I’m looking into schools, and thought I might apply to some Ivies (Princeton, Cornell, UPenn, and Yale). That being said, I’m curious as to if I have any chance at all.
Biracial (Asian/White) Female
Computer Science Major
Stats:
3.87 UW/ 4.18 W GPA
1500 SAT (780 CR/W 720 M)
17/438
APUSH (5), AP LANG (5), AP CALC A/B (5), AP CHEM (4), AP EURO (4)
ECs:
President of Theatre Club
Officer of Student Council
Study Abroad France (One of 40 Accepted)
Manager of Boys Tennis Team
Volunteer at Non-Profit Consignment Shop
Hostess at Country Club (30-40+ hours per week)
Busser at Diner (8 hours a week)
Honors/Awards:
National Merit Commended
AP Scholar with Distinction
National Honor Society
Distinguished Honor Role
French Honor Society
Current Classes:
AP Macro, AP Calc B/C, AP Lit, AP Physics N/M, AP French, AP Computer Science
To put this all in some context, my brother passed in a car accident in December and I saw a drop in grades following that. My dad stopped working afterwards, which is why I work so many hours at the two jobs (I was the source of income for the past several months).
Not an excuse, of course, but just some context. I address the former in my essay, but I’m nervous to mention the latter for fear of non-need blind schools.
I’m just curious as to if I have ANY chance. Obviously these schools are reaches for everyone, but am I wasting my time to apply?
No offense, but your GPA is rather low. You can get into a pretty good college with your extracurriculars, but your GPA will prevent you from getting into the top schools.
I was a straight A student before my brother died. Does that count for anything as far as GPA goes?
Don’t stress about it anymore…apply if you have time and can afford the app fees. You’ll regret it if you don’t. You’ve done some great things with your life so far. You have a good story. No more stressing, just do it and do your best. Good luck wherever you end up. YOU are going to do great!!
I am so sorry to hear about your brother. That is tough for any family to go through.
Your chances at Ivies are not great, but nobody’s are. I might think you have a better shot at Cornell or Penn than at Princeton nor Yale. Then again, D’s friend at Yale is convinced she got in because she also had a job during high school - it helped her stand out compared to all the privileged kids who spent all their time in clubs and exam prep courses.
You should re-read the excellent responses you got back in April when you asked about your application chances.
No stress here! I just wanted a second opinion. I’m very confident that I’ll end up where I’m meant to be, but reading all of the crazy qualified applicants more or less got me a little intimidated.
I have fee waivers, so I’m likely going to still apply. I guess it was just something I wanted to ask, and I like the community here so it’s nice to hear what they have to say
In your application, I would really focus on the death of your brother and the effects it had on you. Taking on the responsibility of the family income is extremely impressive for a high school student and really shines a light on your character. While your 1500 SAT is not very competitive for Yale and Princeton, it is decent for Cornell and UPenn. Like stated above, your GPA is not spectacular, but if you explain why it shouldn’t be a huge red flag. Your AP scores are good, and your senior schedule is rigorous. Your ECs, in my opinion, are amazing. Study Abroad France is great and you have a demanding job - while still taking AP classes. So, my answer to you is you have a chance for Cornell and UPenn, but only a very slim chance at Yale and Princeton. That being said, you are an amazing student. Hell, who knows, Yale and Princeton might admit you if your writing is spectacular…