<p>Quick clarification: I am Asian (Chinese) and attend a competitive high school in CA (but only 1-2 kids to a top 20 school a year). I have taken the most rigorous courseload (6 AP's junior year), however I wanted an opinion on my gpa and class rank. At the end of junior year, I will have a 3.82 unweighted GPA with a class rank within the top 7.5 percent, ranked 17/230. Ignoring the idea of EC's, Essays, etc, will this class rank get me through the first round of being deemed academically qualified at HYPSM caliber schools in the RD round? Note: SAT 1>2300 and two SAT II's of 780+ Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Bump</p>
<p>
The is no “first round.” Yes, your GPA is in the ballpark, but your EC’s, test scores, essays, and recs will all be viewed holistically with your GPA. Good luck.</p>
<p>That is what I was asking. I realized down the threads that many students were very highly ranked, and I have heard that if you are within the top 10% you are okay, and was just wondering if my top 7.5 percent will suffice in getting past the implied academic cutoff. I just want to make it into the round where they judge you based on essays, ec’s, etc. Just wondering if I meet this academic standard. </p>
<p>From what I’ve seen from our local HS, top 10% isn’t good enough. It’s more like top 1-2%.</p>
<p>@gibby what is your opinion on this issue? What about everyone else? The more opinions the better, not just for me but for future applicants with the same question!</p>
<p>I would think about it in the context of your school. You said only one or two kids go to a highly ranked school each year. What factors do you think contribute to that, and how can you stop them from stopping you?</p>
<p>You know your own school better than any of us. It’s hard for others to judge without info about it.</p>
<p>Bumping this one more time</p>
<p>It really depends on what students 1-16 look like, where they’re applying, how your school calculates rank, and how you’ll stack up against the competition - not only within your own class, but within a cohort of other Chinese-American students with similar profiles from your region of CA. If the top 25 students in your class all have SAT scores over 2300, and you have no special leadership activities or accomplishments to distinguish you, then you probably should formulate your college list carefully. You are fortunate to live in a state with outstanding public universities. If 20 students are applying to Stanford, and they are all at least as qualified as you, your chances aren’t very good. You might try to branch out to some private colleges in other parts of the country, along with UCs. Talk with your guidance counselor or college adviser for some input regarding other students’ intended applications. Your test scores are competitive everywhere. Your GPA shouldn’t disqualify you automatically, if you have taken the most rigorous courseload available. If your school is a competitive one, the top students’ GPAs are probably extremely close, with rank determined by tiny fractions of points. I’ve said it before: it’s the difference between an A or A- on a science project or math test during your sophomore year. Colleges get that, or I certainly hope they do. </p>