Yeh, I would recommend low Ivies or so as top reaches with the URM. Would apply to some top 30 and top 50, and a couple of safeties below that.
Personally, I would be quite happy if everyone would just eliminate “low Ivies,” “lesser Ivies,” and the like from their vocabulary.
Calling excruciatingly competitive colleges lower or lesser just comes off as not fully informed. Sorry, but there are no walk-ins among the tippy tops. Period.
And it would help to look at what OP offers, not get blinded by the gpa. There are issues.
A last point on “low ivies” and the practical realities of trying to apply to several RD as “safe” alternatives. The average RD admission rate among BCDP is around 4.5%. Stated differently for every 1 kid accepted 22 will have been rejected or WL. I would strongly recommend against a strategy the relies upon these odds to produce successful outcomes.
The falacy of placing tiers in the Ivies is it attempts to suggest they are all looking for the same thing and that the difference lies in prestige and competitiveness. The reality is they are all extremely competitive and seek very specific candidates from a pool that has largely self selected amongst those most likely to gain addmission. The best advice I have is learn what makes them different as opposed to trying to find commonality or a shortcut in.
I would recommend about low Ivies as the top schools to apply to, not really expecting to get into them. Maybe you don’t like the terminology, but I would not recommend OP apply to HYP.
Sattut
So you are advising the OP to apply to a school ranging in size from 4,000 to 14,000 undergrad students, either urban or rural, either open or closed curriculum, either pre professional or liberal arts under the heading “low ivies”. This suggestion is based on a desire for the perceived prestige of an ivy juxtaposed against the unlikelihood of acceptance to HYP. I am impressed you could make a life changing recommendation with a lack of specifity or detail.
I think in order to gain acceptance the OP should do some diligence and identify the school that best fits their needs, wants, vibe etc.
Yes, I am suggesting the range of schools to apply to. Of course, I would also recommend choosing schools based on how comfortable OP is with them and how well they fit with his/her planned major etc.
OP, you don’t just apply to a tippy top based on what you think you want. There needs to be some exploration, some self assessment, this is not just about stats and dreams, and that the competition is fierce.
It’s not just “I want” or “I like.” Tippy tops don’t take you because you want them. Find the level of colleges were you match. Do that legwork.
OP hasn’t even checked back in 4 days. We don’t even know the major, the verbal is low, and frankly, 100 hours of vol over 3.5 years is barely over 2 hours/month over 4 activities.
@crunchwrap16 I think doing more research is in order. Apply to the schools you like but do have a wide range of schools so that you find one that you love. You should be willing and happy to go to all that you apply to. Also, consider visits if possible or at least a really good read of the web site and other resources. Visiting is an excellent way to see the school but may not be possible. Make lists and see which appear to be the best fit for you.
You won’t get in if you don’t apply!
So if there are Ivy schools you think would be a good fit for you (remember, many of them differ dramatically) go for it. You have nothing to lose except some time and the app fee.
But, like everyone says, apply also to match and safeties. Because unless your name is Trump or Obama or Rockefeller, no Ivy is a good bet.
Good luck. With your stats you will have many great choices.
It’s possible you could get in one. Apply but keep in mind that Ivies are incredibly unpredictable and even highly qualified applicants like yourself dont get in.
Try to be realistic. Try to be informed. You are free to decide to apply but also free to apply with savvy, not just based on whim and this idea you have to try. If you don’t match, if you dont even have an idea if you do, how’s that so great? How do you put forth your best app and supp?