<p>Hey everyone. I'm new on CC and I was wondering if you can give me some feedback.</p>
<p>I'm african american female (parents were born in Africa)
I have a 3.5 gpa
I've taken 7 AP classes an Honors Psychology class and 14 college prep classes dring high school mostly B's and C's a couple of A's</p>
<p>I've taken the SAT once and I got a 1690 I plan to take it again.</p>
<p>I've also been in Choir (JV and Varsity level) the choirs I've been in won top rating in our region. I also partcipate in UIL competitions as a soloist and receive 1's. Ihave also participated in 2 school musicals (they're huge in our town)</p>
<p>I have also been president of a Nigerian ethnic group for youth for two years. I've also volunteered at my local church for four years as a summer counselor for VBS (Vacation Bible School). And I've also been a volunteer at a library for two years.
I am also a Member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. I'm ranked 200/1008 (top 20%?)
I've also been doing some individual research on the Yoruba, Igbo, and Urhobo tribes of Nigeria for a year.</p>
<p>I know applying to Brown is a HUGE HUGE reach for me.
But do you guys think I have a chance if I write amazing essays and bring my "specialness" up front?</p>
<p>I retook the SAT on Oct. 4th. My score should be around a 1900. At the time I took the SAT for the first time, I was also studying for the ACT, final exams, and AP tests at the same time.
My grades are also showing an upward trend so I should have a 3.7 by the time I submit my Early Decision application.
Can anyone else give input on my situation?</p>
<p>Brown accepts more URMs than any of the Ivy league schools--however, the average applicant to Brown has at least one SAT score (out of the three) that is at 770 or above, and has an average W GPA of about a 4.2 </p>
<p>However, they do look for uniqueness (same as all schools--especially Ivies) and they do try to find that one exceptional person who may slip through the cracks, or who brings in the uniqueness they need to build a well-rounded student body.</p>
<p>My suggestion to you is to expand on the unique focus of your studies into your African heritage--and why this is important to you, and how you think going to Brown will help you in this regard. Also, explain the musical/choir aspect of your education, and any special skills you bring in regard to your musical training.</p>
<p>Only if you can somehow come across as a truly "unique" individual will you have a chance at success (and from what you wrote, you seem to understand this). And, of course, increasing your SAT I and SAT II scores will also be critical to an acceptance, as will you having taken 7 AP classes and hopefully, having done well in them.</p>
<p>Best of luck.</p>
<p>P.S. I was accepted at Brown myself, but was unable to attend for financial reasons (back when I was accepted they didn't provide the financial aid they do now to poor and/or disadvantaged applicants.)</p>
<p>Post #5 offers valuable advice. Post #4 is troubling because I wonder how one can predict their own SAT scores. This suggests that there may be a maturity issue; especially when using as excuses additional study that should have increased your SAT scores. Your chances are well less than 5% in my opinion due to very low SAT scores and due to a failure to state "Why Brown"?
P.S. It would be helpful if you broke your SAT scores out section by section and gave an indication of your class rank (as GPA means nothing outside of that context). Also what do you want to study? This will help posters in recommending other schools to you.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for answering my post. Coldwind, I didn't say that I will for certain get around a 1900 SAT score. And I wasn't making any excuses. The first time I had not studied and left a lot of the test blank. This time I was more prepared about the test. My updated rank is about 200 out of 1013 people (around top 20%). I want to go to Brown because I've read up and asked about archaeology in the anthropology department and it is something I want to be a part of.
I also like how the Brown student body is more diverse tahn the other colleges I've been looking at. I now Brown is a reach for me and I would appreciate it if you guys would give me advice or name other colleges similar to Brown with a higher admission percentage.</p>
<p>Post #7 was a bit on the harsh side. I was trying to help. If you just want praise, this may not be the place. To be blunt, you do not have a strong chance at being admitted to Brown in my opinion. Oberlin is a great school that is quite liberal & exciting. Bowdoin was the first to either admit blacks or the first to have a black professor. Bowdoin is a great school in a beautiful, semi-rural location but would also be a very substantial reach for you. Macalester College in St. Paul/Minneapolis area may be a great option for you. Occidental College in Calif.
P.S. You do make a lot of excuses. Just reread your posts #1 & #7. As an adult, I feel that your tone does not show a high degree of maturity. Please do not get upset as I am trying to offer constructive criticism as honestly as I see it. I am not trying to put you down.</p>
<p>I'm sorry Coldwind. I didn't mean to sound rude. I was just trying to explain where I was coming from.
Thank you so much for your advice on other colleges to look for.</p>