Chances for Columbia and Stanford?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I'm a junior with fantastic grades (Almost all A+'s) in rigorous courses. I have a 2200 SAT score from a year and a half ago, but I will hopefully raise that to 2300+ when I retake the test in January. My ACT is projected to be 32-34. I also have good SAT subject test scores (750+).
My problem is my lack of outstanding extracurricular activities. I have participated in clubs activities, but nothing beyond the mediocre. I play viola in my school's orchestra,volunteer at a nursing home on a regular basis (and am their primary/favorite musician for entertainment), participated in mock trial with a leadership position 9th-10th grade, am a member of the school's newspaper, am a member of student council, and did science fair (although I won nothing beyond honorable mention at the district level). I will begin genetics research at a local university in the late spring-summer and possible into the fall. None of my activities yielded any outstanding awards or honors.
I also study French and Chinese and will be taking Chinese at a local university at the fourth semester level in the Spring, although I have no ethnic or home background in either language. This is probably my only standout quality to my application.</p>

<p>Also, because it is relevant to colleges even though no one likes to say so, I am an upper-middle class white female whose parents both had high education.</p>

<p>My dream schools are Columbia and Stanford, although Washington University, Georgetown, and NYU I also wouldn't mind attending. What are my chances? What can I do to improve my resume in the next year or so?</p>

2

<p>You certainly could be competitive for those schools, if you hit those test scores and have a strong class rank. But one more thing is important: writing essays that convey your energy and interests and ability to contribute to the university’s community.</p>

<p>Elite schools want people who will engage with others, in the classroom and outside of it as well. </p>

<p>When admissions officers read your application, the test scores + grades + rank + difficulty of courses get you into a pool from which they’ll choose. And often what makes the difference at that point is coming across as someone interesting who adds to their community.</p>

<p>Also, each school has certain values and programs. Your application should show you know about these and care about these as well. So get to know yourself and the schools and convey how those are related.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>