Chance someone who is totally lost with college.

[Prism]

<p>This is a chance thread, but I'm so lost on college applications, searching for them, so with the colleges I'm "considering," it would be great if you gave me any feedback. Thanks!</p>

<p>Basic Stats:
- Asian Male [yeah i know. lol.]
- Weighted GPA: 5.02
- Unweighted GPA: 3.89
- Class Rank: 12 of 179 (Top 10%)
- Income: 80-90k range (both parents)
- Class of 2010
- Best ACT Score: 31 (retaking in October, and if needed, December)
- Best SAT Score: 2030 (Superscored: CR - 660, Math - 680, Writing - 690) * Planning on retaking SAT in November, last time.
- SAT II's: Bio-E, US History, Math II (taking in October)</p>

<p>Curriculum:
Freshman Year
- Honors classes in English, Algebra II, Biology, Physical Science, French 2
- AP World History</p>

<p>Sophomore Year
- Honors classes in English, Pre-Calculus, Chemistry, French 3, Speech & Debate, Orchestra
- AP Statistics
- AP Computer Science A</p>

<p>Junior Year<a href="IB%20Program">/u</a>
- IB Chemistry (Year One)
- IB Biology (Year One)
- AP US History
- BC Calculus
- AP English Literature
- AP French Language / IB French SL
- AP Psychology</p>

<p>Senior Year<a href="Projected%20schedule.">/u</a>
- AP Biology / IB Biology HL
- AP Chemistry / IB Chemistry SL
- IB History of the Americas HL
- IB Math Studies
- IB English HL
- IB Theory of Knowledge
- AP Physics C: Mechanics or AP Art History [depending on schedule conflict.]</p>

<p>Scores:
I don't do well on standardized tests, and these AP exams probably show it..</p>

<p>AP
- World History: 3
- Statistics: 3
- Computer Science A: 1 (Yeeeah.)
- BC Calculus: 1 (oops!) :: AB Subset 2
- US History: 4
- English Literature: 4
- French Language: 1 (expected better)
- Psychology: 5
I believe this makes me an AP Scholar?</p>

<p>IB
- IB French SL: 4
- IB Psychology SL: 6
Yay for good IB scores, haha!</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
- *Speech & Debate<a href="National%20Forensic%20League">/i</a>
This is my main one. I am ranked in the Top 32 of the Nation in Original Oratory (NFL Nationals), I have won national circuit, regional circuit, and local circuit tournaments. 3rd in the State, 1st in the District. I have an Outstanding Distinction degree, though I am only 59 points away from Premier Distinction (1500 points). Also Team Captain for my senior year; I've been an officer my sophomore and junior year.</p>

<ul>
<li><p>Student Council
I am currently Student Body Secretary. I was Junior Class President, Sophomore Class Secretary, and Freshman Class Representative.</p></li>
<li><p>Youth in Government
I have been involved in YIG for 2 years. I am currently my school's representative and co-President in recruiting and keeping the program in tact. I ran for Governor of my State, but I lost by 8 votes. I have been to all the conferences, and am currently the President Pro Tempore of the Senate for my senior year.</p></li>
<li><p>National Honors Society
Inducted my junior year, elected Co-President for my senior year.</p></li>
<li><p>Rotary Interact Club
Inducted my junior year, elected President my senior year.</p></li>
<li><p>Varsity Cross-Country
Started my junior year, continuing this year. I'd like to think of myself as a captain since I'm a returning veteran, but it's nothing official, so I don't think I'll mention it on the college app (b/c I'm definitely not the fastest on the team). I'll have a solid 2 years with XC.</p></li>
<li><p>Piano
This will be my 9th year in piano, I've won a few local competitions, but nothing big yet because I've never competed on that scale. Hopefully I can try something out this year.</p></li>
<li><p>Boys State
I was elected Lieutenant Governor of Boys State (my state) this year, and a 1st Alternate to Boys Nation (I don't think I'm going unfortunately). I will be returning as a Junior Counselor next summer.</p></li>
<li><p>Working on community service. I've done some volunteering at fairs and local events, but nothing big yet. Planning on volunteering at a library and a nursery home starting next week! :)</p></li>
</ul>

