How Competitive Am I?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

I have posted in here before, but I have a couple of things involving my chances at schools that I could use some clarification on:

First, at some schools it seems certain programs (in my case, business) are more selective than the university as a whole, and I am wondering how competitive I am for business schools (What are some good target/reach business schools? For instance, according to my school’s naviance NYU would be a match, but I think the business school in particular might be a reach for me) Also willing to study economics undergrad, but same thing applies at some schools.

Second, I keep beating myself up over my GPA, but do my test scores and maybe some ECs make up for it? In general, just looking to see if I am more/less competitive than I think I am.

GPA (Weighted Scale):
4.27 after this semester
3.75 Freshman - 4.15 Sophomore - 4.8 Junior

Don’t know unweighted but A- average

From Competitive, Top 200 Public High School in Massachusetts

COURSES:
Close to most challenging curriculum I could take, only opted out of AP science (Chem/Bio/Physics), taking 4 APs now and 4 more Senior year, rest is honors.

ACT: 33 (34 E, 33 R, 29 M, 36 S)
*I have taken it one more time, composite did not improve but math score did. Should I take it again knowing I can get a 34?

SAT: TBD
PSAT was 99th Percentile

EC:

  • Started charity that raises money and brings solar powered lights to remote villages in Haiti without electricity
    -In the process of founding a Global Social Service Club, some friends have projects similar to the one I have above, we are getting together to start a club that provides resources (helps fundraising, etc) to global-focused community service type projects
  • Varsity Swimming 9-12, Captain, Recieved League All-Star awards every year, team received state sportsmanship award
  • Business Professionals of America, a leadership program for students, had to write a research paper and give a presentation on a certain aspect of the economy, qualified for the National conference
  • National Youth Leadership Forum, nominated by a teacher, leadership program over the summer
  • I have a patent-pending
  • Job at Dunkin Donuts, am Lifeguard certified and may switch to that over summer
  • Gay Straight Alliance
    -Relay for Life since 2nd grade, top contributor multiple years
    -NHS

Other Factors:
White
Male
Finances a non-issue
LGBT-- Grades got way better after I came out
Rec letter from AP English teacher, have done well in the class, he is known for good rec letters
Essays- I am a strong writer, a lot of resources in my school to help me with essays (we have a college essay workshop starting in May) I am going to put a ton of effort into them…

2

bump

3

I think for me Stern is a bit of a reach, Berkeley is a reach, UMiami is a match… I am wondering how competitive I actually am given my GPA may be on the lower side but test scores, etc are maybe stronger

4

anyone??

5

:frowning:

6

Do you have a list of schools for us to chance you for?

7

USC
UCLA/UCB
NYU
UMiami

8

I think you are competitive for all of them. Make sure your counsellor writes about the LGBT issue and impact on grades.

Consider adding Columbia to your
List.

9

@sgopal2 Thanks but really? I understand its always good to apply but I didnt peg myself as Ivy material

10

You have really great stats for these schools. The UCs and USC are always hard to chance OOS, but you should get into Miami no problem, NYU you should get into.

11

@allison1225 why is USC harder OOS?

12

Columbia has a fairly sizable LGBT population on campus. The admissions people always try to find well qualified LGBT students. So although your scores are a bit lower than most at Columbia, you still have a shot.

13

It isn’t harder OOS because it’s private, but it’s very tough to get into. I rank it with the UCs, as they’re both very scattered with who gets in.

14

Are you not considering Eisenberg? Its a highly ranked business school, part of UMassAmherst, and you are a MA resident, yes? I have two nieces who graduated from there (in three years no less) and were recruited by very good companies. One started her career (Raytheon) at nearly $60K and now, five years later, is making more than $80K, the other started at the $50K mark and has lots of international travel opportunities which makes it worth it to her.

15

@NEPatsGirl I will probably look into it more/apply but I’m really looking to get out of MA.

16

dont bother retaking the ACT, 33 vs 34 is a meaningless difference in admissions

17

@jake071999 my math grade is significantly lower than all my other sections though - are they gonna think im bad at math? believe it or not its my best subject in school

18

@jglover you’re good enough at math based on your ACT score. if you’re not going to make USAMO or something, then you don’t have to be amazing at math. you’re clearly not a math person, but you excel in other categories. that’s what they care about. so dont let math be your worry