are okay, but you'll want to try to show leadership -in activities and everything else, colleges want to see that you're involved with the community. They're looking for somebody who makes an impact on their surroundings, and takes advantages of the resources they have.</p>

<p>See if you can start organizations in things that are important to you, or find leadership roles. Find opportunities in everything that interests you.</p>

<p>At MIT, requirements for classes are:</p>

<p>One year of high school physics
One year of high school chemistry
One year of high school biology
Math, through calculus
A foreign language
Four years of English
Two years of history and/or social sciences </p>

<p>Copied and pasted. Take the hardest classes you can, whatever's available. If you don't have AP classes, they'll see that, you'll be okay.</p>

<p>Being African-American will help a lot, particularly at MIT. However, you're far below the average in standardized testing. Especially in math, where they usually get people with 800s, or close to it.</p>

<p>You'll also need SATIIs for MIT -one in math (they'll want IIc, although they'll accept either) and the other in a science.</p>

<p>The SAT isn't the most important part of the admissions process. But if it's that low (My apologies! This is just objectively speaking), in math as well, you're going to have a hard time.</p>

<p>Retake it, for sure. Make sure you prepare. If you have access to practice tests and books, get those -libraries often have them. Do the problems, and once you're done with the test, look over all the explanations for the answers. Including the ones you got right, to see what kinds of questions are on there (and in case you guessed!).</p>

<p>If you continue taking courses at Barry University, if you're aiming for MIT, it looks like you want to go into science or something similar. Go for science or math courses!</p>

<p>Tie the ECs in with that. See if you can get involved with research at a college near you.</p>

<p>MIT looks for talents and unique people, they're a LOT more subjective than most colleges (although academics will have to get you in the door, including SATs). So being black will help. Doing something unique will help.</p>

<p>Look at mitadmissions.org, there's a lot on there. Blogs and articles about things to do, too.</p>

<p>As for Berkeley, class rank and GPA are huge, as well as courses taken. SAT scores are worth more than at private schools (like any public school). Hardships, ECs, and involvement are taken into account. However, it should be noted that your ethnicity is not taken into account as much as at most schools, although it's still a factor.</p>

<p>Honestly, as of now (mostly with the SATs! The ECs and involvement, if you love doing something, should be easy to fix!), I don't see you getting into MIT or Berkeley.</p>

<p>But you can retake the SAT. Go for it, and don't forget the SATIIs.</p>

<p>I'm not sure if you're guaranteed into the University of Florida under Bright Futures, or whatever the program's called, but raising the SAT should be priority for there, too. After that, you should be in.</p>

