I’m aware it’s kind of hard to tell, as I am just a sophomore and haven’t taken the SAT or my subject tests yet. I’m not asking for a yes or no (it would be nice, but impossible), I just want some insight as to what I can do to strengthen my transcript or what my strengths/weaknesses are.
I have taken the hardest classes that my school offer, and I have received the highest honors (95% and above unweighted) every quarter. My weighted average is only a 98.8%, but after taking more AP classes, I will bring it up to over 100%. I am planning to have taken 9 AP classes by senior year. Although my school doesn’t list rank yet, I am planning to receive at least top 5-10% of my class (240 students). My unweighted GPA is a 3.9, and my unweighted GPA isn’t listed yet. I haven’t taken a real SAT test, however, on my practice tests I score in the top 95 percentile. My score is only low because I haven’t learned all of the math yet, and I am planning to increase my score to over 1500. I am hoping to get the National Merit Scholarship, and I am studying for it.
As for extracurriculars, my main activities are violin and tennis. I have got accepted into the Area All State orchestra freshman and sophomore year, and I’m planning on getting into the All State orchestra and hopefully the All Eastern orchestra. I will be the concert master of my chamber orchestra for two years, and I play outside of school in regional orchestras. For tennis, I was terrible in freshman year, but practiced a lot over the summer to get on varsity. I made all league as a sophomore in tennis. My coach named me the most improved player, and said he was surprised by my hard work and dedication. I am planning to be the caption senior year. I am in the Math Honor society, the History Honor society, as well as the Science honor society. I participate in Model UN and the Math team, which I enjoy very much. I am hoping to be the President of NHS or other clubs I belong to. I was elected to be the school liaison in the Senator’s Student Advisory’s Committee, and help coordinate events with the state senator. I was accepted into a Columbia internship program that will allow me to help with research projects with Columbia professors and scientists. This will take up most of my summer and my junior year. Students who have gotten accepted into this program have won national competitions from their research, which I’m planning to do.
The short answer is yes, you absolutely have a chance.
A few notes and thoughts on your posting:
First, you should be proud of the fruits of your efforts. You clearly have shown a propensity for making the most of your opportunities. You are deserving of congratulations and recognition of your tremendous efforts.
Second, as a parent of two students that were accepted into ivy schools (the first through RD deferred, the other via ED), I will tell you that it is by no means an easy process and under no circumstances a guaranteed outcome. Both of my children are strong students with an excellent portfolio of grades, extra curricular activities, AP courses, national test scores, and etc… The former was more “pointy” in their academics, while the latter was more “rounded” in extra curricular activities. Neither had athletic, familial or under-represented attributes that would have elevated their application visibility.
They would both tell you that they had no illusion that they would make it into the ivy schools to which they applied. They were lucky and they both would not be shy in saying that. Ultimately, one decided to attend a local university while the other will be joining the upcoming UPenn class.
Each year, these schools turns away thousands of highly-qualified, excellent students because there simply are not enough spots for all those who have applied. It is not a reflection of the quality of the students they turn away. It is simply a matter of supply and demand.
Lastly, it is heart breaking as a parent to see posts from so many high-caliber students who may be placing far too much valuation of their personal worth on achieving entry into any school. Your satisfaction and success in life will not be held back by your inability to gain entry into any school. It will only be limited by your vision, passion, and tenacity to pick yourself up and persevere in the face of aversion.
Take heart in what you have accomplished. It is representative of the caliber of person you are becoming and the tremendous potential of what you will bring to whichever school is lucky enough to have you join their class. Given your posted accomplishments, you will land at a school that is right for you.
Best of luck in your endeavors!
I’m aware that Ivy League schools aren’t everything, but I was just curious as to whether or not I had a chance. I’ve just always wanted to go to UPenn or Princeton. Thank you for your detailed response.
@miaisveryscared Applying to UPenn ED as a legacy sounds like a solid plan. But you will want to start considering other schools as well since any Ivy is a reach, even for legacies.
I’m just wondering if I have a chance at UPenn (or any Ivy League, please tell me if I have a chance with any at all) if I apply early action? I also have no idea if this helps, but my father, uncle and two of my aunts have graduated from UPenn. Also, I realize most of this is me guessing what will happen, but this is the best I can do as I am a worried sophomore, not junior.
I have taken the hardest classes that my school offer, and I have received the highest honors (95% and above unweighted) every quarter. My weighted average is only a 98.8%, but after taking more AP classes, I will bring it up to over 100%. I am planning to have taken 9 AP classes by senior year. Although my school doesn’t list rank yet, I am planning to receive at least top 5-10% of my class (240 students). I haven’t taken a real SAT test, however, on my practice tests I score in the top 95 percentile. My score is only low because I haven’t learned all of the math yet, and I am planning to increase my score to well over 1500.
As for extracurriculars, my main activities are violin and tennis. I have got accepted into the Area All State orchestra freshman and sophomore year, and I’m planning on getting into the All State orchestra and hopefully the All Eastern orchestra. I will be the concert master of my chamber orchestra for two years, and I play outside of school in regional orchestras. For tennis, I was terrible in freshman year, but practiced a lot over the summer to get on varsity. My coach named me the most improved player, and said he was surprised by my hard work and dedication. I am planning to be the caption senior year. I recently joined the rowing team for fun, which is hardly important but I just thought I'd mention it. I am in the Math Honor society, the History Honor society, as well as the Science honor society. I participate in Model UN and the Math team, which I enjoy very much. I am the school liaison in the Senator’s Student Advisory’s Committee, and help coordinate events with the state senator. I was accepted into a Columbia internship that will allow me to help with research projects with Columbia professors and scientists. This will take up most of my summer and my junior year.
oops TOS violation