chances for New yorker?

<p>Hi am i white, irish, male from long island and i got to a competitive catholic hs
my stats are
29 Act
1280 SAT- i just took it in nov so i should go up.
MY gpa is 98.5 weighted and i am 37/375
SAT II- US History 680
All honors and aps
this years course schedule
precalculus
sociology h
adv biology h
ap euro history
english 12 h
economic/health
i am involved in many activities 150+ hours of community service
through volunteering at nursing home/lector at church
I am the editor of the newspaper and 2nd chair in jazz ensemble
other clubs include, mathletes-long island math team,
peer ministry-peer mentor-
campus ministry-retreat leader, liturgical leader, public relations speaker
honor socities-NHS, SPanish Honor SOciety, Tri-M Honor Society, ENglish Honor Society
i work about 20+ hrs a week at a retail store and am a team trainer i have been there since dec 04
I attended nd this past summer for NDVI- i dont know if that influences anything
I dont not have any legacy, but im a twin and my brother will also be applying
how are my chances, i know its a reach, but im hoping for maybe a "surprise" acceptance -any ideas for a really good essay?, is something heart wrenching good?-like my tragic medical history or is that a bad topic to write about?
I truly love ND and would give anything to go there- thanks so much</p>

<p>ND is definitely a huge reach for you, as you are barely in the top 10% and your SATs are below average. You really need to retake. Nothing in your ECs really stands out, either. Anything is possible, though, and I think if you write an awesome essay you have a chance. As far as what to write about, tell a story or an experience that shows your personality and character. Sorry if I come across as harsh about your chances. There is a lot of luck to the admissions game, and no one really understands it. Don't be too upset by my opinion; I'm just another HS student.</p>

<p>unfortunately I have to agree with your assessment because I had almost the exact same stats (had the same test scores virtually exactly, just 10 points higher on the SAT) and was rejected in 2003. </p>

<p>That being said, as em said, you just never know. Also, you never have to just accept what admissions gives you. While I was rejected in 2003, I am currently a ND junior. I went elsewhere for my first year (on a very nice scholarship, btw) and then transferred into ND after my freshman year. Basically I get the same ND degree but I get to pay less for it :). </p>

<p>Good luck and please let us know how it all turns out. If you would like to talk more, feel free to get in touch. If you click on my screen name it should give you the option to email me. Good luck, I certainly feel for ya because I have been there! You never know!</p>