<p>I just wanted to know my chances of getting into one of the top schools in the nation, ivy's. I am entering my junior year in high school and my grades aren't that great. I have around a 3.1 GPA but if I do well in SAT, Junior Year, AP Tests, and SAT II will I have a good chance of getting into these schools? I am a nationally ranked golf player who's done well in some AJGA events and other national/regional events.
My goals for Junior year are to get:
2100+ SAT
750+ on SAT II Math and History
4.17 GPA, 4.0 unweighted
AP Stats 5</p>
<p>Let’s say you do all of that. It’ll be tough, but let’s be optimistic for a second.
That would mean your UW GPA, cumulatively, would be a 3.55. That’s very low for the ivies. Secondly, even if you do get a 2100 on your SAT, that’s a little low. Realistically, you’d need to get above a 2200. Assuming all of that other stuff happens, you could have an ok shot.</p>
<p>Now let me play the devil’s advocate.
Let’s say you get about the same GPA and get, say, a 2000-2100 on your SATs.
I’m going to be frank here, that’s awful. I’m not going to say you have no chance, but unless you do something along the lines of curing Alzheimer’s or Cancer your chances are quite slim. I’m wishing you the best of luck, but don’t stress if your grades aren’t perfect. No matter where you go to school, your education will be what you make of it.</p>
<p>Although Ruprex is a bit harsh lol, he speaks the truth. Ivies and UCLA and UC Berkeley would be high reaches</p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback its my first time doing this. Lets say the scenario where I get around the same gpa, what schools do I have a good chance at?</p>
<p>Being a nationally ranked golf player is a good hook, but you’re definitely gonna need more than that if you want to be competitive for the Ivies and top UCs. My question would be, have you been recruited by any colleges yet? It’s a good indicator of whether or not you’re on their “radar,” so to speak. that being said, here’s a couple different things you can do, besides raise your grades, that would help your app.</p>
<p>1) Start your own service club or become prez/VP of a prominent club at your school. If it’s a club like MUN or Trivia Bowl, win state or national recognition. If it’s a service club, raise somewhere around $10,000 + toward your charity.
2) Plan and implement a major volunteer project. This can be anything, but it should really make a difference and you should spearhead of the project yourself.
3) Start your own business or non-profit.
4) Become student body president.
5) Do university level research
6) Win a state-wide or national award in something
7) Basically just contribute to your community in a way beyond just being a good student.</p>
<p>This is by no means a comprehensive check-list to get into all the top schools. You don’t have to do all of these, heck, you don’t even have to do ANY of these. But I think you get the idea. And whatever it is, do something that you’re passionate about.</p>
<p>Other Advice: Look in to summer programs that you actually have to apply to, not just pay money to get into. Colleges like to see that you’re putting your summers to good use. Try and take more APs than just AP Stats, unless that’s the only AP class offered at your school. And get on your teachers’ and counselor’s good sides, as they will be vouching for your character come senior year.</p>
<p>Remember, you have one year to try and really improve your app. I’d say study your butt off, get really involved in ECs, and win your golf competitions. They don’t call junior year “hell year” for nothing ya know.</p>
<p>
As if becoming nationally ranked in golf doesn’t require passion…</p>
<p>don’t listen to JAE’s advice about starting mumbo jumbo ECs. Your athletics can open many doors for you (likely not at Ivies or “top” schools) – many more than what he/she is suggesting. Jae is giving you rubbish advice. Focus your energies on your academics and your sport.</p>
<p>May I suggest posting on this forum? Much support & good advice there :
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/athletic-recruits/[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/athletic-recruits/</a></p>