Hi, I apologize if there are similar posts on here but I was really looking for help for my specific situation because I’m rapidly approaching the application process for college.
I am a student at a private catholic high school in Southern California. I am undecided between going into pharmacy or law (very different I know) but I’m trying to find a college that fits that I can get into.
My credentials are:
4.05 weighted GPA (3.6 unweighted)
33 ACT Composite
1990 SAT
AP Euro - 4
AP English Language - 5
AP Calculus AB - 5
AP Chemistry - 4
My courseload will include AP Gov, AP Japanese, AP Physics 1, AP English Literature, and AP Calc BC my senior year.
I suffered from mostly B’s my sophomore year, with a C second semester in AP Euro. Junior year I maintained straight A’s both semesters with 3 AP courses.
In terms of extra curriculars, I have been in my schools Marching Band for all four years, playing Euphonium. I don’t intend on continuing in college.
I will be doing four years of foreign language (Japanese)
I know schools claim to be need blind, but I do not need financial aid regardless of where I go (if it makes a difference)
Right now, I plan on applying to
UCLA
UC Berkeley
UCSD
UNC Chapel Hill
William and Mary
Princeton
Johns Hopkins
Michigan (This I can get into for sure because of special connections)
Boston College
Georgetown
Claremont McKenna
My top choice is UC Berkeley, but I would be satisfied with most if not all schools I am applying to. Any advice on where to apply or not apply for either a focus in pharmacy or law would be wonderful. Thank you for all support.
Question: Is band your only EC? If so, that’s a killer for the application. Also, if you want to go into law or pharmacy, then why aren’t you doing any EC’s in these fields? This is so important. Colleges want to see a student pursue one or two passions and commit to them. As far as admission chances… The UW Gpa definitely hurts. UCLA and Berkeley are definitely reaches. Not sure about UCSD, so I won’t comment on that. You don’t have any chance at UNC. OOS is so difficult, especially when your stats are right on the median line. William and Mary is a high match (40-50%), as you seem to fit their type that they look for. Princeton, no shot whatsoever. Johns Hopkins is a low reach. I am going to trust you on the Michigan thing, but they put so much weight on GPA that I wouldn’t count my chickens before they hatch. Just a few connections doesn’t “guarantee” anything. You maybe have a 10% or so chance at BC… wouldn’t get my hopes up. No shot at Georgetown, and I have no clue about Claremont. Hope I could be a help.
I’m not sure how to calculate my UC GPA
I’m sure it isn’t a huge addition but since 9th grade I have been a member of my steam club at school, which consists mainly of having speakers come in from STEAM fields and talk about their industries and careers. This upcoming year I will be the president.
I also was the president of the Japanese club this previous year and will most likely continue to do so this upcoming year.
I’ve participated in an immersion program (3 days overnight of community service) and I’ve heard that this may count as an EC
I went on a kairos program I’m not sure if that’s worth anything
I also have a 750 Chemistry SAT II
Also I have been a member of NHS for at least two semesters
I think I calculated it correctly, giving me a UC GPA of 3.83
I’d say I have a projected 3.93 by the end of my first semester senior year
With my GPA at what it is, and my ECs (I have no more major ones but I’m sure there are more minor ones) what chances do I stand of getting into some of the harder colleges on my list?
I also plan on retaking the ACT, in hopes of getting a 35.
@Brendan135 UCs don’t look at first semester senior grades (unless subject to augmented review).
What kind of special connection you have that can get you into UMich with a low GPA? Did your parent donate a million or more? Just curious as it is a reach for you with your current stat from OOS.
I’m not sure on exact amounts but my grandfather continues to be an active alumnus to this day, presumably donating large sums. He recently had dinner with the old and new dean who were curious about my interest in attending, and he is confident that he could guarantee my admission to the school.
Then UMich would be your best bet.
Assuming that UMich is my most likely choice, are there any schools in particular absolutely not worth paying the fee and applying to
You may still want another safey just is case. Also, if there is any school you are want to go more than UMich, you should apply to that too. Otherwise, your chance at other top schools and upper US is not high due to your GPA. How is your class rank? Perhaps your school profile may help your GPA.
My non UC school GPA for junior year is weighed down due to my religion class not offering the extra point, so amongst A’s in APs the 4 brings down my weighted. Without it, my junior year GPA would be 4.5.
Does anyone know if taking a class that is rarely taken in my school helpful for my appearance? My schools Japanese program is only one class per level, starting around 20 kids in the year one class. In AP I will be one of 4 or 5 students taking the class from our original 20. Does this help?