Chances/Is It Right For Me?

Colleges and Universities A-Z American University
1

<p>Hello everyone, I am a rising junior in an extremely competetive private school in LI, and I am looking for some ideas about how and where to apply. I am an Israeli-American, and I am the youngest of 4 brothers and sisters (BU, Harvard, McGill). My family is a very ambitious one, and they have long pushed me towards top colleges (I have already visited a couple), but I am nervous as to whether I am good enough. For the record, it should be noted that my strongest application creds would come in interview, essay, and recs. I know I am not as flashy on paper, which worries me. I have yet to take the SAT, those those are a projection based on previous practice tests and PSAT. I would really appreciate some opinion and suggestion on adding something, improving something, etc.</p>

<p>I dont’ know much of American, except that it’s big on politics and it’s in DC which I like. Would I get in/Is it right for me?
I will chance back if a link is given. Thanks!!!</p>

<p>Student:</p>

<p>User Name: hopeandambition
Gender: M
Location: Long Island, NY
College Class Year: 2015
High School: Private
High School Type: sends many grads to top schools</p>

<p>Academics:</p>

<p>GPA - Unweighted: low 90’s (bad freshman year, rising curve)
GPA - Weighted: no AP’s or Honors (classes supposed to be just as hard, though I am taking classes outside of school next year)
Class Rank: top 25% (as in 6th)
Class Size: 30</p>

<p>Scores:</p>

<p>SAT I Math: 640 (hoping to raise that)
SAT I Critical Reading: 750
SAT I Writing: 740
SAT II U.S. History: 800
SAT II World History: 750
SAT II Spanish with Listening: 650 (hoping to raise)
(might take Hebrew)</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:</p>

<p>Significant Extracurriculars: Head Delegate, Model UN for 4 years
Founder/Editor in Chief, Carmonreport.com (blog I have been running since 9th grade)
Piano, 11 years
School Newspaper, head political columnist</p>

<p>Leadership positions:
President of Freshman Year
President of Sophomore Year
Student Body President (youngest in school history!)
Founder/Moderator of Politics and Debate Club
HOBY Ambassador–future HOBY JC</p>

<p>Athletic Status - list sport and your level:
Varsity Soccer, 4 years–(league champions, some awards).
Varsity Baseball 4 years (awards)</p>

<p>Volunteer/Service Work:
Intern, Eric Gioia for Public Advocate (NYC)
DFO, Obama campaign
Volunteer, Community Service Club
Volunteer, Waldorf Choral Society
National Voice for Reason
School Ambassador</p>

<p>Honors and Awards:
Soccer and Baseball distinctions.
Otherwise school doesn’t give awards until junior and senior year.</p>

<p>Colleges of Interest:
BC
BU
William and Mary
Columbia (I know)
SUNY Binghampton
GWU
Harvard (again, I know)
Johns Hopkins
McGill
NYU
Penn St.
U of Maryland (Park)
UVA
Georgetown (number one)
UPenn</p>

<p>Location type: Urban
Size: Medium (5,000 - 10,000), Large (10,000 - 18,000), Very Large (Over 18,000)</p>

<p>Area: East Coast
Importance of cost: Secondary </p>

<p>EDIT: I should also mention that I am almost tri-lingual.
(spanish, hebrew, english).
I have also extensively traveled around the world.
Thanks in advance!!</p>

2

<p>bump
anything would be appreciated…</p>

3

<p>You’re in, but I can’t tell you if it’s right for you, what would your major be?</p>

4

<p>political science probably with minor in spanish.
would this be a safety/middle/match/reach for me is also a question i have.</p>

5

<p>Well it’s perfect for Poli Sci. If your course load is decently challenging and you keep your upward grade trend I’d say its a safety.</p>

<p>My GPA was 3.4 (low 90s ish with mad IB/AP classes) and my SATs were a little better than yours (1460/2200) and I got in with some hefty merit aid so I figure you’ll be close enough to definitely get in and maybe even pick up some merit money</p>

6

<p>Firstly, let me tell you that “projected scores” based to SAT Prac Tests mean NOTHING! Believe me, I learned that the hard way. So, keep at least 3-4 months of buffer exam dates if you don’t get good SAT and SAT2 scores.</p>

<p>You have a very good chance at AU, and like Pshap91 said, probably will get some Merit Money too… Those schools you’re considering are VERY hard to get in, and will be even harder when you apply. Some of them reject 93% of the Applicant pool, no joke!</p>

<p>Interview carries little or no weight. Essays are VEERY important and so are Rec letters. Transcripts are also VERY important. You have a good chance at applying to some really good schools, I like your list, so don’t not apply thinking you wont get in. You’ll never know until you actually try.</p>

<p>The greatest advantage you have is time. So use it. Get cracking!</p>