<p>Because people get so much anxiety about college applications, I thought I'd make this calculator for your own chances at an Ivy League university. This calculator will work best if you're white and unhooked.</p>
<p>SAT SCORES
2100+ and 650+ SAT IIs? You have a chance. There is a small chance the score will count against you.
2200+ and 700+ SAT IIs? You're solid and your scores won't count against you.
2300+ and 750+ SAT IIs? You may have a slight advantage in the process.</p>
<p>COURSEWORK (GPA + RIGOR)
More than one C, no AP when offered? Serious doubt.
One C with some APs? It's sketchy. You will have to prove yourself elsewhere, significantly.
An even mix of Bs and As with a rigorous course load? Closer, but you still have a smaller chance than average.
Most rigorous course load possible, with all As and maybe one slip? You're on the right track.</p>
<p>ESSAY
Wrote a poem? Everything else better be golden.
Formulaic essay on NHS position? It's gonna take some great ECs to boost you past this.
Decent, unremarkable essay? No effect.
Well written but not great essay? Consider it a tie-breaker.
Great, likable, bold essay? This is really going to help. Unfortunately it's hard to tell how much and if you really fit this category.</p>
<p>RECOMMENDATIONS
"x slacks sometimes and can be rude to other students"? You're sunk.
"I wholeheartedly recommend x for Prestige U because..."? No effect.
"Best in 30 years"? This is really going to go far.</p>
<p>ECs
Scattered involvement? The odds are not good.
Captain of some school clubs? One of many, you will have to get lucky.
Impressive leadership and significant community enrichment? Congratulations, you're rocking it.</p>
<p>If you were the last one in every category, you're going to go pretty much wherever you want. If you had more than one that was the first option, you have very low odds. If you're in the middle in nearly every one, that's also a death sentence. The people who go to Ivy Leagues absolutely have at least 2 or 3 categories that they dominate (and not just the first two). If you're not at that level, consider how you can improve your app by December and remember that it's ultimately a crapshoot for those in the muddle middle.</p>