Hey folks. I am going to be a junior and wondered what advice you guys could offer me, so this is the situation:
Looking at:
Notre Dame
UChicago
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
[Tulane]
I go to a school a little bit outside of the city, but, since there are only about 200 kids, there are no regular AP classes. It’s basically in the country. This last year, though, I took AP Econ online (and Latin). Anyway,
GPA: 4.0
Class Rank: 1 (out of 52-ish)
ACT: haven’t got it back yet but just judging by practice ACTs &c., 32-34; go with 33.
ECs: Student Council, Cross Country (team won state), Track (have placed at state), Speech (extemporaneous and impromptu), Quiz Bowl, Drama, FBLA, National Honor Society, a lot of 4-H (I raise goats, lead a section of an overnight lock-in, and teach/help with some other camps), and volunteer teach guitar. I also am conversationally fluent in five languages: English, French, Spanish, German, and Latin.
So yeah, the real hobbies there are running, music, language, and the whole speech thing.
So there you have it. What are the chances and what should I focus on? Thanks.
The penta-lingual thing might be your hook, it’s definitely going to draw people in. I’d say you’re solid at all your colleges, you have good stats and a wide variety of ECs.
Very nice profile. Agree you are solid at all of the above schools, but solid does not mean safety and U. Of Chicago is a reach for everyone these days. For Tulane you must show interest. If you show a lot of interest I like your chances. ND is uber-competitive and U. of Michigan is also very tough if you are out of state. What is your home state? If the flagship is good, I would definitely look into merit money possibilities. Finally, I would add a few schools that you would love — and I do mean love — to attend that are more predictable admits for you. Congratulations on a stellar record and best of luck to you!
You have really nice HS accomplishments – congratulations. That said, most of the schools on your list (UChicago, ND, UMichigan if you are OOS) must be considered reaches for any unhooked applicant. A 33 ACT looks to be at the 25th percentile for both ND and UChicago (google the class profiles for each school) which is on the lower side so work hard to get that score as high as possible. Agree with @NJDad68 that it is important to show interest in Tulane as they do turn down some high stat applicants.
Like many HS students you seem to be focused on reach schools. IMO it is even more important that you spend time seeking out match and safety schools that both appear affordable (run net price calculator) and that you would be excited to attend. Trust me – they are out there if you look for them.
Scores are def. too low for Chicago as is; work on improving them–you have plenty of time. Also, try to do something that makes you stand out a bit–something less run of the mill. Track, CC, Student Council, etc. are all pretty generic. Remember that the goal is not to be more impressive than other students at your school, but to be more impressive than other applicants who will also be high-achievers. The 5-language thing is neat, but not an activity so much as an ability.
Yeah I actually got a 35 on the ACT so that was a bit off; also, I have a solid safety school and yeah y’all are right–I should probably keep looking, but, I mean, I could go to UNL (because I’m from Nebraska) with no tuition and that’s still up there as an option. Anyway, thanks all, and there was a bit more info.
So–and not trying to be snarky here–livestock and all that other 4H stuff isn’t special? I just figured not that many applicants to those schools have goats or stuff like that. Anyway, thank, and, yeah, track, XC, etc. are generic, but they are fun, because we get dubs.
hi there. Nice Stats; well done. That 35 is great!
I have two things for you to think about. 1) What can you afford for college? The tip- top schools rarely give academic scholarships; their prize is just Getting In to the school.
Each college has a spot on its web site called the Net Price Calculator, or NPC. Google the college plus the NPC; fill out the basic info, and it will shoot you out a ballpark number on what you can expect to pay at that college. They look at your parents income, savings and assets.
Talk with your parents as well, and see what they can contribute. It’s good to know this information; and to start figuring out if you want to go to those top schools that can have a hefty price-tag; or if you’d like to look at a few Out Of State Public schools that give academic scholarships.
think about what type of school you’d like. UNL doesn’t require essays in order to get in (but for some scholarships it does require essays); but the schools you listed above do. You’ll need to figure out what you like and why you want each of those schools you have in mind.
If you are serious about this all, there are some really helpful people here on this website who can help. Keep posting; and good luck.
** and yes, my kid’s BFF is talented and smart and from an alpaca farm; I do think that angle helped the BFF get in to stanford.
You seem like a good fit for UChicago. The polygot thing plus midwestern country boi. I think they would like you a lot. Your scores are fine. If you really want UChicago then apply ED1. Its your best chance by far. Emphasize living in the country. Check their website and see if they are visiting nearby. If so go and meet the admissions officer. I’ve heard that Nondorf likes to meet students.
Great list for reach schools. All affordable too? That you have a good safety school means that you can go right on ahead and give the reach schools a try.