<p>I have a lot more activities, but I feel as these are the main ones I should mention.</p>

<p>Miscellaneous
I'm currently an IB Diploma Candidate. Working hard on that.</p>

<p>I consider myself definitely not as a stereotypical Asian student. I don't excel at math (as you can see with my Calculus AP score lol!) but I'm great at English and History. I work really hard, I'm really dedicated and I feel that I am a natural born leader. I take on leadership positions because I want to.. helping my resume is just a plus. I worry that some colleges will see me focusing on extracurriculars over academics, though I don't think my grades are too bad.</p>

<p>I can speak Mandarin, though I am trying to learn more Mandarin, and learn Japanese as well. I am hoping to learn Korean -- I am auditioning for SM Entertainment later this year to hopefully get in. :)</p>

<p>I'm in the works of writing a novel. I have no idea if it could ever get published, but I'm not sure if I should mention that or not.</p>

<p>I'm really big on speaking. Through Speech & Debate and all my leadership positions, I have learned to speak really well, fluently, and impromptu-style if needed. I feel like an interview could really help me out in a college application situation. I love writing, but I'm not sure what the type of composition is needed for a college essay.</p>

<p>To help with the income situation, I have a brother going into high school and my little sister is 3. So hopefully that helps.</p>

<p>I am very undecided on my major right now. I am considering a plethora of majors: Biology, Music, Political Science/Law, Business, Psychology, Journalism, Theatre. Yeah. I'm basically looking into really solid, all-around colleges. I'm lost in the sense that I really don't understand the full out details of college admissions, and my parents are just going to let me choose and they'll pay for apps. They're basically letting me decide everything [aside from money stuff in the future] so yeah.</p>

<p>Thanks for reading, and I hope you can chance me! :)</p>

<p>**Schools:<a href="Please%20chance%20me%20to%20as%20many%20as%20I%20can!">/b</a>
- HYP
- New York University (#1)
- Duke
- UNC Chapel Hill
- Emory
- Georgetown
- University of Rochester
- Columbia (#3)
- Brown (#2)
- USC Honors (South Carolina)
- UVA
- UPenn
Also considering Dartmouth, UChicago, Oberlin, Cornell if you guys could help me chance those.</p>

<ul>
<li>Not sure if I should Early Decision NYU b/c of the money issue.</li>
</ul>

<p>What do you think? Thanks again! :) Please let me know any suggestions, any chances, etc. Anything you say will be appreciated!</p>

<ul>
<li>Prism</li>
</ul>

[swoosh]

<p>Prepare to be disappointed. Your applying to top schools with very average test scores (for those schools). You passed five AP tests and failed three. I’m just saying.</p>

[Prism]

<p>Yeah, I understand. I’m guessing that I’m going to have to report all 8.</p>

<p>Excluding those AP scores, am I in a decent range?</p>

<p>Are AP scores really that important in an admissions process? Will that seriously alone just kick me out of all those colleges?</p>

[dkwunw]

<p>No, not at all. Obviously failing 3 won’t look good, but AP exams aren’t really a significant part of admissions. They are self-reported and mostly used for class placement after you’re admitted.</p>

<p>You really need to raise your SAT/ACT and score highly on the subject tests if you want to have a chance at HYP, Duke, Georgetown, Columbia, Brown, possibly Upenn and UNC.</p>

<p>I’d say you have a good chance at New York though.</p>

[samsunimomo]

<p>From what I can see, you have a strong ECs devoted to student government and awesome leadership positions.</p>

<p>However, as Swoosh has said, your standardized testing scores are lacking somewhat. Since you are applying through Common Apps, you don’t have to write down all of your AP scores. However, I strongly advise that you buckle down and try to break 2200+ and 33+, considering the fact that you are an Asian Male. (Actually, it’s harder to be an Asian female <em>sigh</em>)</p>

