<p>Hello!
Here are my "credentials" </p>
<p>Academics:
-3.9 unweighted GPA
-All honours courses
-A total of 10 APs by the end of senior year
-a 4 or 5 on the AP tests I've taken so far</p>
<p>SAT:
-1980 the first time
-2040 the second time.
-I took the subject tests on May 4, so the results aren't back yet. But I expect a high 700 on Spanish, and high 600s low 700s for Math 1 and US History </p>
<p>Extra Curricular:
-President of HOSA
-Vice President of Junior Achievement
-Debate Team Secretary
-Debate State Qualifier in UIL CX, and NFL Public Forum
-National Honour Society Member
-Future Doctor of America member
-Italian Honour Society</p>
<p>Outside of School:
-Treasurer of Venture Crew (a co-ed branch of boyscouts)
-leader of church youth group
-summer intern at a firm
-fluent in 3 languages (one is Sign Language)
-read and write 2</p>
<p>Volunteer:
-300 hours at a local hospital
-year round Junior Volunteer at another local hospital (208 hours)
-Summer volunteer in two hospitals (totalling 200 hours)
-Volunteer at a paediatricians clinic</p>
<p>I'm also Hispanic. I don't know if that plays into anything.
I'm currently choosing between UPenn and Columbia for Early Decision. I really don't know if I stand any chance getting in. Im planning on going into PreMed. Any advice helps. Thank you!</p>
<p>You need a 2250+ SAT before you dream about the Ivy’s. The minority thing will not help you because of the large numbers involved. Retake the SAT and start dreaming.</p>
<p>You do have a lot of volunteering that show your passion. It would be better if you can bring up your SAT score. If not, I would suggest still give it a shot at a couple ivies like Cornell. You do have a couple things stand out on the EC. Good luck to you.</p>
<p>Agree with sesenza. Don’t be the minority that assures himself admission to Harvard is imminent because he is a minority. Your achievements in debate and other activities regarding medicine are admirable. That would help you more than being a minority would.</p>
<p>All in all I should work on improving my SAT score to around a 2250? How about the subject tests?</p>
<p>Many schools will shrug off Math 1, as it’s a bit rudimentary. Math 2 will appear more impressive and the curve is more forgiving. As for the scores, above 700 is ideal.</p>
<p>Above 2250 on the SAT would be much better. Have you considered the ACT instead? I found it easier to do well on the ACT, but it’s a personal thing.</p>
<p>I chickened out of the Math 2, but I’ll consider taking it. What is a good score on the ACT? I haven’t looked into it very much, I heard the writing and science is killer.</p>
<p>Also, if I have to work on improving either my SAT Subj or the SAT, which should I choose?</p>
<p>I’ve heard Math 2 is more of a calculator test- if you know how to use the calculator, you’re golden.</p>
<p>Mid-range to upper schools often have range ACT scores of 28-32, or so they say. To me, 32-33 is very competitive and anything above is outstanding. The science portion isn’t difficult, at least I didn’t think so; it’s not about knowing science, but being able to interpret graphs and information given. The biggest problem with science is being able to read all the questions in the allotted time.</p>
<p>And I would say getting the SAT 1 scores up are more important than subject tests, because schools will probably be looking at that before subject test results.</p>
<p>Should I take the ACT with writing? Would that replace the subject tests?</p>
<p>Most high level schools won’t accept the ACT without writing, though it’s not nearly as important as your composite score.</p>
<p>Some schools I’ve seen will require a.) SAT 1 and 2 or more SAT Subject Tests OR b.) ACT w/writing.
Others will give you an option of SAT w/writing or ACT w/writing, and then 2 SAT Subject Tests regardless of your choice of SAT or ACT.
I’d play it safe and still take both, because there’s nothing quite so spirit crushing as being qualified but not taking the right tests by the time of the application deadline.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot! I appreciate it!</p>
<p>No problem! Those scores up even a little will help immensely, and your EC’s look great. The volunteer hours are especially impressive to me because they’re not scattered (I shelved books once for 2 hours, built a shed for 10, served food to the needy for 4, etc…) but focused in one area, it shows your dedication and makes your volunteering contribution seem very genuine, while so many volunteer superficially for college now. You’re definitely on the right path, but always remember there are plenty of great schools even slightly below UPenn and Columbia so don’t be too crushed if you end up being denied or deferred. That being said, dream high and keep at it!</p>
<p>FYI. ACT 34 is about the same level as 2250 SAT. That should probably be your target.</p>
<p>How hard is it to get a 34 on the ACT?</p>
<p>Thanks a lot nova, I feel better about my application and what I need to work on!
Hopefully I can pull up my score in time by June 1.</p>
<p>Less than 1% of student get ACT 34.</p>
<p>Ha. Ha. Oh great. Okay. I should start studying…</p>