Chances please?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hello, I would really like to hear some thoughts on my chances for colleges!! I am currently a Junior and although I consider myself a good student, I know that the competition for getting into a really good college is cutthroat. My dream schools include Stanford, Princeton, Brown, Yale, John Hopkins, U of C, and Northwestern. I know that more than a few are very reach-y though (but can a girl dream??). I would appreciate any tips, possible colleges, and thoughts in general!

Here is some info:

Female
Asian
Junior
IL (One of the best high schools in the nation)
Major: Chemistry/ Pharmacy /Pre-med
Income: not sure, but I think $80k- $110?

Unweighted GPA: 3.93
Weighted GPA: 4.79

SAT & ACT: Have not taken any official SAT or ACT, but will soon. PSAT scores have not come out for this year, but I think I got around 170 when I took it my freshman year… I’m planning to take SAT subject tests for chemistry and math, maybe some more.

Sports:
Varsity Bowling- 4 years by senior year (team captain for 2)
Lacrosse- 4 years by senior year (1st JV, 2-4 Varsity)

Extracurriculars
Orchestra - Violin - 4 years by senior year
Asian American Student association - 4 years by Senior year
Korean Culture Club - 2 years by senior year; currently historian
Korean Fan Dance- 3 years by senior year (current Vice President, and President Senior year)
Chinese Fan Dance- 3 years by senior year
Red Cross Club- 2 years (maybe more)
Key Club member

  • there are other clubs/ programs that I am probably going to get involved in by senior year like NHS.
    ** I am also trying to find internships/ summer programs

Volunteering
170 hours, most of the hours coming from volunteering at a hospital

Additional Info…
My school only offers honors and AP classes, so with the exception of PE, I’ve received honors credit. I’m in 2 AP classes now (Micro and Chemistry- which counts for 2 blocks/grades, so kinda like 3?..) and I am planning to have taken AT LEAST 5 AP classes by senior year.

I know there are a lot of students that have a more packed and refined transcript and activities, but I’m still hoping for the best. Even if I don’t get into the best universities, I’ll be okay, but I would like to hear some input and suggestions. I’m aiming for U of C and Northwestern ideally, but would really like to go to California so if there are any suggestions for colleges there. Thanks in advance!

2

Without test scores no one can chance you.

Everyone on CC goes to one of the best high schools in the state/nation.

3

To answer your question,
Yes, a girl can and should dream!
But colleges admissions is a cruel, and dark place. They won’t spare you, nor the person with better or worse stats than you.
You have well rounded ECs, with a very nice leaning towards your choice of major, so cheers to that!

While I can’t give you a definite chance due to the lack of your Sat scores, I’ll give you some suggestions regarding colleges in Cali.
Look up the 5Cs! In Claremont. They’re fantastic colleges, all near each other. A very unique environment.
If you want to be in the heart of L.A, look up Occidental College. Rank wise, it isn’t up there with Stanford or anything, but it’s a nice alternative.

Do your best and remember, if you’re looking to go into med school, the name of your undergraduate college isn’t thaaaaat important(Yes, it should be known, but no need to be in the top). What will matter is your performance. I really mean that. For the most part, getting into college is a cakewalk compared to maintaining a consistent 3.8 and up average, the MCAT and med school interviews.

Good luck! Feel free to update us whenever you can!

4

I don’t think your parents would be able to afford the fees for those California schools if you don’t get merit scholarships. Since you don’t have test scores yet, it’s hard to tell if you would qualify for anything yet.

5

You’ll need to boost your SAT score by about 400 points from that PSAT showing to have a realistic shot at Ivies or equivalent schools, but unless your school has severe grade inflation - which I doubt, if it really is one of the nation’s best - your GPA indicates you’re quite capable of a 2100+ score.

6

Thank you so much for your response, it’s very helpful @AGoodFloridian!