<p>I'm a senior at a midsize rural public school where it's frankly pretty easy to get good grades if you're one of the few who try. I'm leaning toward art college, because i want to major in illustration and want to focus mainly on art, but a lot of people have been telling me that I have a shot at the ivy leauge schools. And the Brown-Risd dual degree would be nice. </p>
<p>ACT: 34 (only taken it once, at the end of 10th grade, don't know if i'll try again or not.)
PSAT: 218 (I'll be taking the SAT this fall because it's a requirement to be a NMS finalist)</p>
<p>GPA: 4.0 (one of ten likely valedictorians) </p>
<p>My school only offers five AP classes and I'm taking Am. History, Physics, and English this year. </p>
<p>Activities: Not much, really. NHS member and MVP of our Quiz bowl team along a couple of other minor academic accomplishments. My art resume and portfolio is a lot more impressive. </p>
<p>Do I have an outside chance at Brown where it would be even worth applying? (I don't want to do early decision, because I don't know what I would major in if I went there and I need major scholarships or financial aid to be able to make it work)</p>
<p>Your stats are very good, but your EC's are unimpressive [except for the art resume, you may want to expand on that some]. I think it's at least worth applying to Brown. [If I was you, I would]</p>
<p>You're GPA is very very good at a 4.0 UW. Since you do attend a rural school, it's okay if you only have a 5 APs, since that is what your school offers. Even if your school doesn't offer that much, taking the initiative to maximize what your school offers is impressive on its own. Don't worry about it. Ivies will understand your situation. Your ACT of 34 is indeed very good; it places you in the Top 1% of the US. Your PSAT of 218 is also very good, and earns you the Semifinalist title -- good luck on the SAT! Again, it's okay if you don't have a laundry list of activities. Your school, being a rural school, has a lot less to offer than an urban school. Demonstrate your passion in what you do -- say, Quiz Bowl or even art (which would help for Brown/RISD I assume) -- and you'll be fine. Activities few in number does not mean death for your college app. </p>
<p>Overall, you're a very strong student who is obviously at a disadvantage compared to city students; however, you have clearly made the most of what you were given. Without a doubt, you will probably go very far no matter where you go. </p>
<p>Chances:
Ivies: Reach (however your chance is slightly better than us city kids because Ivies tend to favor geographical diversity, and you do come from a rural setting which could potentially intrigue them)</p>
<p>I agree with ab2013...your stats are really good and colleges will be forgiving if 5 APs is all your school offers...you definetly have a good shot at Brown but Ivies are so tempermental it seems....good luck! </p>