<p>So, some of my stats are not good at all because I went to a magnet school in the area that was very competitive and focused of science and technology. I am from Manhattan, New York. I do not know where to apply for college, I've always wanted to go to an Ivy League School, but there is a slim to null chance of that happening. My Mother went to UVA so if I apply I will be treated the same as an in-state student. I am currently a Third-year in high school.</p>
<p>My List of prospective schools (I know that Ivy's are practically non-existant for me but hope cause ya'know):
University of Virginia
University of Pennsylvania
Columbia
PennState
University of Chicago
Northwestern U
U Michigan-Ann Arbor
Cornell
Duke
Virginia Tech
Brown</p>
<p>My GPA Unweighted is (3.5)
SAT (Taken Twice) (Only once score available other is the march 2014):
Math: 800
Writing: 690 (Definitely improved)
Reading: 680 (Most likely stayed the same small chance it broke 700)
Total Score: 2170</p>
<p>AP Courses Completed:
AP Biology
AP Calculus AB</p>
<p>Currently Taking:
AP Calculus BC
AP Macroeconomics
AP Microeconomics
AP Language and Comp
AP Physics B</p>
<p>Senior Year:
Post AP Multivariable Calculus/Linear Algebra
AP Statistics
AP Environmental Science
AP Government (Just the US not Comp)
AP Literature</p>
<p>Extracurriculars:
I am the founder of a Charity/Volunteer Organization
President of Investment Club
Treasurer of FBLA
Coordinating Officer of Young Republicans
100+ Volunteering Hours
First Lego League State 1st Place Teamwork
Currently Working on an iOS Social Network app</p>
<p>Okay, your chances at most/all of these schools are practically nonexistent. I’m really sorry if that’s harsh, but I’m trying to be honest. </p>
<p>Let me give you a real life example…
I know someone who took close to 14 AP & IB classes, had a 3.7 UW GPA, a 33 ACT, a list of ECs that were much more impressive than this, and good essays. She went to a very well respected prep school, one of the best known in the country. But her GPA was the killer of her app. </p>
<p>She was rejected from UVA. Legacy or not, it’s not going to comp for a 3.5 GPA if you’re OOS. Even instate probably wouldn’t take you with that GPA.</p>
<p>That’s not to say that you can’t build a strong list of third tier colleges. Build that EC list (win more awards, more leadership roles), drastically improve your GPA (upward trends always look good), retake the SAT until you get 2250+. You need all of those to compensate for your GPA up to this point. Let’s face it, Cornell/UPenn/Brown/Chicago are looking at national award winners with 4.0s and 36s on their ACTs. Magnet school or not, it’s not going to excuse a 3.5. It’d be fine if you had a 3.85+ at a tough school vs a 4.0 at a regular school, but a 3.5 is going to kill you.</p>
<p>Look into lower level schools. There really is no shame, even if it isn’t what you want. Do well enough there, and you can always apply to transfer in a couple years. Penn state is a good choice, VTech for a reach. Look into schools ranked 40ish - 100 on the USNEWS college ranking list. Everything else is pretty much out of reach. </p>
<p>Again, sorry if this is harsh. I just wanted to make your expectations more realistic, so you aren’t disappointed later.</p>
<p>I don’t remember exactly - I don’t have them memorized. I know she was president of at least two clubs in school, VP and treasurer of another few, had state and regional awards, founded chapters of clubs, was published, and was involved in student gov for at least one year (I remember her winning class secretary one year). </p>
<p>Granted, she applied for business at UVA, which is by far the most competitive program, but still. She was an extremely competitive applicant with an unfortunate GPA (3.7).</p>
<p>I don’t know exactly what she applied for - I haven’t talked to her for a while. The point is, you need to start looking at lower level schools. Please seriously consider schools under a 40 ranking or so - a 3.5 eliminates any chance you have at the top 30 schools.</p>
<p>If it is true that you’ll be treated as an in-state student at UVA, then you may have a shot. Your GPA isn’t incredibly high, but the courseload, EC’s and especially your SAT score may save you. Essays are probably going to be your saving grace with colleges I think.</p>
<p>Also, I just looked at your list again and saw something I didn’t before.</p>
<p>Unless you’re applying to get into the Engineering program, VTech is not hard to get into. I’m really not sure what everyone here is talking about. I know people with a 3.6 (weighted) GPA that get into that school. Granted, they’re instate, but still. Honest to God if you’re not applying for the Engineering program, you’ll get into VTech with no issue.</p>
<p>However, if you are thinking about applying for Engineering, VTech isn’t going to happen. That program is one of the hardest in the country to get in to.</p>