<p>What do you guys think my chances are of getting into my top choices? </p>
<p>My gpa is 3.9 unweighted, with AP Calculus AB, BC, Gov, American History, Chemisty, and Biology as well as eight or ten other honors classes. I also took a college composition class at the University of Washington, which I got an A in. I got mostly 5s with a couple 4s on my APs. My SAT score isn't very good (2000), but this year I recieved recognition as a National Merit Commended Scholar (99th percentile of PSAT/NMSQT takers). I scored in the low - mid 700s on subject tests in histoy, math 2, and chemistry. My courseload is in the top 5 in my school, as is my weighted gpa</p>
<p>I lived in Shanghai, China for 4 years (from 12 - 15 years old). Also I have been independently studying Mandarin Chinese for the last three years. Additionally, I set-up a cultural exchange group with students at the University of Beijing and my friends. We meet weekly over Skype to discuss global affairs and practice English/Chinese. I have played blues guitar for many years, and currently play in a band with some of my friends. I ski and wakeboard a lot, and I love hiking too. My top choices are Duke, Hopkins, Dartmouth, and University of Virginia. </p>
<p>Teacher rec from AP Calc teacher in junior year - Should be great, she only writes for 10 people in each class so she puts a lot of work into it. Makes each school specific</p>
<p>2nd rec. from hon. english teacher - Favorite high school teacher. Should write a good rec. </p>
<p>Essay is on the importance of diversity - has to do with when I lived in China. Should be different and interesting, talks about my character and what is important to me.</p>
<p>Other random ec’s (trips to live w/ families in rural China for a few days, AP Scholar, honors societies…)</p>
<p>My school limits number of APs that can be taken (not allowed in freshmen and sophmore years). All of my classes but langauges and some electives have been honors. My school does not do rank. </p>
<p>What is your breakdown on SAT scores? Any Community service? I think you have a decent shot at Duke, UVa, and Hopkins(with Dartmouth being even more reachy) but I hope you are applying to a few more matches and safities. What about financials? Do you need financial aid? If so you should have a financial safety…</p>
<p>Community service on independent trips to china, math tutoring, retirement home (too many hrs to count). Also worked at dominoes for about 1yr. Dad didn’t go to college. I have plenty of safety and match schools. Cornell is another top choice btw.</p>
<p>I think you look good, but why did you pick those schools?They don’t have much in common. If you really want an Ivy, I think Brown would like the China thing more.What specific about the college environment are you looking for? Why not MacAlaster, if you want a city school with a global perspective? Why Hopkins? If you want to ski, why not Midd? It probably is a better match than Dartmouth…Etc etc.I want to give advice, but you don’t offer enough data.</p>