<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I'm wondering if you guys can "chance" my sibling.</p>
<p>Current GPA: 4.67, cumulative is probably 4.30.
Rank: 6/360 (Top 1-2%)
SAT II U.S. History-650, Spanish-790.
APs- European History (3), English Language (4), Spanish Language (5), Spanish Literature (5), U.S. History (5).
SAT I yet to be determined.
First generation, URM. Low-income.
Strong letters of recommedation, but not the best. One musical E.C. that he's been involved in since age 9, has gone to regional, national, and international competitions, and frequently places in them. One or two other involvements.
A few awards (Harvard Book, AP Scholar, etc). Our other sibling went to HYP (possible hook).</p>
<p>We can definitely work with him on essays, think they can be compelling!</p>
<p>Schools: UCLA, UCSD, UC Berkeley, Stanford, Pomona, USC. </p>
<p>Reasonable shot at these schools? Thanks.</p>
<p>It’s really difficult to say without knowing your sibling’s SAT scores. Given how well your sibling did on the SAT II Spanish test, I assume your family is Hispanic. First generation, legacy, and URM will all help, but HYPS-type schools still need to see very strong SAT scores. Notwithstanding what this board sometimes implies, being an URM is helpful but not in itself a powerful door opener. If you sibling scores below 1900, then my guess is that admission to HYPS-tyoe schools would be a stretch. A score between 1900 and 2000 would be a crap shoot. 2000 to 2100 would result in better than average chances. Above 2100 and admission looks more secure.</p>
<p>location might matter for some of the cali schools. Any other ECs? Unless thats some pretty high placements you’re in for a tought fight for stanford. I had a cousin who had 2200s, good grades etc and won I think 2nd or 4th in a big national piano competition and many others and got rejected everywhere except wellesley (which isn’t bad).</p>
<p>Your sibling should write a very passionate essay about music as well. I think apart from Stanford, his chances are decent. Btw, the other sibling going to HYP is only a semi-hook if you apply to the school they went to. Otherwise, the schools you mentioned won’t care.</p>
<p>Does Early Action help chances? I think he’s considering doing that. </p>
<p>Also, yes, going to get a letter of rec from the music instructor. I think with a lot of practice and an SAT course (which we desperately saved for) the score can go 2000+. </p>
<p>My concerns are really lack of EC’s, but there are years of dedication and true passion to the one EC in music; I suppose that just has to shine through in the Stanford app.</p>
<p>Any other suggestions?</p>