<p>And although I am all for hope, remember to keep an open mind and fair expectations. :)</p>

[beatfreaks]

<p>Actually guys, there is no “failing” of an AP Exam. The 5 point scale just shows where you are and is used for academic purposes for college.</p>

<p>To be honest, and please don’t take this the wrong way, I see rejection at a majority of these schools. I say this because:</p>

<ol>
<li> Your GPA is decent but remember, you’re applying to Ivies with students that are competiting with the same GPA if not higher.</li>
<li> Your SAT scores aren’t high enough. You didn’t even break 700 for atleast one section which is going to hurt you. There are going to be more students applying with higher SAT scores, putting you at a disadvantage.</li>
<li> ORM</li>
<li> Your EC’s are great but quite frankly so are everyone elses. </li>
</ol>

<p>In all, you gotta understand that your competiting with other students. Your grades/standarized tests are TOO low for the Ivies that you’re aiming for.</p>

<p>This may seem “mean” but I’m being honest.</p>

<p>Schools:

• HYP - Rejection at all 3
• New York University (#1)-In
• Duke - Reject
• UNC Chapel Hill - Low Reach
• Emory - Reject
• Georgetown - In
• University of Rochester - In
• Columbia (#3)- Reject
• Brown (#2) - Reject
• USC Honors (South Carolina) - In
• UVA - In
• UPenn - Reject
  Dartmouth, Low Reach
  UChicago, Match/Low Reach
  Oberlin, In
  Cornell, low Reach/Match</p>

<p>You have to distuinguish yourself from the rest. In this situation you have to be a needle in a haystack.</p>

[hmom5]

<p>6Dartmoth is considerably harder to get into than Duke, Emory and Penn. NYU and Georgetown are not safe. Wish you kids would study the facts before posting.</p>

[Prism]

<p>dkwunw: I am definitely planning on getting my test scores higher! That’s what this summer is for, and hopefully it will pay off. Thank you for your feedback! :)</p>

<p>samsunimomo: Judging from your username, are you Japanese? haha And yep, I’m trying to work on those test scores – they’ve always been my weakness! Thanks for your feedback too.</p>

<p>beatfreaks: Wow, thank you for all your response! I really appreciate it, even if it is brutally honest, because that’s what I need.</p>

<ol>
<li>I understand. I am hoping that doing well senior year will help boost it up a bit. I don’t think a 3.89 is too terrible, but I understand.</li>
<li>Yes, they definitely aren’t. I’m going to retake the SAT and ACT one last time, and if my ACT is significantly higher, I will just send the ACT. I just wanted to put out all of my info (pretty sure I won’t be getting a good SAT score anytime soon… but we’ll see!)</li>
<li>What is ORM?</li>
</ol>

<p>Thanks for your response, I really appreciate it. I will do what I can!</p>

[samsunimomo]

<p>ORM is an Over Represented Minority. For example, East Asians (i.e. Chinese, Taiwanese, Koreans, Japanese) and Indians. This is as opposed to URM, or Under Represented Minorities, such as African-Americans, South East Asians, Hispanic Americans, etc.</p>

<p>As for my name, I’m not inclined to say!</p>

<p>Best of luck :)</p>

[misterg]

<p>Found your thread Alrighty, so. I think your GPA is good, and your ECs are really solid. Great stuff there. However, your scores are your weak point. It’s good that you’re retaking them; maybe you’ll improve. Oh, and you don’t always need to report all of your APs to the college. It depends. That’s a great boost for you. That stuff said, you’ve got a decent shot right now.</p>

<ul>
<li>HYP (and SM if you chose): high reach for anyone, though your chances are low to weak. however, stranger things have happened!</li>
<li>New York University (#1): match/low match. you’re probably in.</li>
<li>Duke: low reach</li>
<li>UNC Chapel Hill: high match</li>
<li>Emory: low reach</li>
<li>Georgetown: reach</li>
<li>University of Rochester: match</li>
<li>Columbia (#3): high reach</li>
<li>Brown (#2): reach</li>
<li>USC Honors (South Carolina): no idea, sorry</li>
<li>UVA: low reach/reach</li>
<li>UPenn: reach
Also considering Dartmouth: reach, UChicago: don’t bother, it’s a lot of work; focus on other apps, Oberlin: no idea, Cornell: reach/low reach.</li>
</ul>

