chances/advice for a junior (BostonU, USC, Northeastern)

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>-Gender: female
-Class: junior
-Ethnicity: white
-Major: Neuroscience
-GPA: 3.2 (weighted, not so great, I know)
-ACT: 30
-SAT: not taken, but 193 on PSAT
-AP: AP US Government and Politics, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus AB</p>

<p>I'm in AP Calc AB, but I'm self-teaching the BC sections and taking the BC test. Tests are this week, so no scores yet. </p>

<p>-Other classes: Spanish 1-3, French 1, Concert Orchestra (there's two levels of orchestra at my school, concert is the highest level), all honors for core classes, Engineering
-Extracurriculars: Orchestra (violin), FIRST Robotics (programmer/robot driver/Dean's List semifinalist; it was our first year, & we placed third in the qualification matches and took home awards for Highest Rookie Seed and Industrial Design), volunteering, part time job</p>

<p>-plans for this summer: part time job, volunteering at a disease research clinic & animal shelter, take the SAT & ACT again
-plans for next year: PSEO (calc 3, psychology, genetics, women's studies), Concert Orchestra, French 2, Principals of Engineering, Robotics, Ethics, community service club, internship at local hospital</p>

<p>Boston University & USC are my tied for top choice, but I love Northeastern as well. I know my GPA isn't great, and I don't have a good excuse for it, so I'm not going to try to make one. There is an upward trend since freshman year, though. I'm also a first generation college student. The teacher I'm going to have write my recommendation essay has ties to Northeastern, if that affects anything. </p>

<p>What are my chances like? Any advice on how to make my application stand out? I have a whole year left of schooling, so I can make any changes I need to. Any advice would be appreciated. Please and thank you! :)</p>

2

<p>I hope someone answers -_- similar situation and grades as you. Not optimistic about our chances though…</p>

3

<p>“I know my GPA isn’t great, and I don’t have a good excuse for it, so I’m not going to try to make one.” I like your attitude. It really is better to not BS. :slight_smile: </p>

<p>The good news is your ACT score is high for your GPA. In fact, it’s higher than the averages for BU and Northeastern. If you think you could raise it, you should study and retake it to get a 31-33. The AP classes will also help. What were your grades like in math and science? That’s important for a Neuroscience major. </p>

<p>The upwards trend is important and shows promise. Try your hardest to get good grades 1 semester of Senior year and offer to send those grades in. </p>

<p>Since your GPA is this low, colleges will pay close attention to your essay so make sure you write a REALLY strong and personal one (this is especially important for BU). Make sure you also have multiple people read it to give you feedback. </p>

<p>BU is a low reach.
Northeastern and USC are high reaches. But you always have a chance! Best of luck.</p>

4

<p>I definitely agree with everything “Happyydays” said, all seem like reaches with your gpa, but test scores and a killer essay will help you gain some ground. Northeastern and BU could happen, but to tell you the truth, I’ve known people with 4.0+ gpas and/or SATs not get into USC so I wouldn’t count on that one.</p>