Mega reaches: Stanford, Columbia, UChicago, Dartmouth, Northwestern
Slightly less reach-y but still reaches: Rice, USC, Barnard college, Tufts
White female from DFW area.
GPA: 4.0 (unweighted) 4.94
Rank: 17/about 600, but if I maintain A average for senior year I will be 1
ACT: 34
SAT: 1410, but retaking in August
Haven’t taken SAT subject tests yet
AP Coursework: AP World History, AP Physics, AP Macroeconomics (sophomore year),
IB Diploma Candidate Coursework: IB Biology HL, IB Art HL, IB Lang & Lit HL, IB History of the Americas HL, French SL, Math SL
AP & IB Scores: 4s on WH, Physics, & Macro. 5 on IB French SL (probably my weakest subject)
ECs: Percussion for (5th-12th grade), High School Band for (9-12), Varsity Percussion member (10-12), top Wind Ensemble member (10-12), participated in an independent indoor drumline for 1 year, attended percussion symposium (10) and 3 instructional percussion camps (11), Member of NHS (10-12), Key Club (10-12), Civil Liberties Club Member & Historian (11-12), IB social club treasurer (12), attended SMU Human Rights Summit (12)
Awards/recognitions: AP scholar, various awards in band & indoor drumline, had my art in a selective local show
Extra??: I’m currently working on illustrating a children’s book with plans to publish
I’m in the top 6% of my graduating class, so if I can’t make these schools, I am planning to attend UT Austin
Any tips to help my app would be SO greatly appreciated!
I think you have a fair chance at the schools you applied to, but you have to remember that that chance is slim to none no matter what your stats are. I would recommend doing some outstanding extra curricular activity that truly stands out and shows your passion for what field you want to enter.
Personally I don’t think that your “slightly less reach” schools are impossible to get into. You have a good GPA, good stats (Obviously I’m assuming that your subject tests are going to be good), but your ECs could use some work, especially if you’re looking at the “mega reach” schools. I’m not sure if you’re a rising senior, but if you’re not, then try to get more leadership positions. Ivies are a reach for everyone, but good luck!
So far so good. UT is a good school, but only has a limited number of slots for certain programs, like business, engineering, computers, or nursing. Be sure you apply early and put in a couple more safety schools just in case. I would suggest adding Texas A&M, Houston, or even UT-Dallas. Getting into a school is one thing, but having the freedom to choose or even change your major can be very difficult at UT.
By the way, you qualify for the Presidents scholarship at TCU, which would cover full tuition. Baylor has a similar program as well.