<p>I just got denied from Duke ED so I'm trying to find schools that I would have more of a chance in.</p>
<p>UT Austin (CNS Honors - in state)
Boston College
Tufts University
University of Notre Dame
Washington and Lee University
Rice University (in state)
Johns Hopkins University
Vanderbilt University
Washington University in St. Louis
University of Pennsylvania
Northwestern University</p>
<p>Asian-American (Male), Texas
Here are my stats:
Rank - 143/1417
GPA - 4.089 W, 3.49 UW (Messed up junior year from not being able to balance a full AP schedule, expecting a 3.9-4.0 for first semester grades now with the same rigor)
ACT Scores (I only took one) - Comp = 34, Writ=33, Math=35, Read=33, Sci=33, Essay=8
AP Tests - AP Chem=3, AP US History=3, AP English Lang=5
Took and taking as many AP classes as allowed and the highest rigor of the classes offered (Total 11 AP Classes and 2 IB Classes)
EC's - Catholic Youth Group (Guitarist/pianist/leader for 5 years), Catholic Youth Group Senior President, Interact, Asian American Leadership and Education Conference, Have been enrolled in the Gifted and Talented Education program since 2004, Dance for a Cause, Key Club, Vice-President of the Ping Pong Club, Science Club, Korean American Professional Network Leadership Council, Played piano for 9 years and guitar for 7 years.
Awards - Published an article for the Phoenix Literary Magazine, Allen Saint Andrew Kim Catholic Church Piano Player, AP Scholar, Second Place winner at the Allen Public Library's Talent show (Guitar piece), National Merit Commended Scholar, Eagle Scholar, 2007 Orchepia Piano Competition 2nd Place, 2008 Orchepia Piano Competition Finalist, National Honors Society, National Art Honors Society
Work - Part-time work at Aeropostale -- Promoted to "Aero Ambassador" for social output, Rudy's Barbecue, and Van Heusen
Community Service - Saint Andrew Kim Catholic Church (500+hours)</p>
<p>UT Austin (CNS Honors - in state): Match
Boston College: Match
Tufts University: Match
University of Notre Dame: High Match
Washington and Lee University: Match
Rice University (in state): High Match
Johns Hopkins University: Reach
Vanderbilt University: Reach
Washington University in St. Louis: Low Reach
University of Pennsylvania: Reach
Northwestern University: High Match</p>
<p>UT Austin (CNS Honors - in state): Match
Boston College: High match
Tufts University: Low reach
University of Notre Dame: High match
Washington and Lee University: High match
Rice University (in state): Low reach
Johns Hopkins University: Mid reach
Vanderbilt University: Low reach
Washington University in St. Louis: Low reach
University of Pennsylvania: High reach
Northwestern University: Low reach</p>
<p>UT Austin (CNS Honors - in state)-low match
Boston College-match
Tufts University-high match
University of Notre Dame-low reach/high match
Washington and Lee University-high match
Rice University (in state)-low reach
Johns Hopkins University-reach
Vanderbilt University-reach
Washington University in St. Louis-reach
University of Pennsylvania-high reach
Northwestern University-reach</p>
<p>Might look at Holy Cross-top25 LAC near Boston and Wake Forest. Holy Cross has great academics and offers good financial aid. Wake Forest is similar to Duke but easier to get into.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Explain your circumstances for having the low GPA in the applications if possible, and if it is due mainly to external issues (e.g. family issues)</p></li>
<li><p>You should not try so many universities (especially not UChicago!) mainly because you don’t really have time to write their essays so carefully! (especially UChicago!) You will need time to think hard about the question prompt and answer it well. That said, if you have already completed the essay, that’s fine. But please don’t over-stretch yourself. Delete some universities that you are certain you are not interested in.</p></li>
</ol>