<p>OP, just make sure that if you do apply to Yale that you do not presume that you will definitely make it in. Your stats are fantastic, and your URM status makes you a hook. But this is one of the top 5 schools we’re talking about. Personally, I think that you will make Yale, but at the very top schools, admissions can appear completely random.</p>
<p>Rodney: I’ll look into the Emory scholars program. Money is tight for applications, so I’m really only looking at schools I really like or at which I’m going to get a FULL financial aid package. I’ll look into it, though.</p>
<p>Monstor344: Don’t worry! I’m not even sure I’ll get into College Park, much less Yale. But it is definitely a good reminder.</p>
<p>This morning I was doing some reading as suggested by this thread, and I started to evoke some interest in the University of Rochester, as per this post:</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Is the University of Rochester a match or a reach for me (or a safety?)? I’m weary of labeling ANY school that accepts fewer than 50% of students a match! What do you guys think?</p>
<p>Given that you are an URM and have stellar stats I would say you would have a 95 % plus chance of being admitted (there is always an uncertain margin of error unless you are applying to a non-competitive school) . Lots of undergrad research opportunities and small class sizes if that appeals to you.</p>
<p>Columbia has a strict “great books” program, fyi.</p>
<p>And I agree that you have a great shot pretty much anywhere!</p>
<p>Dude, I REALLY think you should take another look at Brown. It’s not NEARLY as hippy dippy as most people think it is and they give really great financial aid. Plus, Providence is only an hour away from Boston and three hours away from New York. And even Providence is a pretty nice city with a lot more opportunities then some cities twice its size. And there are some advantages to living in a small state such as RI and going to Brown. For example, you are basically garunteed to run into Representative Kennedy/Senator Whitehouse/Senator Reed (who would have been vetted as Secretary of State if it weren’t for RI politics ERGH) oh and our Fat-Jewish-Gay-Italian mayor on a regular basis. Um, can you say awesome? And if you feel NY is too big for you…then Providence is just perfect. It’s a nice starting off city. And there are sooooooo many volunteer opportunities in Providence, you could start making a difference the second you move in. I could go on and on. And I don’t even want to go to Brown. I just live 20 minutes away. Anwyas, take a second look, it’s a great school with an outdated reputation. Plus, there’s an open curriculum YAY!!!</p>
<p>I will definitely take another look at Brown. Thanks for the tip!</p>
<p>I keep forgetting - people generally separate the Ivies into three “tiers”. Can someone remind me?</p>
<p>First - Harvard, Princeton, Yale
Second - ? ? ?
Third - Cornell ? ?</p>
<p>Ranking schools, I feel, is really relative. I do feel like you have a great chance for an amazing scholarship and a financial aid package from a top school. Harvard, Princeton and Yale are probably one of the least afflicted colleges relating to monetary issues. Good luck!</p>
<p>Okay, just curious. I’m wondering, then, would it be any “different” to apply to two of the top three (Harvard and Yale) as opposed to applying to one of the top three (Yale) and another Ivy (Penn or Brown)? I would imagine it doesn’t make a difference, however, the people on this board seem more knowledgeable - or at least opinionated - than me.</p>
<p>I’m unearthing this old thread of mine because of an unfortunate development. My school changed its program this year so that I can only take two AP classes even though I was planning on taking four. This is a huge hit on my application, since now I will only have five (4.5 credits) AP courses instead of the eight (7.5 credits) I was planning on. Unfortunately, no amount of persuading will change my school’s policy, although you can bet I’m going to get that noted on my Counselor sheet. However, this DOES mean that my GPA will go up to at least a 3.88UW, since with only two AP courses I’ll be able to get a 4.0 my senior year with no problem. How much will having a 3.88 but only five APs hurt my application, if at all?</p>
<p>I’ve also taken the suggestions here and revamped my list. This is my current list, in order from least likely to most likely to get into:</p>
<p>Yale University
Washington University in St. Louis
Tufts University
Rice University
George Washington University
Boston University
University of Pittsburgh</p>
<p>Is my list too top heavy? Since Pitt has rolling admissions and I’m applying early (at an August preview day), I’ll know by October - since I love the school and I’m confident I’ll be able to afford it, I am not applying to another safety. I consider everything Rice and above to be a reach. Should I try to add more target schools? What are my chances for any of the schools on this new, more refined list?</p>
<p>I’m thinking of re-taking the SAT Subject tests (I’ll retake Lit for a 750, hopefully, and maybe Math I) just so I can send my scores to colleges for free. This would save me money so that I might be able to apply to one more school. If I do apply to one more school, should it be a reach or a match?</p>
<p>This is what I would say for you:</p>
<p>Reaches:
Yale (high)
Rice (low)</p>
<p>Matches:
WashU(high)
Tufts (high)
GWU (medium)
Boston (low)</p>
<p>Saftey:
Pitt</p>
<p>I don’t think it’s top heavy at all. I think URM status + female gives you a great chance at all your reaches, including Yale. I would definitely look into more Ivies (every Ivy I applied to waived the application cost, gave me great fin aid, and even waived the deposit money!). </p>
<p>If you apply to one more school, definitely shoot for another reach. </p>
<p>Also, the AP thing won’t be a huge factor.</p>
<p>Roneald, </p>
<p>Thanks for the response.</p>
<p>I’ve decided to add another reach. It’s going to be expensive and I’m probably going to have to borrow money, but I think it’s going to be worth it. I was thinking of adding Stanford. Of course it’s a high reach. Is it better to go with this or another, lower reach?</p>
<p>Hi, I actually just read all four pages of this thread and at the end of it I was about to say “Have you thought about looking into Stanford?” </p>
<p>Therefore, I would have to say yes: I do think that you should add Stanford.</p>