<p>What major do you want to go into?</p>

4

<p>For the reach schools you mentioned, in addition to retaking the SAT's, you definitely need to devote a big chunk of time to training yourself for them. I recommend plowing through SAT prep books, reading all about SAT prep on this site and the College Web site, taking practice tests and reading all the answers including those you get correct. I'd put a top priority on bringing up your SAT's, rather than spending too much time on EC's. You want to realize your best potential on the scores.
Do prepare! Set aside many weeks for it, in the summertime.
For example, you write in your post well enough (perfect spelling, rare to see on CC, plus fine syntax) and came up with that adorable metaphor about applesauce. So, you should be getting l0's on your Writing essays, possibly better... but that'l only happen if you devote the time to research how to compose an essay using the structures they expect to see (thesis, supporting examples, conclusion) in a 4 or 5 paragraph essay. If none of that last sentence rang a bell, then surely you need to become prepared for the exams. Read the books (Kaplan, McGraw Hill, each has merit). THey cost about $16 apiece new but sometimes the GC's keep copies for loan. Try to buy your own book, however, to devour those practice tests. Look at the sAt prep thread here on CC, especially Xiggi's Method to study for the SAT, and if you wish some threads I published just before the January SAT's about the writing essay (try using the Search Threads for "Please Help with My Essay" or click on my name to "find other posts by same poster.") For awhile we were all figuring out how to raise 8 and l0 essays up into the land of 12, and you can do that based on what I see above.<br>
Your EC's sound terrific! Lots of great community and church involvement.
Have you organized a list yet of "safety, match and reach" colleges? Some inbetweens to fill in the space between the Florida schools and the stratosphere (Berkeley, MIT). So far I don't see why Berkeley or MIT would give you any consideration because of the SAT scores...
Also, the gun trauma day is over; I am truly sorry. And now, in honor of your sister's memory, it's time to get the grades up and keep them up. You could absolutely write an important essay for your app about what it taught you, but a continued excuse for grade depression it is NOT. The difference between an excuse and the source of courage is what it's all about. I'm truly sorry for her loss.
I only differ somewhat from the above poster about the role of your EC's. I would devote time to the SAT scores and continue with your lively, community and church-based, wellrounded EC's. It gives a hearty, fine picture of someone who likes to do many things. Don't turn that into a quest for the vice-presidency of some club, if that's not really YOU. Work on the SAT's. If leadership comes your way, fine, but sometimes an all-around gal is appreciated, too. So, if you can "tweak" something already in place (like becoming the vice-pres or treasurer for the choir where you already have many relationships) without changing your
time-devotion there, that'll give you something to check off when they ask about "leadership" but all of these are just brownie points to improve an app. You need more basics for your apps.
Now, if you identify an original project that means something to you, go for it. But if it doesn't come naturally to you, I wouldn't turn inside-out to invent leadership EC's.
You also sound like you have some good athletics and interpersonal skills. Think about who you'll ask for teacher recommendations. I'd go for someone in a core academic subject (since that's usually what's required anyway) who also knows you as a person. A major advantage of a small school, correct?
YOU CAN FIND SOME GREAT SCHOOLS. Think about what it is you liked about Berk and MIT, and find their little brothers and sisters. You need stuff inbetween Fl and those guys.</p>

5

<p>Thanks for the helpful responses, np99sky and paying3tuitions.</p>

<p>Don't worry, I'm not offended about the math quip.</p>

<p>I'm likely looking into business or ironically...accounting...</p>

<p>Also, I definitely will look into raising my SAT scores. I hardly think that it was an accurate reflection since I was not the least bit prepared. I'm also going to look into getting one of those books.</p>

<p>Honestly, I don't know why, but I just fall apart in math. So I have to concentrate on it specifically. I don't believe that it is a concepts problem as much as it is a problem in speed and stupid mistakes (decimals, hit the wrong button on the calculator, etc.). I used to be decent until my sophomore year. I actually took a higher class than my peers in middle school, and then I got a 89% average and the school sent me back down to the regular classes.
Speed and accuracy are my main problems. The SAT math is that low partly because I made a lot of omissions.</p>

<p>As of now, I can get a 75% Bright Futures coverage with the scores, but I have some work to do on getting 100%.</p>

<p>I should work on my writing as well. But that math is REALLY irking me.</p>

<p>And are there any suggestions on schools between the Berkeley and MIT types and the State schools?</p>

<p>I haven't looked into it that much. I suppose my mindset is that if it isn't a dream school, then let me at least have my secondary dream of not ruining my credit with a whole lot of loans. So, thus, I chose those state schools FIU and UF so I would not have to worry about a bunch of loans when I finish my bachelors. </p>

<p>I'll graduate, and while I rack up some experience before going back to school, my paycheck will be MINE and it will be beautiful. Plus, I'll already inherit a decent house that should sell alright.</p>

<p>I suppose what I'm saying here is that I don't think the loans are worth it if it's not a dream school. I'd rather stop the cycle of bad credit.</p>

