I have 17 schools on my list. Which schools should I eliminate????

<p>Hello!
I am a junior currently am from South Korea about 2 years ago, and I am searching for colleges! I am so confused with so many options and at the same time worrying that I wouldn't get into any colleges.</p>

<p>GPA of 4.2 (weighted)
SAT2: Math 1=690
Korean with listening=790
and I haven't taken the SAT1 yet. (BUT I'm expecting around 1800-2000)
I know that my SAT1 scores are NOT gonna be SUPER good, because I am a foreign students who is having a trouble speaking and reading in English. </p>

<p>I go to competitive small private christian school (only 30 students/ junior class) My school offers only 3 AP courses, not offer any Honors classes , and I've taken all 3 APs.
Also, my school doesn't have many clubs to get involve!
(NO NHS, no clubs at all..!) </p>

<p>I know that my resume is lack of LEADERSHIP and SERVICE HOURS,
HOWEVER>>>>> I really want to go to colleges that are competitive+renowned+Famous.</p>

<p>So here is my List</p>

<p>1> Johns Hopkins Iniversity
2> Carnegie Mellon University
3> Tufts University
4> Boston College
5> New York University
6> University of Rochester
7> University of Washington
8> Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst
9> Pennsylvania State U-University Park
10> Geroge Washington University
11> Univ. of Maryland-College Park
12> Boston University
13> Rutgers-New Brunswick
14> Fordham University
15> Virginia Tech
16> American University
17> Drexel University</p>

<p>Am I just overestimating myself? Should I look for more safe shools?
Should I eliminate all the competitive schools from my list?</p>

<p>Please Feel Free to comment on it!</p>

<p>well if you're weak at reading and writing
you might have a hard time on the SAT's
1800 - 2,000 is pretty good if you've only been in the U.S. for 2 years
what is ur major?</p>

<p>1</p>

<p>IF UR GOING PRE-MED
go for
Johns Hopkins University
but if ur like pre-law
Carnegie Mellon University
Tufts Iniversity
Boston College
New York University
Boston U
GWU
those are the more liberal schools
it's kind of hard to narrow it down
when your schools are very different from each other
in terms of location and the strong emphasis of the school.
so more stats, and take the SATS!</p>

<p>First of all, take the SATs as soon as you can and hope for the best score. 1800-2000 isn't bad if you aren't fluent with english.</p>

<p>Anyway, I would try to narrow your search with a couple reaches, a few matches, and a couple safeties. So 17 does sound a lot...you should have more along the lines of 7-10 that closely fit your criteria. Consider your major also because this could have an effect on which college is best for you.</p>

<p>Thanks guys!
I am looking for Pre-Med,+maybe engineering.</p>

<p>9> Pennsylvania State U-University Park
10> Geroge Washington University
11> Univ. of Maryland-College Park
12> Boston University
13> Rutgers-New Brunswick
14> Fordham University
15> Virginia Tech
16> American University
17> Drexel University</p>

<p>almost all of these schools, with a 2000 on the SAT, are safeties... narrow these</p>

<p>Johns Hopkins won't happen unless you're one of those top students (very rigorous courseload, excellent grades, good ECs) with an SAT of 2100+.</p>

<p>crouton is exactly right. knock out about 5 to 7 of these.</p>

<p>Thanx guys
Maybe I won't apply to Johns Hopkins.</p>

<p>Don't limit yourself to the SAT. Take the ACT and see how you do - some kids do significantly better on the ACT. I hate to expand your list, but you may also want to consider Syracuse University as it sounds like a "fit" for you.
Good luck!</p>

<p>now, if u can't make it to ur colleges of choice, don't think that ur life is over! (it's what it's like in a lot of Asian countries!) Work hard in ur freshman yr and u can then always transfer! I suggest u too to take the SAT. Take some more SAT IIs, if u don't get overstressed.........like Bio, Chem or stuffs like that :) Make ur essay 'exceptionally' well w/ enough info abt ur background and ur target and all..............:)</p>

<p>no, starling, still apply to JHU</p>

<p>see, the crappy thing about chances threads is that you get some kids/adults from around telling you if you do or do not have a shot, when really we cant predict anything... just becuase someone tells you that you have a very little chance doesnt mean you shouldn try... u never know how college admissions shapes up... </p>

<p>just a quick example - my friend applied to maryland college park as a joke, cuz his gpa and sat are really bad, but somehow he got in (no hook or anything)... dont not apply to schools, ever, based on what CC tells you</p>

<p>^i think CC gives you a good idea of how selective the schools are. Yes, occassionally there's a student with 1200 getting in to top schools, but it doesn't mean that others with low scores will get in.
Unless JHU is your dream school, and you have extra $80 to go around, then go for it. Otherwise, don't bother, it wastes your time, money and effort!
Best of Luck</p>

<p>Thanks! You guys are really helping me a lot!
Thank you!</p>

<p>dont not apply to schools, ever, based on what CC tells you----very important!!!</p>

<p>First of all starling: #15 (asifkhan) is absolutely right! Second: Don't worry about "famous" schools. You could very well end up with a better fit and education at one of the many not-so-famous but wonderful schools out there. Selecting a college can be overwhelming, as you noted in your original post. You've got a number of terrific choices on your list, but as a junior, you still have time to look some more. Best of luck!!</p>

<p>By the way, I wasn't telling you not to apply to JHU -- it can be one of your reach schools; it's not impossible to get in. =)</p>

<p>Thank you. Thank you everyone for every comments!!</p>