Ivy is extremely unlikely; that doesn’t mean that you can’t get into a school that will be great for you.
This is a bit off topic, but I just have to ask: can colleges tell if your just building a resume to get into a top school ? If so, how ? The reason why I ask is because I’ve seen some of the “Do I have a chance going to [the schools’ name]” threads and it’s… just seems like they’re fake. I don’t understand how people can be 4+ teams/programs all in the same year(s)–especially if they’re the Captain/President of the group.
Back on topic. Besides my GPA and ACT score, is that the reason why I don’t stand a chance against other students that want to go to top schools ? Is that what schools are looking for in students ?
I’m not an admissions officer by any means, but oftentimes a college application with tons of activities but no clear focus (e.g. president of 3 clubs, member of 12 more, but not much to show) would fall in that category.
Your GPA and test scores are probably the main reasons right now. I’m sure you know that Ivies and other top schools are tough to get in, and classes will be tough if you don’t have the preparation. GPA and test scores are mostly to show that you are at the very least prepared enough to handle the coursework, although those by no means are the only factor. But a very low GPA and SAT/ACT test score will very likely weed you out.
Do I have a chance of getting into Syracuse University–I’m really hoping I can get into this school, University of Delaware, Drexel University, Hunter College, Pace University, and/or Montclair State University ?
Drexel is a reach, but worth a try. Same with Syracuse. It depends on department(s). You might have a decent shot at Pace. I think you also have a shot at Montclair State. Can you afford all of those colleges? Drexel and Pace are brutally expensive.
I was looking into cheap CC schools, but my managers–and other BlackRock officials–want me too attend one of these schools–even though I told them about my financial situation multiple times. I’ve come to the conclusion that I will either get hired–most likely a part time-- or they have a grant for me or something.
@woogzmama I’m trying to get into the Whitman department of Syracuse.
Your managers may have come from families where they didn’t have to worry about finances. You may need to be direct – next time they suggest an expensive college that does not meet need, tell them you don’t think it is affordable. See what they say. Also, when they suggest highly ranked schools, they may not know that you have a HS UW GPA that is south of 3.0 (and possibly south of 2.7). Your choice whether to tell them, but as you now know, that makes admission very unlikely. My point is that managers in your firm may blithely give college advice that doesn’t match your reality.
@intparent I’ve told them about my low GPA and about my finances. They keep telling me not to worry about.
Lol… unless their sister works in admissions, not going to happen. Also – you need to think about what it will be like to compete in the classroom with students who had 3.8+ GPAs in high school and 34+ SATs. You won’t have anyone from your firm looking out for you in the classroom. Students don’t just turn on the jets and start succeeding at that level if they never have before.
@intparent “3.8+ GPAs in high school and 34+ SATs.”
I think you meant ACT 
@intparent Umm, I think your still thinking of Ivy league schools because these are CC and State schools. Anyway, I know I have about 1-2% chance of getting into an Ivy school, but I’m going to add Cornell, U Pen, and Harvard along with my other colleges to the list.
They’ll welcome your app! Just another hail-Mary to throw in the rejection pile while driving those all-important acceptance rates ever lower.
This is just silly at this point. There is hardly any more advice people here can give you that you would be inclined to follow.
@SirEdan Funny, I made the same mistake as you. Don’t think applying to Ivy Leagues is like a ‘lottery’.
What makes you different from all of the other applicants? What do you have that they don’t? Let me guess… ambition?
There are students with double your Grade Point Average and perfect ACT scores while having letters of recommendations from their mayors and STILL getting rejected. College applications isn’t a chance game, don’t confuse acceptance rate with YOUR chance of acceptance. Cornell, University of Pennsylvania and Harvard are reach schools even to the most competent students.
Be as realistic as possible with your college choices, DO NOT obsess over prestige. Why do you want to go to these universities (other than the name)? What program interests you most? Have you even visited any of those institutions yet?
Almost every user in this thread has made it clear that Ivy Leagues are not fit for your academics because applying would just cost you money, dissatisfaction and a waste of both your and their time.
The OP thinks people at his firm can pull strings for him. And they like having you think that. While I do believe they like you and want you to succeed, they are blowing smoke about having that kind of pull.
Lol… yes, I did.
@Hamlin I want to attend these colleges because they have the best student run hedge funds, best investment clubs and have incredible professors-some are noble prize winners. Not to mention you have employers who won’t even look at your resume if you don’t come from an Ivy league school.
I already made it clear that I wanted to go Syracuse. I just want to see if they would really accept me.
@SirEdan Can you provide an example of such an employer?
Given your GPA and test scores, I personally would save the ~$80 application fee for Ivies…
@SirEdan-I understand why you want to go to an Ivy. It’s not going to happen. I’m sorry, but that’s how it is. They turn down tens of thousands of applications from 4.0 and 2400 SAT students all the time. A 21 ACT is equivalent to about a 1470 on the SAT.
If you can get your score up to a 1600-1700, you’ll have more options. What are you looking to major in?
@MITer94 site:http://www.businessinsider.com/harvard-princeton-and-yale-2011-1
site:http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-that-story-about-wall-street-hiring-based-on-college-ivy-league-schools-with-prestige-everyones-talking-about-2011-6
Edit: I meant to add the word “some” before employers. Also lets not forget firms such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Bridgewater Associates, etc. recruit heavily on their campuses.