Good Grades Bad Extracurriculars- Chances at Top Schools?

Chance Me / Match Me!
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Hi, I’m a junior in high school and I’m a bit concerned about where I am standing right now regarding college admissions. Right now, my grades are checking out nicely, 4.0 GPA unweighted and 4.67 weighted, class rank of 7 at a pretty decent schools (we’ve produced at least 1 or 2 Ivy tier students that I know of in the years I’ve been there). AP classes so far include: U.S History, Calculus BC, Computer Science, Physics 1 (5 on Calc and 4s on the rest) and I’m currently in Lit, Chemistry, Statistics, Human Geography, and Economics next semester- note that freshmen can’t take AP courses and the APs that are left for me are Psych, Bio, Physics 2, Government, and Environmental Science (not taking this one). Also, I’m taking Multivariable Calculus right now-not that it is necessarily important- and I participated in UMTYMP (University of Minnesota Talented Youth Math Program) which only accepts the top 25 scorers per year (at least in my town).

As for test scores so far,I recently took the SAT (first time) 1570 composite. 790 math (hoping to up to 800) 770 Reading/Writing and a perfect 24/24 essay. I’ve taken 2 SAT subject tests- Math 2 and U.S History- 800s on both. The last time I took the ACT was in 8th grade and scored a 32, a reasonable guesstimate is 34. I took the PSAT and scored 1470, likely that I may qualify for semifinalist in my state.

Now for my shaky area. The only extracurricular I’ve heavily dedicated to is swimming, which I have done year round since first grade. I have consistently qualified for USA Swimming state competitions since 7th grade, but not for the high school league state. At the sectional meets for high school, I won 7th place in one of my events last year and in both years past I’ve placed top 16 at sections.Note that I am probably not going to swim in college.

Aside from that, I did Science Olympiad in 9th grade, won 1st place JV, did Math League for 2 years and quit because of scheduling conflicts, and I’m currently in NHS and volunteering at Mayo Clinic (only around 36 hours so far, taking a break because of the swim season). My supervisor seems to take a liking to me because I joined in June and this September I was selected to test out a new volunteer duty and I was selected to be a surgical messenger-a role where volunteers can’t apply, only the supervisors choose.

Some of the schools I’m targeting are duke (reach), WUSTL, Vanderbilt, Emory, Notre Dame, Rice, UNC and UW-Madison (these 2 public schools are safeties- btw I’m from Minnesota). I’m not sure if these schools are a realistic standard for me and I would appreciate some feedback on my chances.

Also, if any one feels like recommending alternative schools, go right ahead, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks! :slight_smile: (kudos to you if you get my screen name)

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If you are who I think you are then I think we might have been partners at Mayo Clinic Volunteering over the summer. What a coincidence, lol :slight_smile:

First of all, what do you want to major in? It’s fine if you’re undecided, but extracurriculars should reflect possible majors/interests. I can PM you some extracurricular opportunities in our town/state you might be interested in if you’d like.

Grades and stats-wise, you’re looking great, and you are well within the ranges of the schools you’re looking at. Duke, WashU, Vanderbilt, and Notre Dame are probably still reaches, while I’d be surprised if you didn’t get into Rice, Emory, UNC, and UW-Madison. I’d maybe suggest taking the SAT one more time, or taking an ACT. I believe every point can count.

Your extracurriculars aren’t horrible, but I can understand your concern. I’d suggest becoming a Team Leader at MCYV ASAP. Rejoin Science Olympiad and Math League if possible. And maybe this is an unpopular opinion, but I’d suggest spending less time on competitive swimming unless you think you’ll win major awards (keep swimming for fun, but focus primarily on other activities).

As far as other schools go, the trend I’m seeing among your top choices is high-ranked midwest and Southern universities. Perhaps you’d like University of Michigan, Northwestern, UChicago, Georgetown, UVA, or UIUC.

Best of luck- you’re on the right track!