6

<p>Everything you said about math errors is fixable with plenty of test practice, from those specific SAT books. They even give you all kinds of tips and strategies for how to improve your pacing, how to finish some types of problems before others, and in general deal with the time management under tight schedules! It'll help. And yes, my S just waltzed in and took his first SAT's to see as a curiosity. It doesn't matter at all if your first scores are low b/c they'll only look at the highest ones from all the times you take it.
Definitely apply to the state schools, but there could be some places that will give you merit aid rather than loans. I can understand why you don't want to take out loans. And the value from an inherited house is excellent.
To find some more names of schools, isn't there a counselor at your high school to help? Sigh. If not, go to Petersons.com and see if they somehow index schools that are generous towards URM's (under-represented minorities). DOncha love being an abbreviation?? :) Do you qualify for the (Bill) Gates Millenium Scholarship or other scholarships for AfricanAmerican women?
Your future is bright but you need to bridge your skills, especially this summer. All doable.</p>

7

<p>right now that math sat is way too low for MIT/UCB and really any tier1 school... its actually below the national average, who go to far less selective schools</p>

<p>look into the ACT maybe</p>

<p>and just a question. if your school is so small then wouldnt it be easy for you to drop out of the top 10%?</p>

8

<p>I remember a 4th grader in my school did the math SAT 3 years ago and got a 550. You can do better than that, trust me.</p>

9

<p>maths = practice practice practice. it's that simple. you'll get there</p>

<p>for writing, spend a few weeks with SAT word lists and know them by heart, you're gonna get at least a 700 if you work your ass off.</p>

<p>critical reading is the tricky part - it's basically an indicator of how good your foundation in english is and it's something that has to be built up over the years. from my experience, practicing for critical reading doesn't really help much, and its definitely the hardest to improve - i got a 750 on my first try without practicing, and i got 720 on my second try, with some studying. from this id say that sleep before the test day is much more important than anything else :P</p>

10

<p>Thank you all for the advice, and to a certain extent...the realism.</p>

<p>I'm still going to apply though. :P</p>

<p>I know it's just more of an SAT that seems to be the problem with me. I'm not that horrid at math, I just made a lot of omissions. Of course, that's not to say I couldn't take some improvement on math anyways, I still have things to learn and refresh--like plane geometry or quadratic equations.</p>

<p>Also, I recently took the placement test at the community college where I plan to take summer college credit classes. I fared much better on it than the SATs, despite the fact that I haven't even touched some of the math questions that were on it in AGES. The only time I've done a bit trigonometry was in 7th grade when I was still considered above average in math and they sent me up to a higher class. Needless to say, seemingly useless mathematics + nonchalant 7th grader + years later = what the heck is a cosine again?</p>

<p>But really, the proctor said that I had some of the highest scores they've seen in a while. (but with the ratings of the public schools in my area, I'm not sure whether to be proud or somewhat insulted).</p>

<p>I think the SAT fiasco was a mixture of ill-preparedness and nerves. After all, look at the placement test that I took. It was not timed, and I knew that even I didn't score high enough on the math, it would be okay since I would just enroll for an English class. But I managed to score college-level in the all the sections of the test. So, I believe that I might have actually been mentally sabatoging myself during math sections of the SAT.</p>

<p>But I think taking a College-level math class this summer would be for the best. No one is going to be holding my hand and saying "well you did your best" and all that rubbish. I'll have to work hard and actually pay attention especially since I plan to take the accelerated version of the course on top of the sheer fact that it is college level, and I didn't even finish learning high school math. So I'll REALLY have to work instead of just breezing by because I knew it already from somewhere. After all, even that class I took at the University was a bit of a easy just "slide by" course. It was Introduction to Computers and we mainly just worked with various programs in Microsoft Office and through some computer concepts in somewhere, and just called it a class. I almost wish I could take it again, just for the easiness of it.</p>

<p>Also, I found out my GPA wasn't as bad as I thought. I went to check it yesterday, and I found out that it is actually 4.1 weighted. I just hope that it doesn't drop any more.</p>

<p>And since this other girl transfered out of the school, I'm the second highest in the class currently.</p>

<p>@ crouton: About that top 10 thing. I suppose as a result of mine as well as my parent's limited knowledge about how the whole American education system works--especially for someone college-bound--I was under the impression that "Top Ten" actually meant the top ten students as opposed to the percentage.</p>