<p>Hello. I will be applying to several schools in the nearby future, and I was just hoping that some of you could help "chance me" with all of the following universities:</p>
<p>University of Iowa
University of Chicago
Pennsylvania State University
The University of Pennsylvania
University of Washington
University of California—Berkeley</p>
<p>I'm planning on applying to all of these schools ED since I like to get things done quick. Here are my stats:</p>
<p>3.8 gpa unweighted
30 ACT
National Forensics League for Speech and Debate (3 years)
NHS
Won the SilverCord award by getting 400 volunteer hours through working at the hospital, working as a TA in Biology, tutoring middle school students with subjects such as science and working at a local animal shelter.
In the top 10% of my class.
Student Council (2 years)
Junior and Senior Class Cabinet
Been in Track for six years (since middle school)</p>
<p>Also, by the time I enter college, I plan on majoring in Molecular Biology or at least Biochemistry. By the way, if my stats don't look as good for some schools such as University of Chicago or the University of Pennsylvania, what can I do to improve my chances? I know the University of Pennsylvania is an ivy league school, so I should take the SAT, but isn't the ACT just fine? I heard they accept the ACT, so how much would it hurt me if I didn't take the SAT?</p>
<p>PS. I could also be taking an intership my senior year if I wanted to. With everything I have, how much would it help? Plus, how much do the interviews at University of Chicago help you? I've heard University of Chicago really likes it when people take interest in them and so does the University of Pennsylvania</p>
<p>Not taking the SAT is perfectly fine, Upenn/Uchicago/UCB do not have a preference. However, 30 ACT is around the ~20th percentile for acceptances at Upenn/UC/UCB. I would strongly consider retaking the act and aiming for 33+, as you GPA/Class Rank is on the downside for acceptances. You need to take 2 Subject tests to apply to Upenn, those are VERY important. Good luck, and if you don’t get in, that’s fine!</p>
<p>Good ACT Score, no need for the SAT, although I would try for a 33+. The UChicago Admission Counselor for my state visited, he said interviews, although may be difficult for some, they really like it and see it as a chance to see you in person, rather than on paper</p>
<p>University of Iowa (Safety)
University of Chicago (Target)
Pennsylvania State University (Safety)
The University of Pennsylvania (Reach)
University of Washington (Target)
University of California—Berkeley (Reach)</p>
<p>Chicago, University of Penn, and Berkeley are all big reaches.You have to take into account that the people who are admitted with lower range test scores are recruited athletes, legacies, development cases, and URMs. An unhooked applicant really needs to be in the higher score range.</p>
Strong stats, I think you have decent chances at all of your schools. Penn might indeed be a reach, but make sure to polish your application and take the September ACT.</p>
<p>
Tired of this. It is hard to generalize admissions and 30 ACT is fine for Berkeley. Penn is a reach, Chicago bit of a target/reach.</p>
<p>i only went up two points from my original act after two tries. In my opinion it is very difficult to get your ACT score up by that margin. But i also had a friend who went from 32 to 35. If you practice and get the format down then you should get a increase at the least.</p>
<p>University of Iowa-safety
University of Chicago-target
Pennsylvania State University-safety
The University of Pennsylvania-reach
University of Washington-don’t know
University of California—Berkeley-target</p>
<p>Here’s my ACT advice. I raised my ACT from a 32 to a 34 using a prep course and practicing hard on the 2 subjects that I was bad at (Math & Science). I think you’re a smart person and with a little work you could raise that 30 to a 32 or 33 and then you’d be solid for UChicago & possibly Berkeley too. Penn will still be a bit of a reach but you’ll improve your chances there too. Just look at it it this way: 4 points on the individual subjects=1 point on your composite score. Attack your weaknesses and be confident in yourself. I wish you the best of luck :)</p>