Chances at Duke, Stanford, and Notre Dame?

<p>I really love these schools because of their great combination of academics and athletics. I am also planning on applying to Harvard, Case Western, Cornell, CU, Georgia Tech, Yale, and University of Alabama. Is there anything I can do as a rising senior to increase my chances?</p>

<p>Academics:</p>

<p>ACT: 33 composite (36 reading, 34 english, 32 science, 31 math)
SAT II: 710 Lit, 690 Biology, 740 USH
Unweighted GPA : 3.99 (One B in AP Calculus BC, other than that straight A's), 4.35 UW
Rank : 1/400 </p>

<p>Freshman Schedule:
Honors Algebra II
Honors English I
Honors Ancient Civ
Spanish II
Team Sports
Honors Biology
Information Processing (computer grad requirement) </p>

<p>Sophomore Schedule:</p>

<p>Honors Chemistry
AP Biology (4)
AP European History (5)
Business Management
Honors English II
Spanish IV
Honors Trig/Precalculus
World Religions</p>

<p>Junior Year Schedule:
- AP Lang/ Comp
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Psychology
- Biotechnical Engineering
- AP US History
- AP Spanish Language
-Physics</p>

<p>Senior Year Schedule:
- AP Lit
- AP Statistics
- AP Chemistry
- AP Physics C
- AP Human Geography
- AP Micro
- AP Government</p>

<p>I have taken the hardest course load available at my high school, including all honors in what is not an AP class if it is available.
So far I have only taken AP Biology (4) and European History (5), but am planning to score well on the upcoming tests (hopefully!)</p>

<p>My high school is a highly ranked public school, and produces a couple Top-20 acceptees a year.</p>

<p>I want to major in biochemistry, or biology, with the ultimate goal of going to medical school and being a surgeon. Also, I would like to minor or double major in history. </p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
- Varsity Basketball (will be 3 years, will probably be captain next year)
- Club Basketball Year Round (since freshman year, 15 hours a week)
- Lacrosse 9-10, but had to stop due to huge commitment to basketball
- National Honor Society (10-12)
- National Spanish Honor Society (10-12, I am currently Treasurer and will be President next year)
- Key Club (not officer, but one of 6/200 chosen to go to Costa Rica and built a library due to commitments and enthusiasm in the club)
- 250 volunteer hours, I volunteer at the local hospital during the summer
- I hold down a 30 hour job lifeguarding during the summer and 10 hours a week during the school year (except for basketball season)
- Link Crew (12) Helping the freshmen get adjusted </p>

<p>I wanted to do an internship or some sort of research, but it has been really busy just keeping up with my lifeguarding job and basketball (which is essentially a job in itself). </p>

<p>Other:
Caucasian
Female
Located in Colorado
I feel that I will get good recommendations because I am pretty active and enthusiastic in class. In addition I am going to dedicate a large amount of effort to my essays so they will be great! (hopefully)</p>

<p>Thank you so much in advance for the advice and answers!!</p>

<p>Bump =) …</p>

<p>Bump=)…</p>

<p>Bump… Anyone? =)</p>

<p>Many of the schools you listed are, of course, reaches for everyone. I think you have a great shot, but have you considered retaking your SAT IIs? 750+ is ideal for the schools you’re looking at. Make sure to show your passion for basketball in your essays. Have you considered applying early anywhere? This can help your chances as well.</p>