<p>If everyone could give me an objective appraisal of my chances of admittance at highly selective colleges (think Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, and Amherst), that would help ease my worries a bit. Of course, I understand that, in a way, this is just a numbers game. I am entering my 12th grade year and studying abroad next year so I do not know how it will look like.</p>
<p>Thanks so much in advance for your time, everyone! :)</p>
<p>Academics:
Highest level of classes offered (IB Diploma)
ACT 34
Haven't done the SAT Subject Tests yet</p>
<p>I listed the activities that I have done in high school:
Yearbook (Writer/Photographer in 9th grade; Editor in Chief in 11th grade)
Science Olympiad (Won 1st place, 3rd place, and 6th place state medals in 9th grade)
Choir (Church and School, 9th-11th grades)
Student Government (10th-11th grades in executive positions)
Newspaper Editor (10th grade)
Writer for English speaking foreign newspaper (10th-11th grades)
Lead Actor in School Play (11th grade)
Community Service Coordinator; Founder of school's Community Service Club (9th-11th grades, doing projects like raising money for hurricanes, book drive, Make-A-Wish talent show, giving the homeless shelter sack lunches)
Tutoring (9th-10th grade at school; 11th grade privately)
Intramural Volleyball (9th)
Piano Lessons (10th-11th)</p>
<p>Awards:
I have gotten end-of-school recognition awards for character for two years and received a 2nd place prize at a small talent show.</p>
<p>I have been working on trying to find what makes me unique, and I fear that my activities have not been enough/the best and do not show enough continuity and a common thread. Thoughts?</p>
<p>Not a chance at acceptance. Colleges can smell fear. Perhaps look at community colleges because they might take someone with just a 34/36.</p>
<p>I think it is normal for most people to be terrified looking at the admissions statistics of these schools. I asked for help, not sarcasm, but thanks anyway for taking a look. I hope you have a good day, nonetheless!</p>
<p>Assuming your GPA corresponds to your ACT score, I would say that academically you’re on the right path. However, your EC’s are lackluster. I would definitely say that all Ivies are probably high-mid reaches, especially if you are a white male/female from a middle class or above family because you would be offering any diversity. None the less, good luck! </p>
<p>P.S. May I suggest that you look at slightly less selective schools? Look at schools with an acceptance rate between 20% - 40%! </p>
<p>Thanks, AppleBoyFreak! My demographic is Asian female from lower middle class (pretty common at these schools…) </p>
<p>I will definitely look at the other schools as well! Again, I appreciate it!</p>
<p>I don’t understand why people on this forum continue to berate those who post stats even though they have great scores and ECs. Everyone is nervous about college admission (including me), and we could all use some reassurance/advice, so why the need to be so curt? That being said, while I agree that these schools are reaches, you have a fighting chance! Don’t be nervous about applying or standing out, just do your best to express yourself in your essays/interviews and the rest will follow. I do agree you should add some other safer schools if you haven’t already. What is it that you would like to do in college? Regardless of your chosen major, schools like Michigan, UCLA, UC Berkeley, etc have strong programs across all fields. However, if you do have a specific major in mind, I could suggest some schools known for their strength in that area. Hope this helps!</p>
<p>Thanks, gauravk306! I am looking into double majoring in International Relations and Biology, with an eye towards medical school, scientific research, or as an administrator for a hospital system (at least that is the long-term goal).</p>
<p>@diannelogan, one way that you could make yourself stand out is by showing how committed you are to the medical field. Possibly job shadow a doctor, volunteer at a local hospital, or, if you have the opportunity, conduct biological research. As a high schooler, research will look very good and show you’re dedicated to that field! Also, if you do research enter it into competition’s like the Intel Science Talent Search or the Siemens Competition. If you place, you’ll definitely stand out! Also, I wasn’t trying to be mean, I just wanted to point out that ivies are crapshoot for everyone. Good luck! </p>
<p>@AppleBoyFreak I totally get it; I did not think you were being mean at all. Thanks a bunch!</p>