Chances....

[dman519]

<p>Alright, so UNC is my dream school but I realize that it is damn near impossible to get into OOS. Here we go:</p>

<p>Test Scores:
-SAT: 680(CR), 690 (M), 650 (W) 2020 (Com). Horrible experience the first time around (day after the AP Euro AP Test); retaking end of the month (shooting for a high 2100, low 2200)
-ACT: 29 (ENG) 35 (M) 31 (R) 28 (S) 31 (Comp)
-AP's: Euro (5) (taking Calc, Gov, Physics in May)
-Will take IB Bio and IB Physics IB tests in May too</p>

<p>Here's the kicker:
-3.7 GPA (shows upward trend: frosh (3.4), soph (3.7), junior (4.0))
-School doesn't rank, but highly, highly competitive public HS in Ohio with 550+ students in class, top 10% has a 4.1 or higher GPA</p>

<p>EC's:
-Four years varsity swimming in HS (been swimming competively since age 8): state runners' up last 3 years, national champions two years ago, 10 practices a week (including 4 mornings at 5:20), average ~30 hours a week
-Water Polo 10th Grade
-Marine Biology Field Study, Andros Island, Bahamas
-Counselor at Middle School 6th Grade Camp
-Focus On Your Future Career Seminar
-Help out in an Algebra Classroom
-Tutor in Math, English, and History
-Honor Cord Candidate for Graduation (120+ Hours Community Service Senior Year)</p>

<p>Interests:
-swimming, biking, travel, science</p>

<p>I have a kickass essay and my rec's will be awesome too; huge donor relation</p>

[dman519]

<p>essays** (the app has two and i'm doing the optional one)</p>

[eadad]

<p>You definitely need to bring up the SATs.</p>

<p>UNC puts a lot of weight into the essays so make sure it has substance and enables them to see who the person is behind the numbers.</p>

<p>ECs are good but my question would be, where is your passion? Maybe you can describe/emphasize your passion in your essay(s). </p>

<p>Recs need to be from someone who knows you well and can shed light on you in a way that your stats won't and also help to humanize your application.</p>

<p>Very strong recs from English and Math teachers will probably carry more weight than a "huge donor relation." UNC does add value to OOS children of legacies in their process but I believe that means that you are in some way a direct line legacy....mom, dad, grandparents, etc. In other words, and I could be wrong, but I don't believe for example that a distant cousin is a legacy line they will place much value on unless the relative's name is Robertson, Johnson, Echols or Morehead.</p>