<p>Im already applying early decision to Cornell, but I didnt have very many other reaches I was applying to so I decided Ill throw one at Columbia and UVA and see what happens. What are my chances?</p>
<p>Stats:
GPA: Weighted 4.26/4
Rank: Top 1%, school doesnt give a #.
SAT I: math 760 Verbal 660 writing 740, Total 2160, averages to 1440, although on conversion charts its considered 1460?
SAT II: US History 720, Math level IC 710</p>
<p>AP Bio: 5
AP Human Geo: 5
AP US History: 4
AP World history 4
Ap Physics: 3
Ap English language: 3
So Im an AP Scholar with Distinction.</p>
<p>EC and Academic Honors-
DECA 11th and 12th, came in top 10 at regionals, participated at states.
National Honor Society 11th and 12th
national Math Honor Society 11th and 12th
Spanish Honor Society 10-12th.
Renaissance Committee- 10th, community service group that only 5 students are admitted to per semester.
Science Olympiad- 9th-11th
Robotics Team 9th,
Selected member of the leadership class in school.
Graduated from Summer Program "Camp Business" at Long Island University which only 48 students were accepted for.
Participated in 4 week long Biotechnology Summer Research Program at Stonybrook University, which only 25 students were accepted for. </p>
<p>Participant in AMC 10 Math Contest.
Invited to the "People to People: Future Leaders Summit" and the "National Student Leadership Conference"
Came in 3rd place at the 2004 NEDC Problem Statement Competition for team project of building a product to aid elderly drivers.
Participated in Boston University College of Engineering Design Competition.
Recieved Science Olympiad "Award of Excellence" for participation at the State Science Olympiad Tournament.
Recieved the Presidential Physical Fitness Award.
Participated in Dowling College Symposium with science project on landfills.
Recieved two "Business Achievement" Awards for excellence in the courses "Introduction to Business" and "E-commerce and Entrepreneurship"
Started own business selling jerseys and sports merchandise online.
Member of a Scholarship Committee in school.
Tutor elementary school kids in Spanish weekly.</p>
<p>I also worked for over 3.5 years as a manager at an ice cream store and just took on a 2nd job at the same time in sales at Sears.</p>
<p>Im taking 2 AP and 2 college level classes my senior year as well.</p>
<p>So anyone think i got a legit shot at columbia or UVA or am i probably wasting my time? Or is there any other reaches you think I should try out instead?</p>
<p>Hi! Long Island mom here. You definitely have a shot, but based on my experience, it is often tougher for a Long Island kid to get into UVA than an Ivy. My d applied ED to UVA was deferred and later rejected. She's now a soph. at Cornell. I am familiar with a # of kids this has happened to. That shouldn't stop you from applying but do not think getting into UVA would be easier than getting into Columbia. Just to remain positive if ED at Cornell doesn't work out-- I also know of a few kids who were deferred ED at Cornell but were later accepted RD. Cornell seems to really reconsider its ED pool of applicants, so don't give up hope. Good luck.</p>
<p>Hi..congrats on a great work showing from HS. In state parent here. You SATs are what it takes to get into UVA instate if you are from the Northern Virginia Corridor. Generally, OOS students might have stronger test scores, but your class rank and APs are a plus re showing your work ethic. UVa reads essays very very carefully. I would spend a lot of time on them and show your best qualities. I hope you don't mind me saying so but I would also work to reduce that EC list to more essentials Out Front, and minimize listings of club memberships to bare bones. It is hard to sort through that list to identify you as someone who has some One Thing special to bring to the college community. OOS students tend to bring great scores and an EC contribution to the table. Study up on how to do Activity Sheets in a more sophisticated way..they have five minutes to glance at your ECs and some of your clubs are just blurry. This is theater. Present yourself with clarity and get your essence out front.</p>
<p>thanks for your advice, unfortunately I already sent in almost all my applications but for the couple I have left Ill try and cutdown on the worthless ECs.</p>
<p>You are a strong candidate, so take time on your Activity list if you don't get in your ED school. It is also possible to send in a revised version if you come up with a new award or activity of note in senior year...my son has to literally FAX in a late award to his schools, and ask that the old one be replaced in your reading file. In RD season, things are still happening senior year. Not sure everyone could accomodate that request, but possible. Look at Katherine Cohen's Brag Sheets in her advice books...Just look at the Before and After ones in Rock Hard Apps, and try not to freak out over the rest of her advice giving..Expand on the heart of your ECs with short pithy highlights, just list the honor societies with years, and ditto clubs unless you assumed a leadership role that had specific outcomes. good luck and happy outcomes to you PS...I think your work experience should be documented with hours listed, and is an asset to your presentation.</p>