High GPA, lots of ECs, hard classes- good grades. still nervous

<p>So I'm really nervous about going through the college application process and I'm concerned that I might not be a good enough student to get into the colleges I'm looking at.
Right now I am a junior and both this year and last year I took two AP classes each, getting A's in all of them. I'm a mostly 'A' student and scored in the 98% percentile in the PSATs. I'm the president of a club in my school and an active member in three other clubs, including the Spanish Honors Society. In less than a month I'm being inducted to National Honor Society. I have over 700 hours of community service at a local shelter and will have a paid job there this summer.</p>

<p>My overall plan is to go to a prestigious university to major in biology and then go on to study veterinary science. I've wanted to be a vet since I was five so this is really important to me.</p>

<p>So I guess I'm trying to ask if I'm good enough to get into some of these schools, hopefully with a lot of financial help offered because my family is really tight on money.
So far I'm looking at these colleges:
Cornell
Tufts
Boston college
NYU
Virginia tech
Rutgers (last choice)</p>

<p>Do you think I'm good enough to even look at these schools? In case you cant tell, i have horrible self esteem so honest answers would be appreciated.</p>

<p>Have you taken your SATs yet? (but considering you got in the 98% percentile for the PSATs you will probably be well off)</p>

<p>The amount of time and effort you put into volunteering at your local shelter is phenomenal. Colleges definetly commend this type of passion towards one subject or area. However, top colleges want students that really go above and beyond. For example, if you are aspiring to major in biology at a prestigious university, have you done any outside work that pertains to biology? (eg: taking summer science courses, attending science courses at your local college, internship, or lab research…etc)
I think your community service hours are definetly valuable but keep in mind that colleges want solid proof of your commitment and passion. Solely relying on volunteer hours most likely will not get you far. Although all your hours were spent at an animal shelter, there is nothing else on your resume that shows a particular interest in your field. Maybe try looking into something you can do that will set you aside from the thousands of others who are aspiring to major in biology.<br>
Hope this helps :)</p>

<p>The list looks like a good range of colleges for you.</p>

<p>I think that you’re in at BC, Virginia Tech (great food BTW), and Rutgers. I am not so sure about Tufts and Cornell judging by the stats that you have posted. What’s your GPA? Class Rank? I love your volunteer work, though! Good Luck!</p>

<p>NYU is easy reach already. I even reached it and I wasn’t even looking into them. Got a full scholarships along with that!</p>

<p>Cornell is also within reach as long as your within top 4% and SAT above 1900+. Cornell is the easiest Ivy to get into so you won’t have trouble.</p>

<p>Prestige wants students that are excellent and go beyond. ANything extra behind that large amount of community service? It’s good, but just that alone cannot get you in. You need to be involved in more than just shelters. Any projects pertaining to Biology or any research about vet?</p>

<p>what race are you?</p>

<p>Run your family’s finances through on line calculators to see what they are expected to pay. Talk to them about what they can afford. How much are you and they willing to borrow? Be aware of the financial aid policies at each school. Some of them are need aware and some do not guarantee meeting 100% of need and do not meet a lot of the need for the average student. You need financial safeties as well as admissions safeties. Rutgers may be both for you.</p>

<p>VT and Rutgers… do you live in NJ or VA or another state? That can make a difference</p>