<p>Hey, I'm currently a senior attending a public high school in San Francisco, CA. I am a Canadian citizen so attending college up north would be way cheaper, but I'm focusing more on privates in the US. I am hoping to get a sense of where I lie in the eyes of the admissions board for the colleges I'm applying to. I'm primarily focusing on business schools that have good undergraduate programs, specifically in marketing, and schools with solid reputation and job placement post-grad. </p>
<p>These are my colleges I am applying to in order of preference (not difficulty):</p>
<p>1) Cornell (yes, a longshot for me)
2) University of Texas @ Austin
3) University of Southern California
4) University of British Columbia
5) Boston University
6) University of Richmond (VA)
7) University of San Diego </p>
<p>8) and a few undecided safety schools..</p>
<p>Numbers:
Unweighted GPA (9-12): 3.49
Weighted GPA (9-12): ~3.7?
9th grade GPA: 3.5
10th grade GPA: 3.5uw / 3.7w
11th grade GPA: 3.5uw / 3.8w</p>
<p>Class Rank: - (I'm assuming top 25%)</p>
<p>AP Tests: 5 Biology, 3 English, 4 European History</p>
<p>SAT I: 1910
SAT II: 670 Biology (e), 730 Math I</p>
<p>Senior year courses: AP Government, AP Macroeconomics, AP English, Honors Physics, Yearbook, Calculus, Literature/Film</p>
<p>Strengths +:
- I lost my father to cancer during my sophomore year of high school. Since then I've become heavily involved in the cancer community both regionally and nationally
- I started a nonprofit organization in 2009 that has raised $20,000 for cancer research programs and initiatives. The campaign has attracted international media attention, from Korea to India, and has been recognized by local leaders such as Senator Barbara Boxer of California and Lt. Governor (former San Francisco Mayor) Gavin Newsom
- I launched cancer awareness/education campaigns all across the West and Midwest (OR, CA, NV, UT)
- Founded the Stand up to Cancer (<a href="http://www.su2c.org)%C2%94%5B/url%5D">www.su2c.org)</a> club at my high school. It has amassed over 300 members and the club has raised money through various fundraising events and activities.
- Invited as a guest speaker for the American Cancer Society annual convention (spoke about past efforts, addressed concerns to important figures in the cancer community)
- Admitted into Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth for distinction in mathematics
- I feel that I have the ability to write a strong and solid essay
- Strong counselor/teacher recommendation letters</p>
<p>Weaknesses -:
- Very mediocre GPA and SAT scores, nothing special
- After my father's declining health and eventual passing, my focus placed on academics dropped during my soph/junior year
- My widowed mother makes ~$30,000 and am financially limited; relying on need-aid to propel me through college. However I also have savings of roughly $20k and $10k support from grandparents. </p>
<p>I feel my core strengths include my dedicated efforts outside of the classroom, while also taking my academic career seriously, and my main weaknesses are pretty evident. </p>
<p>If you could also suggest any safety schools for me, that would be great. </p>
<p>Thanks so much,
Chris</p>