Haha, you’re right! I’m definitely not applying to Wharton though… very much an English major 
@doorrealthe
@writergirl0316 make your essays unique and your “Why Penn” as detailed as can be. I think you’ll get in.
Let me know if you have any questions about the whole process - I’ve learned a lot in the past year
(and i thought i had decent writing ecs lol) Your ECs are stellar! You’re at the very least waitlisted at the Ivies (though I think you have a very good chance at Brown and UPenn) Your academic stats look very good as well, I would try to bring that ACT grade up to a 34-35, especially if you’re serious about Ivies. From someone who’s 3/4 of the way through the process (just need to hear back) - do not underestimate the value of the essays and commitment to ECs when you have constant academic stats like yours. Best of luck to you next year!
I was actually wondering how you got involved with the Huffington Post, if you don’t mind speaking about that. I wanted to write for them but wasn’t sure who to contact or what I should send. Thanks! @doorrealthe
Yes, I am retaking the ACT in April… the last passage on science just caught me very off guard, so I will be extensively practicing that section until then. Thank you! @2017journalismhopeful
Wow these are really impressive ECs.
Yale SCEA: I wouldn’t go as far to say that you are a likely admit (almost nobody is) but given how impressive your stats are and how good of a fit you are to the school, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if you got in. I’ve seen people who’ve done less than you and who’ve gotten in; then again, there’s so much luck in this that you never know. Just get your test scores up
Given you strength as an applicant and fit with the school, I would lean towards Yale SCEA. Definitely look into both schools before you make a decision though.
Penn: Admit/WL
Georgetown: Admit/WL
Harvard, Princeton: I don’t know. They are super unpredictable from my experience.
Emory: likely admit
Rest of them: Admit
Good Luck!
Thanks! If I raise my ACT to a 34 & get good SAT 2 scores, would that be adequate? @CaliBoi4567
34 is a good start. Try to hit 35. Yale is looking for students who are really “well rounded.” They want strong writers who are also proficient in STEM. Getting good standardized test scores (especially for somebody who isn’t URM, low income, etc.) is really important for proving this.
I got to know this from the perspective of a STEM student who had to prove his interest for the liberal arts.
I was always told (from CC & otherwise) that schools want well-rounded student bodies, not necessarily well-rounded students, though proficiency isn’t the same thing as interest. I don’t think that taking the ACT more than twice if I hit a 34 would be looked upon favorably, no? I will also take two math APs by senior year, and my math ACT score wasn’t bad, just science, which was hopefully a fluke. If I can get science to mid-30’s, I should have a 35 (or just miss it.) @CaliBoi4567
Science isn’t looked at too harshly. You still have a 33. If I were you, I’d be done with testing
@latinvibes : I was considering that, but I don’t think there’s any harm in trying again since twice isn’t excessive. (Also, even though my ECs are strong, I’m still a white girl from NY… lol)
@writergirl0316 I mean, it’s your money and it’s your Saturday. I wouldn’t bother but it is your choice. I’m saying what I’m saying because I’ve seen people accepted to Columbia with a 26 ACT and rejected with a 35 . Obviously it’s not the norn and a good score can only help, but don’t obsess over it.
Also, being a white girl will not keep you out of top schools
No, I know! I’m just saying that my regional & ethnic demographics are overrepresented at these schools, so I should try and be above “average” to be admitted. Most of those accepted with 26’s have a very strong hook in another way. @latinvibes
I got a 34 the first time I took the ACT. I ended up taking it 4 times in total to get my final score of 36. Personally, I felt it was worth it. Ultimately, it’s up to you if you think it’s worth the time.
@writergirl0316 Her “hook” was her story, as it is with anyone admitted to schools with ~10% acceptance rates, despite demographics. I think everyone has a compelling story to tell, it’s just that some are better at communicating that then others. Regardless, I think you definitely have the capacity to bring your composite up, but again, don’t obsess.
Nice stats and ECs.
I’d be careful with writing your essay based off something you’ve already submitted and is nationally recognized… they could see your re-use of the essay as lazy. idk how in depth the admissions offices will look, but if its an award you’ll be talking about and if it shows up when you google your name, you might not want to use that essay. I’d talk to your guidance counselor about this.
Anyways.
Penn,Yale, Princeton, Brown, Harvard- because of the nature of these schools, you’ll probably only get accepted in to one, if any. I’d say penn is your best shot because you are applying ed and its acceptance rate is higher (for the ivies).
Boston University, Emory, Georgetown, Vassar, Wellesley- i’m guessing you’ll get in to 3/5 of these. They’re all pretty selective but you do have really good stats, so you’ll definitely get in to a few of these.
SUNY Geneseo- i honestly know nothing about this college so ¯_(ツ)_/¯
i’m assuming SUNY is your only safety? it might be a good idea to have another one, just in case.
@kittkatt835 The CUNYs are my safeties, which I didn’t list. Even if that essay gets recognized nationally, it wouldn’t be available through a Google search. It currently got the highest distinction regionally & I’m awaiting national awards. To see any Scholastic pieces, they’d literally have to search the archives of the Scholastic medalist gallery, which I highly doubt they’d do haha. Thanks!
@writergirl0316 The top schools build their rounded communities of rounded individuals. No matter if some on CC say the individual rounding doesn’t matter, it’s a safer bet to show some openness to more than just one sort of interest. (You’ve done this with the campaign and debate.)
And remember the essay isn’t to test your writing skills the way a contest can.
@lookingforward I know we’ve had this conversation before and I agree. I made the rounded comment in reference to the poster saying that his STEM friend had to show interest in the liberal arts.
Regarding the essay, I think its success shows that it does convey a personal side of me without coming across as trite or overdone. It is a bit safe, imo, because my ECs already show that I’m analytical in a bookish way, but I know that it’s thoughtful and genuine. Just nice to have a completed option this early on! Thanks for the advice.
(I know, but mine was to, “well-rounded student bodies, not necessarily well-rounded students.” And,with regard to ECs.)