<p>As the title suggests, I am a first generation American (my parents are from Kenya).</p>
<p>Rank: top 10 in class of 650
GPA: UW 3.8/W 4.5
APs: 1 soph., 3 junior, 4 next year. (Not the most rigorous at my school, but among the most rigorous schedules.)
SAT: total 1900; have taken 3 times without much improvement.
ECs: An editor of the school paper; deputy Editor-in-Chief next year.
Mock trial for one year; honor society VP; Political Club Secretary; Film Club VP.</p>
<p>I'm interested in attending a top-ranked school, preferably an Ivy. Can anyone tell me my chances? Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>hm....aside from your SAT score, everything else looks pretty decent. What are your SAT subject test scores? AP scores? They will have to be 700+ and 4 or 5 for you to have a decent chance at IVYs. URM status helps a lot...but it's not an automatic admission ticket, so try to improve your test score (2100+). Aside from that....if you had some major obstacles in your life, or hardships you surmounted, than that could also improve your chances quite a bit. Your main obstacle right now is the low (by urm-IVY standard) SAT score. Again, try to get them up....you can always improve with proper practice and guidance =) </p>
<p>Also, how devoted are you to all your E.Cs? Are they just for resume padding, or do you have special passion in all the clubs mentioned (special motivation, reason, etc)? If you do, emphasize it on your app.</p>
<p>Last thing: Presentation is EVERYTHING. Please present yourself well on personal statements and on applications. There are plenty of over-qualified ppl who get rejected because they represent themselves poorly on the apps. Focus on your strengths, emphasize them, and have a clear focus/point that makes you stand out and unique from thousands of other applicants.</p>
<p>Good luck....=) (I am also a junior..in cali)</p>
<p>lol i didn't comment on your chances at all....i ramble too much...
I'd say: Ivys = 50% (give or take 10) because of URM and first generation status. But again, don't trust them too much to get you in. Improving your test scores will help a lot, since there are URMs and even URM/First generation who has very good scores (2100 +).</p>
<p>He didn't say he's first generation to go to college.
He said he's a first generation born in america.
Affirmitive Action tned not to help African Immigrants as much as traditional African Americans.</p>
<p>My parents did not go to college, but my two older siblings did. My older brother went to MIT and my sister is at UT-Austin.</p>
<p>To be honest, most of my ECs are padding (Film Club, Political Club, and that one year in Mock Trial). My one big EC is the paper, which eats up A LOT of time and effort.</p>
<p>I will retake my SAT, but to be honest, after three tries and lots of studying, I doubt my scores will improve. I have not taken my SAT IIs yet; my one AP grade, US History last year, was a 2.</p>
<p>Do my dismal test scores really decrease my chances?</p>
<p>The SAT scores are going to hurt. What's the breakdown? Hopefully 700/700/500! Try the ivies, but look at other good schools like the 7 sisters if you're female, LACs below 15 if not.</p>
<p>Although you have the hooks, it appears that your stats are just average. You got a 2 in your only AP test, you dont have that many EC's, and you'r gpa is relatively solid. Ivies might be a reach unless you right a killer essay. You could however get in to other top notch schools like: CAL, UCLA, Duke, Vanderbilt, Rice, Brandies, etc......Good Luck!</p>