<p>Ok, I just started my junior year of high school. As of now, these are my stats:
4.0 GPA (unweighted)- I come from a rural area that doesn't offer AP classes, but I have taken the most rigorous courses offered as well as some dual credit classes. I am currently number one in my class.
My projected ACT score (I haven't taken it yet, but I have taken the Plan test, which is sort of the equivalent of a pre-ACT) is about 30-32. I have been studying for a while now and I'll have been prepping for about 10 months before the test. Hopefully this will help my scores.
As for extracurriculars, my main three are FFA, Technology Student Association, and National Honor Society. I have held chapter officer positions in these organizations (reporter, vice-president, president, etc...) and might run for state office this year (if I run, I'm very likely to get the position). I am accomplished in FFA, consistently getting first place at local and regional competitions. I have been scoring very well at state as well and hope to get first is year. As for my envolvement in the Technology Student Association, I have been on the 2nd place team at state in a particular competition two years in a row and also hope to take first this year. I volunteer for National Honor Society group events, as well as some volunteer work on my own. I completed my yearly requirement to retain membership within the first week this year.
I have participated in my state's Governor's school program. I also already have laboratory experience at a state university (this is relevant since I plan to go into science) and am currently looking into intern opportunities for next summer.
My recommendations will include an excellent narrative from the professor overseeing my lab work, and possibly the mentors I will work with next summer. I also have high school teachers that love me and have written great recommendations before (to get me into Gov School). I was able to read it and I just about cried because it was so beautiful.
I can write well when necessary, so essays should be no problem. Granted they probably won't be spectacular, but definitely good enough. </p>
<p>I don't have hooks (I'm white). I would have the first generation college thing going for me, but my dad got a two year degree (that he never used for anything). </p>
<p>Note: I plan to major in Chemisty with a concentration in chemical biology. My first choice school in Vanderbilt and that is the program name there. It might be called Biochemistry somewhere else. My previous research experience is in this field, if that makes a difference. </p>
<p>I think I have included all the information I can at this point. Even though it isn't much, I would appreciate a rough guess. Thanks! </p>
<p>I would also be open to suggestions for other schools that you think I might be a match for. If you have any suggestions about how I could improve my chances as well, please include them. I have very limited options in my local area, though.</p>
<p>Also, Vanderbilt only has 2 undergrad students from my state currently attending. I’m not sure if this changes anything either direction, but I thought I’d mention it.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt: low reach/reach (depending on ACT score)
UCB: high match</p>
<p>I have also taken the PSAT, but I haven’t gotten my results yet (I’ll get them in December.) I’ll post them then for a better estimate of where my scores will be. Thanks for your post!</p>
<p>YOur gpa is great but you need to improve your ecs… What you have is good, but adding a little extra can’t hurt. Also nhs varies school to school greatly so colleges don’t really consider it a huge thing. If you get a 30-32 act you’ll have a shot. Good luck!</p>
<p>I also am a freshman mentor. This might add to my application. It shows that I give back to the community and younger students. It’s actually really rewarding and I would recommend something like this to anyone that is motivated enough and can deal with younger students effectively.</p>
<p>I also mentioned in the original post that I hope to get an internship (related to my major) next summer. That would be about the only new EC I can put on my application… Is that enough?</p>
<p>Yes those would both be great! Summer internships or programs are great for apps. There are even some great free ones that I’ve done, and depending on where you live there are plenty of different options. Also its never too early to start researching internships. Ask seniors what they may have done or ask a guidance counselor. Or just search on the internet. Good luck</p>
<p>Thanks! I already have a short list of programs I want to apply to for summer 2014. I have been working on essays for the applications whenever I have time (for those that the questions are the same every year). For most of them, the application deadline is in February, but it’s never too early to get a start on something that matters to you. All the programs are quite far from home, but there aren’t many around where I live. I don’t mind traveling, but I’ve been looking for paid programs or ones that help with transportation and living costs because money IS a factor for me. Speaking of money, if I get accepted to either of the above mentioned schools, is it likely I’ll get a merit scholarship? I know I’ll need some more EC’s (I’m working on it for summer 2014), but even then, do I have a chance?</p>
<p>Can your family afford UCB? You have to be from ND if there are only 2 students from your state at Vandy. UCB will cost your family $56K/year. You won’t get any merit or financial aid from them.</p>
<p>$56k/ year isn’t possible. Guess I can cross UCB off my list.</p>
<p>I can probably get some need based aid at Vandy, but it won’t cover everything. If I get accepted, would there be any chance for merit or departmental scholarships?</p>
<p>@kitten23</p>
<p>There’s always a chance for merit/departmental scholarships, everyone can apply. Is it likely? Probably not, very few students at Vanderbilt get merit based scholarships. Those are typically for the people who turn down ivy offers… those people would have a 34-36 ACT and awesome ECs. </p>
<p>The only thing I can say about your chances is that it would help if you self studied APs or SAT IIs so it could show you are college ready.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt: Low-mid reach
UC Berekely: Low reach</p>
<p>Vandy: high match up to reach.</p>
<p>It depends on your ACT score, Vandy cares a lot about test scores. Your GPA is excellent and ECs are good. Aim for 33-34 to be a solid match. You’d be a match if you got a 32 and applied ED. (helps a good bit at Vandy)</p>
<p>I think you stand a very good chance. If you can achieve that ACT score and that internship you’ll definitely be in good shape.
Anyone care to chance me back? :)</p>
<p>Bump… Would anyone else like to add their opinion?</p>