Chances for the New Guy?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hi, I'm new to the forums, and I would like some opinions about my chances of getting into my reach schools. Duke is my first choice, but I also plan on applying to Penn, UCLA, and UChicago.</p>

<p>Gender: Male
Ethinicity: African American
Location: Colorado
School: Small, underachieving public
Intended Major: Either Economics and Math or Biochem/Biophysics</p>

<p>ACT: 1st time - 30; 2nd time - 32; plan to take once more
Course Work: My school only offers two AP classes (Chem - took this year, and Calc - will take next year), but I have taken the most rigorous course load available.
EC:
Fbla 4 years (treasurer this year, vp next year)
Varsity Cross Country 4 years
Student Council 4 years
Band/Jazz Band 4 years
Science Fair 2 years
Northeastern Junior College Math and Science Contest (placed 3 years in various events)
Various Community Service/Projects (approx. 50-75 hours)</p>

<p>So since I'm from a pretty non competitive school, what are my chances of getting into my reach schools?</p>

2

<p>bumping up</p>

3

<p>I think you have a good shot at Duke, especially if you apply ED. Just work on those essays :)</p>

4

<p>What is your GPA?</p>

5

<p>Brownford: Thanks for the input.</p>

<p>HobbitTon: Sorry, I thought I had my gpa posted, but it’s 4.0 unweighted. My school doesn’t have a weighted gpa. So that puts me first in my class ranking.</p>

6

<p>Being a URM (black male) really helps when it comes to applications. Especially if you get your ACT to a 34, you should be set. Your ECs are nice, the only problems you may have is that your course work may not be academically rigorous compared to others. Still, having a 4.0 GPA really does get you places</p>

<p>But whatever you do, apply for a ED or EA for one of your colleges</p>

<p>High Match for UCLA
Attainable reaches in the others.</p>

7

<p>Thanks for your input. As of now, I’ll probably apply ED to Duke.</p>

8

<p>Yeah, ED Duke would put you as having a great shot.</p>