Chance Me for Ivies, Norte Dame, Top 20s

Intended Major - Neuroscience; Possible Minor in Philosophy (I know Yale doesn’t have any minors, might double major if I get in, depending on workload).

Stats - 1510 SAT (20 essay), 3.95/4.48 GPA, 12 APs. Waiting on Math II, Lit, and Latin subject tests (all prob 750+, taking Bio in the fall and retaking SAT later)

Demographics - Black/Hispanic — some native ties to tribes in South America.

Awards - Gold medals in National Latin exam (x3; perfect score x1). National Semifinalist, AP Scholar, National Hispanic Scholar. Gold medalist at regional Latin competition (state qualifier)

ECs -
Founded non-profit, raised tens of thousands for internally displaced children in South America. Founded an international youth summit to promote youth empowerment amongst the internally displaced

Neuroscience research. Currently working on research paper with intention to submit to competitions in fall.

Neuroscience internship (around a hundred hours over the summer spent interning at local research university)

Published poetry in school publication, hopefully submitting to larger publication soon.

Founded Quizbowl and SciOly teams at school. Elected to NHS Board and Latin Club Board.

Regional and State guitar competitions (self taught)

Ivies are always unpredictable but with your SAT score, ECs, and underrepresented minority status you seem to have a competitive profile. At this point, it really comes down to you coming across as passionate in your essays.

Also, what’s your class rank/percentile? You didn’t mention it in your original post but where you stand compared to peers is just as(if not more) important than your raw GPA.

Good luck!

I’d agree with the commenter above me, you seem to have a competitive profile, especially considering your minority status. Just make sure to try to get your SAT score up higher, and don’t skimp out on essays - if you write really well, I’d be fairly confident in getting into a top 20 school. Again though, the application process for colleges can be unpredictable, and obviously top 20 schools recieve a lot of qualified candidates, so don’t be certain you’ll get in either. You have a shot though, which is more than what other students can say. GL!

My school doesnt report class rank, but I’d say around top 10%

Bump

You are definitely competitive. Especially with minority status, you can probably apply confidently to top schools. Your nonprofit and neuroscience research will play a great role in the application process. Highlight that the most, and you have an above average shot for sure! GL