Chance me? Strong ECS... weak academics.

<p>Well, weak as in a 3.7 unweighted GPA. My primary concern isn't my overall GPA, but grades in individual classes (C in AP Bio and C in AP Calc AB). My grades are definitely the weakest part of my application. (I'm a junior right now.)</p>

<p>Test scores are mediocre:
2070 SAT (1st try. I'm retaking it this June)
30 ACT
760 SAT II Bio
5 AP Bio</p>

<p>However, my ECS are pretty strong. I am the editor-in-chief of a culture based website. It's pretty new, but traffic is increasing exponentially. The main plan is to spend time opening a fashion line based on the website itself. (I'm hoping to major in international business.)
I am a member of the marketing team for a non-profit organization that is centered around providing books for children in need.
I also have experience as a marketing and social media intern for a scholarship foundation.
Other activities include: Secretary for my school's FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and a squad leader for our nationally ranked color guard (3rd place).
This summer, I have plans to study several new languages and hopefully intern for a foreign company. (Right now, I am fluent in English and Cantonese. This is my third year taking Spanish, and I hope to start learning Mandarin and Japanese this summer.)</p>

<p>For colleges, my reaches are:
UPENN
UCLA
NYU
USC</p>

<p>I'm 'in line' with:
Boston U
UCI
UCSB</p>

<p>And my safety schools are:
UCR
UCSC</p>

<p>I'm a California resident and a first generation college student.
It would be super nice if I got tips for summer activities and things I should do to improve my chances for reaches.
(I completely understand that UPENN is a far reach for me. However, it is my dream school, and it would be amazing if I was accepted even with my sub-par GPA. I'm applying for CAS and the Huntsman Program.)</p>

<p>bump!!! :O</p>

<p>Update when you retake the SAT. But you seem to be pretty realistic about your reaches and matches. I agree with all of them. I’d venture to say you could aim a little higher, but then you’d make it harder for people like me.</p>

<p>Thanks for the reply!
Hopefully, I’ll get above the 2100+ range. The vocab really messed me up on the critical reading section.
Hmm… Do you have any suggestions for other schools that might be a reasonable reach? O: should I apply to a couple more schools? Thanks! :3</p>

<p>USC doesnt seem like that high of a reach, I would consider it a high match. Can get even closer to a high match for UCLA if you get your SAT up or even take the ACT</p>

<p>Also, if you are considering some east coast schools for business, some schools to apply to are:

  • University of Virginia
  • Penn State University Park (Apply for Smeal/Schreyers Honors College, #1 with corporate recruiters particularly in business)
  • University of Michigan
  • UNC Chapel Hill</p>

<p>Thanks for the input!
Do you think it would be wise for me to take a class in business this summer?
I was considering this online class at UCI: <a href=“https://summer.uci.edu/courses/sectiondetail.aspx?serialid=38010&session=S2[/url]”>https://summer.uci.edu/courses/sectiondetail.aspx?serialid=38010&session=S2&lt;/a&gt;
(I thought an online class would be a smart choice so I could focus on the website I’m running. O:)</p>

<p>bump! bump! :D</p>

<p>Those schools are reasonable. Add another AP 5 or SAT II 750+ and it gets better.</p>

<p>Hmm, alright.
I’m taking Math II (SAT II) this Saturday!
(Kinda freaked out about it.)</p>

<p>UMich business school (Ross) is very competitive. So your GPA and score would make you a high match at best (more likely a low reach or reach). Your EC definitely help though. Just want to point it out so you would not put too much expectation on it.</p>

<p>Hmm… I see! Thanks for the input!</p>

<p>Hi! Stats update. I received a 5 in AP English Language and a 3 (ouch) for AP Calculus AB. I’m taking 4 AP classes this year and I’m probably going to retake my SAT and ACT.
(I’m also taking the SAT II for Spanish and Math II… heh didn’t do too well on Math II the first time.)
I don’t think I’m applying to UCSC anymore. Should I apply to another safety school?</p>

<p>why does everyone type the ‘Huntsman’ Program in red?
just curious :S</p>

<p>^it only shows up in red on your computer because you searched it – meaning the forum marks it in red to show where it has been used within the thread</p>

<p>ohh, thanks :)</p>