<p>Hi Yall
Im a senior from Texas, and Im wondering what my chances are of getting into the schools Im applying to. Im applying to Claremont-McKenna, Columbia University, George Washington University, Georgetown University, NYU, Northwestern, Skidmore College, Pomona College, Reed College, University of Michigan, USC, SMU, TCU and, University of Texas at Austin, and Vassar college.
Im half Venezuelan, dual-citizenship, speak three languages and am learning a fourth. I am
Co-captain of my Debate Team this year, and have been in it for 2 years
President of the Environmental Club, Vice President last 3 years
Spanish club, normal member for 4 years
French club, Board member for 3 years
One of the most important points in my application is that Ive been playing polo for 6 years, I play in 2 leagues at the local club, and am the co-captain in an interscholastic team, that Ive done for two years, and Ive worked as a ranch hand and at the polo club for background experience. Ive gone to a polo camp in Argentina every winter and spring break for experience as well.
As for volunteering, I usually volunteer at a school updating medical records and helping coordinate afterschool activities and community programs. I also spent 3 weeks of the last two summers volunteering in a Guatemalan orphanage.
In academics, I have a 2080 in the SAT, 750 in US history, 700 in English, and Im taking 3 more this November. Ive taken AP US history, AP Gov, and both AP English courses. I'm a National Hispanic Scholar. This brings me to my weak point. I have an 87 average for my 4 years (I dont know what that is in the 4.0 scale) and I know that that is below the standard for a lot of the listed colleges.
My colleges list seems a bit too ambitious and random, but in my applications Im hoping that they will see some of the unique qualities. My recommendations are really strong, so I hope that works in my favor. Please be brutally honest, I need to trim my list. Also, I know it seems like Im overconfident for apply to Georgetown and Columbia with my grades, but I think Im such a strange applicant that it doesnt hurt to take chances. Thanks.</p>
<p>GPA is about a low 3. Somewhere from 3.2 to 3.3. You do have quite a few reaches on your list. Despite the fact you’re Hispanic, Columbia, Georgetown, Vassar and Northwestern are pretty significant reaches. Your GPA is not particularly strong for those schools. I also would not say your ECs are particularly spectacular for those. It will be very difficult for you to gain admissions to these schools. Second tier of tough schools such as Michigan, USC and NYU will also be reaches for you. Although your SAT better fits these schools, your GPA is lags significantly behind. USC’s averaged admitted GPA was 3.8 for last year which Michigan’s middle 50% was 3.67-3.9. Your ECs are slightly above average compared to students from here but still it will not be easy for you either, even as an URM. UT and GW fit you better but still that GPA concerns me. It isn’t a significant reach and one good semester could potentially push you in but you will still need to make sure your ECs and recs are strong. Then TCU I believe you should fairly easily be able to get into. I don’t know enough about the other colleges to comment. I think you have a pretty good list of reaches, matches and safeties. Perhaps you should trim schools based on the financial reasons. Have you thought how you’re going to pay for USC, NYU and Michigan? None of them are know to be particularly generous with aid. Michigan will cost you 36,000 in OOS tuition and an additional 10,000 in housing so basically $50,000. NYU is about the same and USC is one of the most expensive schools in the country at $57,000. Anyways, good luck and I hope you end up where you want to go.</p>