Chance me please? plus a couple more questions and concerns!

Applying to College
1

<p>Hello everybody. I am not really sure how great my chances are at getting accepted to a top UC (UCLA UCSD Berkeley) or a private university (i.e. USC). I am a male Filipino student, and I attend a private college prep high school with high academic standards, I suppose. If you could just see how I measure up, that would great! Thanks!
Here is my resume:
Academics:
Weighted: 4.5 ESTIMATED
UW: 3.86 ESTIMATED
SAT: 1870
Scholars Program Member
NHS
CSF
ELC qualified: top 9%
Junior year: honors/AP classes
Incoming senior: honors/AP</p>

<p>Extra-Curricular:
Co-President and co-founder of the Ski and Snowboard Club
Asian Pacific Club (4 years)
Christian Service Corps (2 years)
Interact! Service Club (2 years)
Altar Server (11 years)
Student Ambassador (2 years)
Wrestling team (3 years)
These are most of my accomplishments, minus a few, but that's the gist of it. </p>

<pre><code> HERE ARE MY CONCERNS.
</code></pre>

<p>1)I haven't been able to do something extra "spectacular" the summer after my junior year. I have been able to do a few smaller things such as volunteer with my church to help feed the homeless, as well as help my friend plant a vegetable garden in a low income neighborhood to give them access to fresh produce. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed doing these and have learned so much from thees events, but I feel colleges want more. (please correct me if I'm wrong) However, I will be going to the Philippines this December, during my senior year and possibly after the application deadlines, where we will volunteer for an organization. Is this something I should include in my application?? I feel it's that "wow factor" colleges want to see, but not sure if future accomplishments "count". (I couldn't figure out how else to word that haha)
2) My SAT score is not competitive. An 1870 is not the best score, so I'm not sure how greatly I will be affected. However, I plan on taking an SAT prep class, which should really help for the October SAT. My expected goal is around the high 1900s. (Hopefully!)</p>

<pre><code> With my accomplishments/concerns: what are my chances of getting into a top UC or a private, such as, or related to, USC? If they are not very good, should I be thinking more of a lower UC or possibly CSU? Also, how much money do you think I could get from a UC or private, like USC, from merit-based scholarships? USC is sooooo expensive!
</code></pre>

<p>I know the admissions process isn't this simple, but any advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!</p>

2

<p>I don’t know a lot about the UCs in terms of chances, but I do feel I can provide competent answers to some of your concerns.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Colleges aren’t looking for anything spectacular in your summers. Sure, doing something spectacular could be helpful, but they’re really looking to see you did something productive. It sounds like you’ve made better use of your summer than just sitting around all day or partying, which is really all you need.</p></li>
<li><p>They’re not looking for any “wow factor.” Most things that students have done aren’t as impressive as the students seem to think. What many students think is fulfilling some “wow factor” aspect of your application really doesn’t mean a lot to adcoms. They really don’t care where you built a school if they can’t tell that that’s something important to you.</p></li>
<li><p>If these are definite plans, you can include them on your resume. However, it’s probably better to just update them with an email afterwards.</p></li>
<li><p>I’d recommend trying to improve your score. High 1900s would be a significant improvement over your current score.</p></li>
</ol>

3

<p>Thank you very much for the replies! They’re both really helpful!</p>