<p>Hi, I'm a junior in high school and I'm just looking at colleges and I was wondering if anyone could voice their opinion on how "good" my overall school grades, activities, etc. put together seem. My average GPA from all 3 years, so far is between a 3.6 and 3.8. I've taken 8 AP courses so far (1 Freshman year, 2 Sophomore year, and 5 this year). I'm an AP Scholar for passing all the AP tests I've taken so far. I'm in science olympiad, steering committee, french honor society (secretary of the club), national honor society, key club, women in science and engineering, future business leaders of america, and I've done science fair since the 6th grade. I have awards from science fair and science olympiad. I'm Vice President of my class. I have a 31 ACT score (and I'm hoping to pull that up) and I'm taking the SAT this month. </p>
<p>I'm looking at Vanderbilt and Duke.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Duke and Vanderbilt I think suit your scores and academic rigor. I say keep improving your GPA, go hard this year, and try the ACT one more time if your SAT doesn’t pan out. Aim for a 32+ or a 2100+. Good luck!</p>
<p>I’d say you certainly have a shot, depending on a number of variables (some completely beyond your control). Do you expect any classmates from your high school to apply to the same colleges as you? You might have to figure out how you measure up to them, and whether they have assets (e.g. athletic prospects, alumni/ae legacies, etc.) that will make them more attractive. Are you hoping for a sizable financial aid package. You are obviously an attractive candidate; I hope you take the time to look into a lot of different colleges, to find other schools you like.</p>
<p>You look like you have a definite shot at both of those schools. Your ACT is already good, but if you manage to raise it to a 32/33, i think that they’ll be High Match/Low Reach for Vanderbilt and low/mid reach for duke (sucks for everyone :/). Your course load is already rigorous, if you keep it up for your senior year transcript, I’d say you’re good if your essays are good as well.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt and Duke are both good schools, but you need to also prepare for NOT getting into them. Find another school or two at which you are almost assured admission, which you can afford, and which you would be willing to attend. These are your safety schools. They are critically important, and applying early action makes it even better.</p>