<p>I go to a blue-ribbon high school that is known for it’s unbelievably smart, rich students. But, because we have so many abnormally smart people at my school, being in the top 10% or even the top 25% is a huge stretch.
I have a 3.4 unweighted GPA and am in the top 50% of my class. I am a sophomore and am taking Pre-AP English II, Geometry, IPC (Integrated Physics and Chemistry), French II, and World History AP (the only AP course offered to sophomores).
I plan on taking AP English and Social Studies classes for the rest of high school and Pre-AP Math classes. I am also taking art for the next 2 years and graphic design and AP Art History senior year.
I love Brown and would love to get into their architecture department but I’m worried that because of my fairly low GPA and class rank, that I won’t have any chance.</p>
<p>It's early to tell. You never know and your college needs may change. They realize what's going on if you come from a ridiculously rigorous/competitive hs.</p>
<p>The truth is that it does not look too good for you, unless you do something dramatic in the next two years ( grades, ECs, etc ) Princeton Review placed Brown as the 4th most selective college to get into this year. I have friends with unique ECs and National Merit who were turned down this year, ( and who came from super rich prep schools..)</p>
<p>Never give up your dream and try, but be realistic also!</p>
<p>Well, you are only a sophomore, so no one can really tell as of now. However, realistically speaking, it probably doesn't seem too likely. Brown students are in the top 5% or higher in their class, they have unique ECs, super high test scores, and GPAs usually a lot greater than a 3.4. Unless, you do something really dramatic the next two years, or you score very very high on the SATs, I don't really see you getting in. I'm just being realistic by looking at your stats so far, however there is no reason not to at least try and change that.</p>
<p>Let me add that I have about an 88 average, and I got in.</p>
<p>Just try to make yourself shine as a person.</p>
<p>and I had a 1250/1600 on my SATS though I got in as a transfer</p>
<p>^^Well, clearly, as a transfer you had a lot more dramatic stuff to show besides your SATs. They certainly did not get you in the first time around, did they?</p>
<p>Not Brown but a top ten (at the time) LAC believe it or not.</p>
<p>That's why I think you never know...cause you don't. I know kids who had 3.0 from my school and got into harvard the first time around...there's always hope.</p>
<p>Exactly, one should never lose that.</p>
<p>I think an amazing essay can make all the difference. Just try and bring up your grades and make sure to research other schools that are possibly similar to Brown.</p>