Chances for Brown & other Ivies?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Anyways, looking beyond the sub-par SAT scores, how much weight would you give to me ECs? (In particular a year abroad).
I don't think I'm the stereotypical "Harvard bound" student. I go to a small school in the middle of NH and my life is far from centered around academics. I think, at the very least, I can be considered very well-rounded. What are your thoughts?</p>

<p>SAT Is - 740cr, 750m, 720w (Why math is my lowest score, I have no idea...)
SAT II - Haven't taken. Taking Spanish, Lit, and Math II.
4.5 weighted GPA (4.3 scale)
Top 10% of class
Course work this year: AP Comp. Sci, AP Calculus, AP English 12, AP US History, and independent study in German. </p>

<p>ECs -
Junior year spent abroad in Chile.
Varsity Soccer: 9 (jv) 10, 12
Varsity Alpine Ski: 9, 10, 12
Varsity Tennis: 9, 10, 12
Math Team: 9, 10, 12
Outing Club 9, 10, 12 (Vice president)
Student Representative on the district School Board: 12 (nominated my principal, elected by students. Only student rep. on board. Attend all meetings).
LifeSmarts member: 9, 10, 12 (captain). 5 member team that competes in an economics challenges. 9th grade: 2nd place at states. 10th grade: 1st place at states, 4th place nationally. 12th grade: TBD
FBLA Member: 10, 12 </p>

<p>Work: I work at a marina, and have done so since the summer of Freshman year. I've also worked weddings and functions at my dad's restaurant since I was 14. </p>

<p>Recs:
I have 2 teachers lined up that will give me great recs, as will my guidance counselor.
Also, the superintendent of the school district has offered to write a recommendation, as has the chairman of the Rotary district which includes NH and VT. </p>

<p>Other:
I speak Spanish fluently. I also speak German (proficient) and can read fluently in Portuguese.
I do waterski competitions... although I don't think I'll incorporate that on my application. </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Haha, waterskiing might actually be something that makes you stand out. ECs are pretty good, but nothing really shows what you want to study so passion might be a problem.</p>

3

<p>Solid academic credentials puts you at a fighting chance. For HYPS and even Brown, however, you’ll need something that stands out, particularly a passion. </p>

<p>Other than that, your chances are looking good. </p>

<p>Chance me back: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1024829-chance-me-competitive-schools.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1024829-chance-me-competitive-schools.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

4

<p>I’d say 70% of getting it.</p>

5

<p>Please show the admissions committee WHY you went to Chile to study abroad, and more importantly WHAT you learned and HOW it impacted you. This makes for an interesting application. It seems as if you are learning several languages (or already know) considering you are taking independent study German, Spanish Lit, and English Lit subject tests. Ivy league schools like to see this, and I don’t think you’re SAT scores will either hold you back or get you in. Choosing one school and giving them your heart as evidenced in you essays will be important for you to get into an Ivy league school. Best of luck!</p>

6

<p>Thanks for the answers. I’m planning on writing both my Common App essay and my Harvard Supplement on my year in Chile. Specifically, the Common App essay will be about the 8.8 grade earthquake that I experienced in Chile (I was at the epicenter!). I think that will help me stand out a bit. I’ll definitely focus a lot of that essay on WHY I went to Chile and HOW I was impacted by the suffering of fellow Chileans.</p>