Hi I’m a junior in GA. I’m a Korean US permanent residence. I’ve been in ESL(English as Second Language program) till my freshman year… I would like to know my chances for my dream schools
GPA: 4.00 UW/4.65 W
SAT: 1440 - 770 for Math/670 for R+W (only taken once… taking another one this June) + 14/24 for essay(yes I BOMBED IT)
ACT: 30(Not sending)
SAT subjects: Math II 800/Biology M 770
APs: since I was in ESL program the teacher wouldn’t let me to take rigorous courses… I took my first AP(BIO) as a sophomore(got a 4) and took AP Physics 1, AP Psychology, APUSH in my junior year. Planning to take AP gov/macroecon, AP Environmental Science, AP Calc BC, AP Chem next year.
Other courses: All of my Math/Science classes are honors, and all of my LA/History classes are CPs except for 3(honors)
ECs:
-Korean American Student Association: Secretary for 2 years, president for 1 year
-Being a member for BETA and Math Team for entire high school years
-National Honors Society(11&12)
-Science Olympiad(11&12)- Attending number of competitions but not ranked yet… I’ll try harder upcoming year
-Church Youth group leader for entire high school years
-Korean School teacher(9&10)
-Church Praise team for entire high school years
-Church Executive/administration board member
-Worked at a cafe and a Korean restaurant during last year summer(b/w 10 and 11th grade)
-Volunteering hrs of 200+
-Awarded as a ESL student of the year(9th), math student of the class(9&10th)
-School Freshman mentoring(11&possibly 12-interview result hasn’t came out yet)
With these records, can I apply to NYU UCLA Emory GA TECH or BU/BC?
What do you want to study and is cost a factor? NYU, BU, and UCLA are not known for good merit aid. Make sure you apply to some affordable safety school, as well.
I actually don’t chance people because i believe with good stats like yours, your chances are good at all of the schools you listed - at least as good as the acceptance rate of the school.
Focus a lot on creating interesting essays that reflect a subject or activity that you are passionate about.
Based on your list, seems like you large, urban universities. What is your state flagship? Are you considered 1st generation for college?
The schools on your list are great, but based on what I’ve heard from the class of 2018 they might all be reaches (not sure about BU/BC), but definitely NYU and GA Tech. Also, have you looked at USC? A target school is somewhere you are likely to get in. Ohio State University & University of Pittsburgh come to mind.
You’re a GA resident - what about UGA - it’s a well respected flagship. You have only reach schools on your list. GA tech may be doable since you’re in-state, but I wouldn’t bet on it. You are in a competitive demographic, where many applicants with a similar background have higher stats, AP’s across the board, ranked in math/science olympiads and competitions etc. If you have a compelling background, perhaps that could help, but no guarantees.
I am with the others here who ask you to consider universities which are within your reach. FWIW, I am of Asian American heritage in NJ, and have seen a lot of kids in the Asian American community get rejected from every single one of their reachy schools, and ending up at our state flagship in the past few years. But then the next year’s group makes the same error…
Thanks for the advice! I was considering UGA too but decided not to go b/c too many people from my school goes there I kindda wanted to go out of state and have a fresh start or something haha but your advice was really helpful! thankss
@jjen680 NYU, USC and GA Tech, etc. are all reach schools because they are very competitive and have far more qualified applicants than they can accept. Target schools might include Drexel, UGA (check to see if you qualify for their honors program), and UMiami. Chapman in CA and UMD College Park may also be good to consider. A lot may depend on your intended major. If you are undecided between business and a pre-med track it might be best to apply to business. At some schools it can be difficult to transfer into business.
@jjen680 FYI - Business and Engrg. at Umd College Park is competitive , especially for out of state. UGa is ranked 54 by US News among national universities. OOS publics in that tier will often be expensive, competitive, or both. Highly ranked privates are all reach. So that leaves mid-tier privates which could maybe give you some aid.
Just concerned so much…