<p>-Unweighted GPA: 3.97
-Weighted GPA: 4.6
-I only have gotten 1 B and the rest are A’s - All honors/AP/Advanced
-SAT math: 610
-SAT CR: 630
-SAT writing:590
-NOTE - I AM WORKING ON IMPROVING TO A 2000
-Male, white, VA resident
-My high school is public but nationally recognized
-My class rank is 15 / 400
-Haven’t gotten AP scores back, but I’m in AP Calc, English, and US History, should get 4/5s</p>
<p>-Income - $150,000
-Mom and Dad both have college degrees
-I’m part of the Leadership Development Team for my DECA chapter
-Spanish National Honor Society member
-Travel ice hockey captain
-Essay is pretty damn good man, I love writing
-I have to say I perform admirably (no cockiness intended)</p>
<p>My biggest accomplishment is being an International Finalist at the DECA International Career Development Conference. I also work as a Pool Manager.</p>
<p>Schools:</p>
<p>Cornell
Brown
Harvard
Yale
UVA
Duke
UNC Chapel Hill
Vanderbilt
UPenn</p>
<p>Safeties:</p>
<p>James Madison University
Virginia Tech
Hampden Sydney</p>
<p>Even with a 2000 SAT, the score will be your downfall for nearly all of the reaches you have listed there (the Ivies). A score upwards of 2200+ is typically the “norm” for white males without any astounding hooks. Have you tried the ACT? Many do better on the ACT than the SAT.</p>
<p>I will tell you what other people have told me: for the Ivies and other top-tier universities, try to get your SATs to at least a 2200. It’s good that you have all advanced classes. You don’t seem to have that many ECs though. Are you really involved in the activities that you do partake in? Try to show your passion for DECA is that is the activity that you feel you have accomplished the most in. Also, make sure to write the best essays you can possibly write. I think that getting into the Ivies and other top schools will be difficult but doable if you improve your SAT score and really put a lot of time and thought into your applications. Good luck!</p>
<p>Red Knightmare - I understand! I’m going to sign up for the ACT this weekend. Thanks for input man I really appreciate it. You’re right - my EC’s blow. HARD. I only have hockey, Spanish NHS, and DECA… Any tips on how to improve that before this November?</p>
<p>collegeluva101 - Thanks for the information man! I definitely will push DECA as my top tier club as I’ve stuck with it all 4 years. I’ve been to the International Career Development Conference twice - freshman and junior year. Any application tips?</p>
<p>Misouriboy - Thanks. I’ll probably stress my involvement with DECA for 4 years, 3 terms as an officer, and 2 trips to ICDC and 3 trips to States.</p>
<p>friedman - I know this is cliche, but how can I effectively improve my score?!</p>
<p>It looks like you need a better SAT score and considerably more ECs to get into those Ivy League schools. You’re kinda relying on your amazing GPA. If you add more volunteering and ECs and get at least a 2000-2100 on the SAT, you have a much better chance at UNC and UVA and maybe Cornell.
Cornell-Reach
Brown-Reach
Harvard-Reach
Yale-Reach
UVA-High Match
Duke-Reach
UNC Chapel Hill-High Match
Vanderbilt-Reach
UPenn-Reach</p>
<p>I agree with everybody else here – your SAT score is the weakest part of your application. However, don’t lose hope! I got an 1840 (or something around there) on my first SAT, but eventually worked it up to a 2190. For the month or so taking your next SAT or ACT (I’d actually recommend doing both again), I’d recommend spending some serious time with a prep book just studying for it. Both of these tests can be mastered with practice. Put in a few hours each week (more as the test approaches) simply studying for it, and you’ll surely see a large improvement in your scores.</p>