<p>Good luck!</p>

[Mamooie312]

<ul>
<li>HYP - 90 % of reject at all 3</li>
<li>New York University (#1) - 60+% chance</li>
<li>Duke - 15% chance</li>
<li>UNC Chapel Hill - OOS - 15% in-state: 40-50%</li>
<li>Emory 25%</li>
<li>Georgetown 20%</li>
<li>University of Rochester IDK</li>
<li>Columbia (#3) IDK</li>
<li>Brown (#2) IDK</li>
<li>USC Honors (South Carolina) In</li>
<li>UVA IDK</li>
<li>UPenn IDK</li>
</ul>

[ChasingStarlight]

<p>haha, i remember you commenting on my essay topics thread at some point. a lot of my schools match yours, and i do original oratory as well and love it maybe i’ll see you at college next year!</p>

[Prism]

<p>samsunimomo: Thanks!
misterg: Thank you SO much for your feedback, I really respect and appreciate it. I’m actually kind of positive after reading your thoughts, they seem really realistic, and I will def. check up on these colleges and fix my scores before apps are done!
Mamooie312: For Duke and Emory, is this 15% and 25% chance of acceptance? I’m going to assume so, haha. And thanks for your response.
Chasing Starlight: Hey! Are you still doing oratory this year – what’s your topic? And maybe we will :] Keep me updated!</p>

<p>Thanks everyone again! Would love some more responses :]</p>

[Prism]

<p>Bump, anyone else? :)</p>

[misterg]

<p>Hey Prism, I read your message over at my thread. Haha. I’m Gary, too. Craziness. Yeah, somebody put a website over there with a list of colleges’ AP policies.</p>

<p>I want to hear how the world of admissions treats you, too! PM me your email and I’ll keep in touch. </p>

<p>Good luck amigo!</p>

[Vaeliant]

<ul>
<li>HYP - Rejection =/</li>
<li>New York University (#1) - Low Reach (You’ll get in here though)</li>
<li>Duke - Reach</li>
<li>UNC Chapel Hill - In</li>
<li>Emory - Low Reach</li>
<li>Georgetown (not familiar)</li>
<li>University of Rochester (not very familiar)
I think it’ll be a lot tougher if you apply to the music conservatory/school though</li>
<li>Columbia (#3) - Reach</li>
<li>Brown (#2) - Reach</li>
<li>USC Honors (South Carolina) - in</li>
<li>UVA - in</li>
<li>UPenn - Rejection</li>
<li>Dartmouth - Rejection</li>
<li>UChicago - If you pull off some good essays, you have a good chance here
(low reach)</li>
<li>Cornell - Low Reach</li>
</ul>

<p>In terms of your selection though, I’m not sure if some of these schools you chose would really suit you. You definitely seem like an NYU/Dartmouth/UNC kinda guy. Schools like Columbia/UPenn/Cornell/UChicago are pretty focused (to my knowledge), and you want schools that offer a lot of majors and a lot of options. Maybe LACs would be a good thing to look into.</p>

[Prism]

<p>misterg: Woah, that is totally weird. But awesome at the same time!</p>

<p>Who knows, maybe our college paths might coincide and we’ll meet up. And thanks, I’ll check out the link!</p>

<p>Yeah, definitely man. You too :D</p>

[swoosh]

<p>I didn’t notice what state you’re from. UVA is tough on OOS students. I know a NMF with better scores who got waitlisted there. So if you’re OOS that might be a tough one.</p>

[Emma_Watson_1]

<p>Do not feel so down. Make the best of what you have.</p>

[Prism]

<p>swoosh: Alright thanks for your opinion. What is NMF?</p>

<p>Emma Watson: Thanks And nice screenname, haha.</p>