Chances?

Colleges and Universities A-Z American University
1

<p>OK… So I’m a finished 10th grade student. I have already visited AU… and decided that it was my number 1 choice! (I looked at Princeton, Georgetown, Columbia, and Barnard- No way I could get in any of those schools… but it also made me realize I don’t want to be at any of those schools!)</p>

<p>At AU, I really want to study French and I was considering majoring in:
French and Communications
French Language AND a second major in secondary education</p>

<p>Stats:
White Girl from lower-middle class family in South Carolina
GPA: about 3.0 unweighted, 3.5 weighted
SAT: 1200/1600 (Critical Reading: 630, Math: 570, Writing: 570) (No prep… will retake)
I go to a private college prep school with 100% college admission and 100% graduation.
My school does not rank. (Other than for valedictorian)</p>

<p>I’m currently receiving a merit scholarship for my school worth $2000.</p>

<p>Classes:
8th Grade (High School Credit)
French I Honors
Latin I Honors
Algebra I Honors</p>

<p>9th Grade:
English I Honors
Geometry Honors
Biology Honors
French II Honors
Latin II Honors
Concert Band
Jazz Band</p>

<p>10th Grade:
English II Honors
Algebra II/Trig. Honors
Chemistry Honors
Physics Honors
European History Honors
French III Honors
Latin III Honors
Concert Band
Jazz Band</p>

<p>Planned Classes for Future</p>

<p>11th Grade:
AP Music Theory
AP Chemistry
AP US History
English 11 Honors
Pre-Calculus Honors
French IV Honors
Concert Band
Jazz Band</p>

<p>12th Grade:
AP English Lit.
AP European History
AP Calculus AB (Possibly BC, depending on Pre-Cal.)
AP French Lang.
AP Physics BC (May take something else instead…)
Concert Band
Jazz Band</p>

<p>Sports: (All Varsity)
9th: Cheerleading
10th: Field Hockey, Cheerleading
11th: (Probably) Field Hockey, Cheerleading, Lacrosse
12th: (Probably) Same</p>

<p>Clubs:
Girl’s Community Service Club
Latin Club
Honor Council (You have to apply to get in… and only 2 members from each grade get in)
Chess Club President (9th Grade)
Yearbook (10th)
Newspaper
Literary Magazine (10th)</p>

<p>Misc:
Band Historian (9th-10th)
Clemson University Declamation Contest: French 9th-10th (Only two students from each class are selected to attend.)</p>

<p>So what do you all see as my chances of getting in? What should I improve over my junior and senior years?</p>

2

<p>I think if you work hard to bump up your GPA and your SAT scores you will have a decent chance. Your class schedule looks challenging which is definitely something important. Additionally, I would make sure that you continue to take leadership roles in the clubs you are involved in as what you do in these groups matters more than simply being a member. Good luck!</p>

3

<p>Listen, You have a LOT of time before you apply to College. If I had the chance you have right now, urgh… I’d probably empty my savings and buy it off you!!! AU is a really good school, so good choice. The other schools you mentioned are extremely hard to get into, but remember you’re not applying this Fall, nor the next. That means you have a lot of time to beef up your application. Aim for the stars, you’ll at least hit a coconut!</p>

<p>Firstly, you HAVE to get your GPA up… Do what ever you have to do, nows the time to take it up, not next semester, or next year. NOW! Concentrate in class, be on the ball, suck up to your teachers, what ever. That’s what’s gonna get you through that extra mile. NOW!</p>

<p>Secondly, take good SAT prep and retake your SATs with enough of time to retake it again if they are not satisfactory. Get scores like 670+ on each section at least… Get the best scores you know you can get… </p>

<p>Thirdly, keep a goal and work towards it… Somewhere next year, Come up with unusual ideas for essays (VERY important)… keep a tab on your universities, always knowing their requirements and what are their most important admission factors…</p>

<p>You, missy can get into a WOW college, but to do that, you need to start that journey NOW! If you can’t or feel lazy to do that, then I’m sorry, that’s your loss.</p>

4

<p>^Lol, nice. How very Dr. Phil of you jamesnew.</p>

5

<p>If your school has a 100% college admit rate, I’m guessing that means it’s very competitive. Maybe take an SAT II in French at the end of junior year, to show your ability for it (if you think you can do well). I would consider a mission trip to a French-speaking country i you can find one, especially if it’s one that has to do with building a school/similar, because that would really make you seem passionate. Your chances are probably decent, but I’m not really an expert.</p>

6

<p>LOL :smiley: Thanks cdover, I think I’ve been watching a bit too much of Suzy Orman :P</p>

7

<p>Jamesnew-- Your advice was outstanding! OP can definately get into American (and many other fine schools) if she starts focusing now.
My only quibble would be-- for SAT prep- forget the prep course, instead read the Xiggi method THIS SUMMER and start applying it, a little bit several times a week (like a set schedule of 1 hour three days per week, no exceptions). Take the SAT next June, if you don’t break 700 in each section, continue study over the summer and take it again in the fall.<br>
Remember-- You can get into American with section scores of 600plus, but scores of 700 plus will earn you merit money and probable entry into the honors program.</p>

8

<p>LOL. i LOVE suze orman. now that i’m looking at it, your post is more suze orman-esque than dr. phil.</p>

9

<p>Thanks for the advice.</p>

<p>I had never heard of the “Xiggi method” until now, but it seems solid. =)</p>

10

<p>haha lol @ cd…</p>