Chance an URM?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hey guys. So I'm in the middle of my junior year, and am obviously starting to look at colleges. My list obviously ranges from safeties to matches to reaches, and if you guys could look at my credentials and give me an honest opinion regarding my chances at these schools, I'd really appreciate it!</p>

<p>GPA: 3.8 unweighted; 5.3 weighted
Class Rank: Top 10% (out of 271 students)
SAT I: 2140 (Math - 750, Critical Reading - 670, Writing - 720). I retook the test in May and am hoping to get 2200-2250+ super-scored when I get my scores back next week.
SAT IIs: So far, I've only taken Math I, and got a 720. I plan on replacing that score with one from the Math II, and will also take the Physics and French tests (each projected to be 700+).</p>

<p>As for APs, my school does not offer a lot, by my class load is still without a doubt rigorous.
I am currently taking AP French, AP Physics B, Honors Biology, Honors Pre-Calculus, Honors English, and Honors Modern American History. Next year, I plan on taking AP Calculus BC and AP Biology, in addition to a lot of other honors courses (seriously, my high school does not offer any AP history or English classes; only sciences, languages, and math).</p>

<p>I have taken the AP French, AP Physics B, and AP History tests this year, and will likely get 4s or 5s on all three.</p>

<p>As for ECs, I have done a lot more musically than I have athletically, but that does not really bother me.</p>

<p>I was the drum major of the school marching band junior year, and will be continuing for senior year.
I've played the violin privately and for school orchestra for over 11 years.
I've been part of a local youth orchestra for 2 years now.
I've played the piano for 12 years.
I've played the saxophone in concert band, jazz band, marching band, and privately for 3 years.</p>

<p>As far as sports activities, I play recreational soccer and basketball (detest school teams). I also like to play golf for fun with my father.</p>

<p>As far as any academic awards:
In the National Honor Society.
Eligible for the Nation Merit Scholarship.
Best middle income country in 2010 at the International Economic Summit at Harvard University.
Won an impressive UChicago-sponsored book award this year from my school.</p>

<p>Additional Information/Hooks:
Legacy - my father graduated from Amherst College summa cum laude in his major.
Underrepresented minority - I am an African American student.
Application - I plan on applying early decision to either Amherst or UPenn.</p>

<p>I plan on double majoring in economics and government in college.</p>

<p>My current list of schools I'm looking at:
Amherst College
Bowdoin
UPenn (CAS or Wharton)
Columbia
UChicago
Northwestern
University of Michigan
Lehigh
NYU
McGill
Fordham University
American University
UMass Amherst</p>

<p>Thanks in advance! :)</p>

2

<p>No one can really accurately “chance,” and anyone who says “hey, you are an African American so you’ll get in everywhere”…is being dishonest with you because they truly CANNOT KNOW! However, you have put together an extremely thoughtful list of schools ranging from safeties to reaches. And, based upon your credentials, you should certainly apply to every single one of them, knowing that you may not get into all of them. Given your status as an Amherst legacy, it would seem that should be your logical ED choice. But you have raised the possiblity of also applying ED to Penn. Because these schools are so different in type (though not rigor, or admissions difficulty) you need to think seriously about which environment you really prefer: the large research university (Penn), or the small LAC (Amherst). If Penn has greater appeal, that should be your ED choice, despite your legacy status at Amherst.</p>

<p>I don’t really believe in “chancing,” though I do subscribe to a belief in thoughtful advising (two different things). I would advise you to pursue this entire list of schools, only narrowing down based upon further research. Really concentrate on the schools you want to attend, while continuing to maintain a list that remains as broad in terms of safeties, matches, and reaches.</p>

<p>Yes, work on raising the SATS. Make sure that your ECs are focused on your passions (music clearly stands out for you, as one). Work long and hard on really thoughtful essays and supplements! If you do these things, you could – I say could, not will, but could – have a very successful admissions season. There are no guarantees, of course. And I make none. But DO pursue your dreams!!!</p>

<p>Good luck!!!</p>

3

<p>You have a solid shot at every reach school on your list, but if you apply ED to Amherst, I think you would have an excellent chance of getting in with the legacy, URM, Ed boost and stats. Hopefully your sat improved</p>

4

<p>Thank you both for taking the time to respond to my post. I really appreciate the gesture, and will take both of you advice to heart!</p>

5

<p>Bump additional char.</p>

6

<p>Bumping once more…</p>

7

<p>You definitely have a solid shot wherever you apply; I’d definitely take cortana’s advice and apply ED somewhere… Amherst would be great because you’re a legacy, and that, combined with being an URM, will help you a lot…</p>

<p>Good luck! :slight_smile: I’m sure you’ll end up somewhere great (=</p>

8

<p>Thank you very much for the response!</p>

9

<p>Updating the thread to reflect my new SAT scores:</p>

<p>March Test: 750 M, 720 W, 670 CR
May Test: 790 M, 650 W, 660 CR
Superscored: 2180</p>

<p>So basically, my SAT has had a 40 point increase. Is this satisfactory, or should I retake the test again in October? All feedback is greatly appreciated!</p>

10

<p>Although Amherst doesn’t have interviews, you being a legacy are entitled to a private Dean/Student talk where they will tell you the strength of your application and give you pointers on how to improve it. Good luck.</p>

11

<p>Thank you! I guess I probably should have mentioned that I indeed have an interview with an Amherst dean in the middle of June. Any advice for the interview would be welcome as well!</p>

12

<p>Bump 10char</p>

13

<p>2180 is good enough. Good luck to you.</p>

14

<p>Any advice anyone has for interviews?</p>

15

<p>Wanted to add to this thread that my subject tests have come back as followed:
800 - Math I
800 - Math II
720 - Physics</p>

<p>Clearly I will go with the math II and physics. (I took the math for fun after realizing that I wasn’t prepared for the French). Does anyone think a third subject test for October or November is necessary, or should I just stay with what I’ve got? Thanks.</p>

16

<p>Bump additional characters</p>