Chances at an Ivy League - Opinions?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Okay - I would like some genuine feedback as to whether I should apply to an Ivy League institution in the fall. Would it be worth my time? I know that the rates of admission are markedly low, even for qualified candidates. Here are my stats…

  • Unweighted GPA: 4.00 (numerical average of 99)
  • SAT: 2310 (CR 750, M 760, W 800)
  • SAT II: 730 Math I, 730 US History
  • ACT: I haven't taken it. Should I?
  • Extracurriculars: NHS (President), Spanish Honor Society (Secretary), SAGE & Diversity Club, Math Club, Student Council (formerly)
  • Athletics: Cross Country (Captain & State Meet Qualifier), Indoor Track, Outdoor Track (Captain)
  • Community Service: American Red Cross Youth Volunteer
  • Other Achievements: High Honor Roll, Massachusetts Boys' State 2015, Perfect MCAS Scores (Bio, ELA, Math), St. Michael's College Book Award
  • Expected Achievements: PSAT/NMSQT Commended Student, AP Scholar, Commencement Academic Leader (equivalent to Valedictorian at my school)

In addition, I am working with my History teacher to establish a Rho Kappa Chapter and a group for Model UN next year. He has promised me the position of Rho Kappa Chairman, pending approval. In essence, I would just like to know - should I apply to an Ivy League school? I love the Harvard campus, and I live only 30 minutes away from it. I would love to go, but I am aware that the applicant pool is basically the most competitive in the nation. Does anyone have any opinions? Thanks!

2

Your scores look great, your GPA is flawless, and your ECs are alright. If you can find a way to distinguish yourself and show that you are unique, who knows, you might end up getting into an ivy. Ivies are hard for anyone but I think you have a shot if you really apply yourself! Good luck :slight_smile:

3

Your scores are good, your ECs are average. You have an OK chance but nothing stands out. Chance back?: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1778302-chance-an-asian-yale-duke-williams.html#latest

4

Definitely take the ACT. Your EC’s are impressive but typical-ivy league. Try to stand out. Your scores are in range. Chance back? http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1787585-will-chance-back.html#latest

5

You have a chance at the Ivy leagues but dont take the ACT as there is no need for since your SAT score is superb
Predict Results- http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1787321-predict-results.html#latest

6

Don’t take the ACT. It’s a waste of time and doesn’t look any better than just having the SAT alone. You have the numbers BUT you have to know that with the size of Harvard’s applicant pool you should find a way to stand out. Some story, some talent, something that you’re passionate about. Is it crochet? Is it building websites? Painting? The Ivies get thousands of applicants every year who are president of x amount of clubs and have a 4.0/2400.

7

Thanks for the feedback, everybody. I will try to work on finding a way to “stand out” between now and application season.

8

Also, in what way will my ethnicity help me? I am black and Native American. Will such traits help me in my applications?

9

You should apply to Ivy League if you would like to go to one, and you do have a chance at getting in with your scores and moderate extracurriculars, but as you are not overly qualified you do not have a super high chance

10

I’m pretty certain your ethnicity will change how colleges look at your application, especially since you’re part Native American. I think you have a good chance at getting in regardless, good luck!

11

You definitely have a chance anywhere so apply wherever you would want to go. Harvard and the other top ivies are pretty much luck of the draw at the top level, so you just have to understand that there will be probably thousands of applicants with your exact stats and level of activities (I recommend trying to add some more varied and unique ECs as well as showing sustained passion for at least one thing). With that in mind you have as good a chance as anyone. While you shouldn’t count on admission to Harvard, you definitely have a very solid chance at any of the slightly less selective ivies, like Penn, Dartmouth or Cornell.
Chance back?
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/18608565#Comment_18608565

12

Scores are good, EC’s are great. Hopefully you will have some decent teacher recommendations. If you don’t get into Harvard or the most competitive Ivies, you can definitely get into some top schools! Good luck to you

13

If you can prove a tribal affiliation, and you don’t object to being in NH, you should also consider Dartmouth. Their charter proclaims a mission to educate Native Americans.