<p>So I'm applying as a Computer Science prospect but I'm not 100% that I want to do that, so I don't mind if I don't get directly into it. I'm applying to the schools mentioned in the title as well as Case Western, Harvard, UChicago as reaches. Already got into my safeties which were Michigan State, Indiana Bloomington, among others.</p>
<ul>
<li>Illinois residency</li>
<li>ACT 30</li>
<li>GPA 3.6 UW, 3.8 W</li>
<li>Unusual circumstances explain my low freshman GPA as well as lack of rigor during those years</li>
<li>4 honors and 1 AP course throughout HS (and I have a personal explanation for the lack of rigor)</li>
<li>A bit of community service, but no sports, clubs, or leadership positions whatsoever. I heard that they don't matter much for state schools?</li>
<li>Top 25% of my class.</li>
<li>Worked very hard on my essays, I'd say they're all pretty decent.</li>
</ul>
<p>You should get into Purdue and might have an outside chance at UIUC if your essays are great…Apart from that I think you have very low of chance of getting into Harvard,UChicago and Case Western. I don’t have any idea about UW Madinson.</p>
<p>For UIUC engineering I agree that it’s a reach for my stats, but considering I’m in state, would you think I have a decent shot at DGS (division of general studies) for that school?</p>
I know these schools very well and I am going off of acceptances from peers, classmates, and past graduates from my school.
Purdue- mid match/high match
Illinois- high match
UW Madison- low reach
Case Western - mid reach
Harvard - no chance
UChicago - no chance
Lacking ECs isn’t just an “oh well” on applications. That, coupled with low course rigor and a dismal class rank, probably doesn’t give you the best of chances at Madison. But it is always possible still.
I’m in state for UIUC, I don’t understand why people are calling it a high match for me. Sure engineering/CompSci is a reach but shouldn’t i easily get into DGS?
Except for Case Western, they’re reaches. I have a friend going to Case Western with a 26 ACT, so you’ll be fine. As for the other 2, your ACT doesn’t match up so much. You’ve put in really good work though! I’m either going to IU or UCLA. IU is a really good school even though it’s not considered a top-tier. It depends on which major you’re going for. Chance me? http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1728965-chance-me-please-will-chance-back.html
UIUC-match (Dgs)
Purdue-match
Wisconsin-match (I know people who have gotten in with a 28 and lower GPA)
Case-low reach/high match depending on interest displayed in them
Uchicago/harvard- high reach
I live in state for Illinois also so I am very familiar with these schools and you have just as good a chance as anyone else