<p>First let me say I think you are into Madison and Michigan without a doubt. You have great stats, but alot of applicants to the top schools will have similar and better stats too. That’s why things such as class rigor and ACT scores are so important, because they help distinguish you. Secondly, unless being the first person in your family to go to college is a huge motivation, I would think about writing about something you are passionate about. When I visited Duke, they said things like being a legacy and first generation are considered a feather on the scale. It will help you a little bit without a doubt, but it won’t make or break your application because there are so many other things they look at. I can’t tell you what you should do just sharing some insight with a fellow Wisconsiner. As for your chances, I think you have your best shot at northwestern. If you would have applied ED that would have helped even more, but you can still get in RD. Stanford Duke and Cornell are all reaches, but that is because, espically Stanford, they are reaches for most people,and your ACT is a little low for them (I know it doesn’t seem right), and while you have some very good ECs there is nothing eye popping. Good luck!</p>
<p>Chance me back?<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1418125-chance-me-duke-other-top-schools.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1418125-chance-me-duke-other-top-schools.html</a></p>