I’m hopefully applying to NYU, UChicago, UMichigan, UCSD and Cornell…
I’m applying from Canada and will have completed the IB program by the end of the year.
Predicted Grades:
HL Economics - 6
HL Math - 5
HL English - 6
SL Chemistry - 7
SL Physics - 5
SL French - 6
SAT scores:
Math - 760
Writing - 700
Reading - 650
Extracurriculars:
-Visual Arts Council Secretary and Treasurer (grade 11) and Co-President (grade 12)
-Founder/Co-President of Multicultural Arts Council
-DECA provincial qualifier (don’t know about nationals yet)
-FBLA participant (competition hasn’t started yet)
-Junior Achievement Company Program (grade 11 and 12)
-Recreational Activity Leader at local Retirement Residence (grade 10)
-Assistant Camp Counselor at Summer Art Camp (grade 11)
-Badminton Team
Recommendation letters are from Math and Chemistry teacher. Another one from IB Coordinator.
I’ll be applying to their math programs; Actuarial Science if it is offered.
Thanks!
P.S. if anyone is applying to any Canadian universities, I can chance you as well!
U Chicago: reach
Cornell: low reach
NYU: match (i am also applying to NYU as an international student)
U Michigan: match
UCSD: match
good luck!!
UChicago: high reach
UMich: reach
Cornell: reach
NYU: low reach
UCSD: match if full pay, high match otherwise
Academically (grades + test scores) you’re qualified, although both could be higher for schools like UChicago/Cornell. Your main problem is twofold:
- Math major with a 5 in IB math. I know well that IB math HL is the devil's creation - or so those taking it at my school say - but a 5/7 in a course central to your major is still a 5/7.
- A lack of any notable extracurriculars - it seems you've done a lot with art, but several of these schools (UChicago/Cornell/UMich as an out-of-state applicant) have enough applicants with a deep interest in two or three activities, and strong well-rounded applicants, that unless you've won international recognition it's difficult to get in with just a single significant extracurricular. Even at NYU, that'll handicap you somewhat.
@NotVerySmart
Hmm, thanks for your opinion!
Concerning my predicted 5 in math, I am a very strong student in math and was working at a level 6 last year however this year I just can’t focus during tests. Will they look at last year’s mark as well or just final IB predictions?
As for my ECs, the arts and finances are something I’ve been really passionate about. Most of my ECs revolve around either one those areas so would that make any difference? Let’s say if I make it to internationals for either DECA or FBLA, would that set me apart a little?
Thanks again 
To your first question: that’s actually better. Your math grades, as US colleges will see them, will be the following:
6 last year (assuming this was your grade at year’s end)
5 on your midterm report this year (assuming this doesn’t go up or down)
US schools don’t look at predictions, but at report grades.
With regards to your ECs: your art stands out as something you’ve been involved with quite a lot, but FBLA and the company program just seem like things you’ve been a “participant” in. The issue with this is that anyone can be a participant - a kid who shows up to one meeting a month could also list him/herself as a FBLA participant, and colleges can’t really tell that student apart from you on an application. The solution is generally to have some achievement that proves you’ve invested significant time in an activity - FBLA awards, for instance - and ideally some prominent achievement or recognition (e.g. a piece in the New Yorker about your art).
If you can make it to internationals in FBLA or DECA, it certainly wouldn’t hurt, although quite a few applicants to some of the schools on your list would’ve done the same. It won’t be the reason you’re admitted, but it would help.
@NotVerySmart
Hi again,
Oh, I don’t think I made it very clear when I was listing my ECs but DECA and the Company Program are very dear to me. Especially Company Program, I held an executive position for both years and in my province, it’s regarded as a very big deal.
In terms of what you said: “anyone can be a participant”, would my only chance to prove that I’m actually passionate about these activities be through the extra essays and questions?
Sorry for asking so many questions, I’m really unfamiliar with the process.
Thanks
If you’ve held leadership positions in any activities, that’s one way to show that you were more than a participant. There are people who are executives/officers in 42 different clubs, but if your leadership resumé seems reasonable (i.e. possible within a day that’s only 24 hours long) it’ll generally be taken at face value.
You’re certainly a more competitive applicant than your original post would indicate, although many of your schools are still reaches for anyone because they’re so selective.
Your essays can touch on activities like this if they say something about your personality that the rest of your application doesn’t, but the primary goal is to showcase yourself as a person - which will matter a lot more than adding to the 10 activities the Common App already allows you to list.
@NotVerySmart
My goal is NYU so what are my realistic chances for this school?
Thanks for all the other advice; will make sure to use it.