<p>I'm applying to UC Berkeley (my top choice), Cal Poly SLO, Princeton, Harvard, and USC</p>
<p>Major: Architecture
Unweighted GPA: 3.82
Weighted GPA: 4.69
EC's: GSA (Gay-straight alliance) Vice President (2 years), Peer Mediation (1 year), Spanish National honors Society (2 years), Math National Honors Society (1 year)
Essay: I initially thought it was pretty good, but upon re-reading it, it seems whiney/obnoxious. Too late now to revise it, though. Overall I'd say it's maybe average, if not a bit bad. I talked about how growing up in an intolerant conservative town made me stronger, more "numb" ro discrimination, etc. The second essay was also mediocre, explaining how my work ethic and ability to handle stress has helped me handle high school.
ACT: 36
SAT II: 680 in Spanish, 780 in Physics, 790 in Physics
I have a difficult senior course load (4 AP's) and have a general upward trend in my grades.
I also have a part time 12 hours/week job</p>
<p>I'm getting really worried because of my (relative) lack of Extra Curriculars and virtually no volunteer work/community service. Hopefully my grades/test scores will make up for this, I guess. Let me know what you think (especially about whether Berkeley values grades and scores or extra-curriculars and service more)! Any input would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>Also, I am from Illinois, so I’m out-of-state for all of these schools. That definitely factors into the decision for the UC’s, but idk if it will affect the outcome at the other schools.</p>
<p>Harvard and Princeton seem unlikely given your ECs. Generally, students with competitive GPAs and scores need unique extracurriculars with clear dedication in order to stand out. Then again, the job is a significant time commitment, and being from a rural town they may understand that you had more limited opportunities in terms of ECs.</p>
<p>USC seems likely. There were seniors from my school last year who got in with similar obective stats and ECs. </p>
<p>Judging from the anecdotal evidence that I’ve been exposed to, admissions at UCB are fairly arbitrary, and therefore I don’t want to give you a false impression of your standing. And I don’t know anything about Cal Poly.</p>
<p>I agree, Best chances at UCB and USC. You ACT is incredible, and you have a great GPA. and SAT2s are solid.
I think that your lack of ECs will hurt you in the ivies - kids with just as good scores may be involved in art/music etc.
Regardless, still have good chances.
Best of Luck to you!</p>
<p>I really wish I would’ve started my EC’s earlier in my high school career, those are what’s really going to hold be back for admissions…but alas, it’s too late now! Thanks for your opinions, I appreciate it :)</p>