Chance Me

Hello, I’m currently a high-school junior so I will be applying to colleges for EA and ED in six months and was wondering what kind of schools I should look into with the grades and scores that I have.

I currently have a 90 or A- GPA (3.6)
I did exceptionally well on my PSAT and am currently doing prep, I plan on falling in the 1400-1600 range after taking and retaking my SAT’s
I’m involved in theater, drama, speech team, improve team, among other drama programs and random stuff like prom committee.
I do martial arts and also teach woman’s self-defense classes once a month.
I volunteer at a mental health institution and my local hospital.
I’m taking all honors and AP classes, I also take 3 extra college classes and will take more college classes this summer and in the fall of next year.
I go to a very very small high-school in rural Maine.

I’ve toured Syracuse University and I loved it, it’s my favorite school I’ve ever toured, but I don’t know if I’m gonna make the cut to get in. So I’ve looked into other big schools like University of Rhode Island, FSU, URI, Clemson (also loved this school), University of South Carolina, and University of Miami. Do I have much of a chance to get into these schools or should I be looking at less competitive schools?

I think one of the most important things about EC’s is to have them narrowed down to a specific interest which aligns with your intended major and it seems like you have a heavy interest in performing arts. Leadership in your EC is also important. Of course it’s not required but it helps a ton. Going to a small high school helps, especially in a state like Maine with a small population since colleges want students from all regions of the US with various backgrounds. You’re GPA is definitely enough for Syracuse (my friend got in with like a 3.3 last year and a mediocre SAT). If you score above a 1400 you’ll probably get into most of the schools you have listed. Try to focus your AP’s next year on something you like and want to do (or plan on majoring in), for example Science.

All in all, I think you would have a good shot at even more competitive schools than the one’s listed. But it ultimately comes down to the school that fits you best.

What is your weighted GPA? I’m not sure about the others, but the Florida schools you listed will consider weighted rather than unweighted. An SAT over 1400 would give you a great shot for FSU or UM, which are the two on your list that I’m familiar with.
I would also agree with @NotABonobo, are you sure you don’t want to consider more competitive schools? Based off what you’ve said here it could be worth selecting a few reaches.

Whats your grades? What’s your hook? What’s your AP scores? Like Bombo mentioned, it’s important that you narrow down your interests to say a specific thing about you.

Also, what is your intended major? Did I miss that?

For the most part, you should have a good chance at getting accepted into all these schools. I agree that a more specified route in your extra-circulars may be beneficial. If you can finish out this year and raise your GPA in your Honors and AP classes, you should certainly expect getting accepted to a majority, if not all of these schools.

@NotABonobo @Shumit Thank you for the helpful advice! I am planning on taking the Pre-Law route, majoring in sociology and minoring in theater! I didnt think applying to more competitive schools was a option for me with my GPA

Most of my EC’s are focused on theater I also do professional theater during the summer. I don’t know if this matters but I also have held a part-time job for almost three years.