<p>This will be quite a lot of information (for accuracy, of course), I'm sorry in advance. What do you guys think are my chances at an Ivy League school? What about UF, CalTech, MIT, Georgia Tech? </p>
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<p>Female
Hispanic
Sophomore year
~ Cumulative GPA: 4.6
~Academic Core GPA: 4
~Weighted GPA: (will be higher due to two AP credits pending) 3.7
~Class Rank: 197/1107 (top 20%)
~PSAT score: (will be taking another in March)TOTAL: 174 Math:58 Verbal:59 Writing:57
~APS: AP European History ; AP Psychology
~(Projected APS): AP Calc, AP Bio, AP Chem, AP English Lit, AP
~ECS:
-Engineering Club
-Volunteer work
-Summer lifeguard programs
-UF horticulture lab help over summer
~(Projected ECS for next year)
-SAME AS ABOVE AND:
-Model UN
-UNICEF
-SMILE
-PAWS
-Hopefully a job
~~ACADEMIC HISTORY (maths, sciences, APS)~~
9th grade:
Geometry honors: A | A
Algebra II honors: B | B
Biology honors: A | A
10th grade:
Pre-calculus honors: C | ? (might be re-taking, even though second semester looks good so far, FREAKING OUT ABOUT THE C.)
Chemistry honors: B | A
AP European History: A | ?
AP Psychology: A | ?
<em>*every other class was an A</em></p>
<p>It’s hard to tell without test scores, so make sure you study/practice plenty with the SAT/ACT. Of course, being hispanic certainly helps… I’d say a 2100 would be safe to keep you considered, but scores are never a deal breaker unless they’re way below the threshold. Your grades are pretty good, but keep an upward trend and stay away from too many Bs. It’s also in your benefit to take a wide range of different APs (try for 4s and 5s) and you plan to do that. Getting some leadership in your extracurricular activities rather than having a lot of them is also very important… try to do something you’re passionate about that admissions officers won’t forget too easily. Ultimately, none of the aspects of the application you have given are what seals you a deal with an Ivy or MIT/CalTech. Spend a massive amount of time working on your essays, and I’d even suggest looking over the prompts on Common App every year just so that you get a feel for what the school is all about (sometimes the schools keep the same questions for a few years). </p>
<p>You also have some time to discover what schools you really like. Don’t apply to an Ivy just because it is an Ivy… the people reading your application will more than likely be able to tell you’re not very passionate about the university. Spend some time really figuring out where you want to go and don’t just clump a bunch of applications together for prestige. Doing this might even lead to having you pick a school for early decision/early action, which usually display larger acceptance rates (whether you’d do just as well in RD is always debatable). </p>
<p>It is always a reach with Ivies/top caliber schools. You may be perfect and not get in, but UF is definitely a match as long as you improve a bit on test scores. I’d even say the same for Georgia Tech.</p>
<p>@popcharlie93 Thank you so much for your in depth answer! I will definitely try to work on everything you have suggested, keeping in mind that even then I will probably not get accepted into an Ivy, MIT, or CalTech.</p>
<p>@hpyscm Thank you! I agree. My GPA and test scores are not exactly “worthy” of the higher ranking schools. I’m hoping with true hard work on my part, my dreams of admission will be somewhat realized (although, I’m not too optimistic).</p>
<p>??? You can’t have above a 4 on a unweighted scale (you posted 4.6) but I’m guessing it’s 3.7 and you just flipped them. Ya one C won’t kill you, especially if you aren’t strong at math but you need to avoid them the rest of your HS career. More importantly is that you need to get involved in your community and find a hobby to get heavily involved in (best with leadership). GL</p>
<p>@egelloc80 yes, sorry! I just flipped the numbers around!
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
Weighted GPA: 4.6
I will definitely avoid C’s at all costs, and look for leadership opportunities. Thank you so much!</p>
Grades: One Adcom from an IVY commented " Days go by before we see a B", I think they may have to take a Heart Pill if they see a C. So, no Cs.
There are enough threads here in CC where Hispanic kids got 2300+ and still had tough time getting into school of their choice. You need to get that SAT/ACT as high as you can score.
The trend I observed this year is that IVY leagues and similar caliber schools are paying more attention to AP scores. Minimum seems to be 5 APs with 5s.
Needless to say you have a long way to go. If you are already in CC, so you are on the right path. As it is your STATS are pointing in a very positive direction.</p>
<p>@fatherofm I’m definitely not procrastinating when it comes to finding out what I need to get done, so thank you so much.
Referring back to your number one, I did receive a C in first semester pre-calculus. Does this mean no hope? I might be able to do a grade replacement, I’ve yet to meet with my guidance counselor concerning this issue.</p>
<p>Have you tried the ACT/PLAN? I know this is circumstantial evidence, but one of my friends got a 181 on his PSAT, 1950 on his SAT, but got a 35 on the ACT. He is matriculating to an Ivy League school next fall. I agree with previous posters saying your GPA and test scores are very low, but I think you could improve it enough to get into a top school because you are still a Sophomore. Upward trends are good.</p>
<p>@Und3rC0ver My school has only been vocal about the traditional SAT and PSATs, but I will definitely do my research on ACT/PLAN now that you have mentioned it.
What would constitute as a high GPA (not perfect) in your books?
My current stats~
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
Weighted GPA: 4.6</p>
<p>The C would appear to drop that unweighted number, right (or is that including the C)? Generally for Ivies 3.8+ appears to be a prerequisite with the majority in 3.9-4.0 range, but more important is your class rank. Top 10% is almost a necessity, with around 97+% of accepted students in that group (outside would probably include athletes and maybe development cases), with Top 5% being the vast majority.</p>
<p>I would consider 3.9 unweighted and 4.5 weighted to be in line with what most Ivies would want from their average applicant. Of course, if you are an Olympic athlete, those numbers could go down. Having significant achievement in any ec would cut you some slack (the more unique the better). I almost think ec’s count for more at elite schools (because everyone’s got great grades).</p>
<p>@Und3rc0ver The numbers are including the C.
Alright, I’ll definitely work on the class rank! I’m in the top 18% but obviously I’ll need to shove my way towards the top 10% for them to even glance at me. If I can manage top 5% then that would be amazing, but I suppose being realistic, I’m not the most impressive.</p>