<p>Here’s the thing about Ivy League/tippy-top-ranked schools: they are basically a lottery even for kids with the very best grades and test scores. So, yeah, if you continue to have a 3.98 GPA and do really well on the SAT and SAT subject tests, and take the most rigorous courses you can, and have ECs you’re passionate about and dedicated to… then yeah, you have a shot at one of those schools. BUT: just because your stats are good enough, so are the stats of literally thousands of other applicants. Those schools receive so MANY qualified applicants and only a handful get in. So… next year, when you have a better idea what your actual GPA and scores will be- and you start putting together a realistic college list, you need to be looking at other wonderful but non-Ivy schools as well. Because even with the very best stats, your chances of getting in are low. Research them by all means, and decide which one or two are the best fit for you (they are all VERY different!) and apply to them as “reach” schools… but know that it’s a very long shot even for the best student. Just keep that in mind :)</p>