Is there a chance at the Ivies and other top unis, even if you're not in the top 10?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I'm in the top 10% of my class, but obviously not in the top 10 or anything. However, my extra-curriculars are pretty stellar and I speak multiple languages. Do I have a chance?</p>

<p>SAT: not taken yet
PSAT: perfect score on reading / language portions, average on math (do not have scores in front of me)
APs: this year I'm taking AP Lang, AP US History, and AP Psych (currently have As). Next year I will be definitely taking AP European History and AP Spanish, possibly a few others.
GPA: 3.7 unweighted, 3.9 weighted
class rank: around 20 / 400</p>

<p>ECs:
- Varsity Wrestler; first female to ever make the varsity wrestling team. Started as a sophomore after doing multiple years of jiu jitsu, made JV. Entering in the girls state championships this year, we'll see how I do. </p>

<ul>
<li><p>Mock trial captain / attorney; Started as a sophomore as an attorney. Will get to at least the semi-finals this year</p></li>
<li><p>One of the founders of Latin Club (should be pres. next year)</p></li>
<li><p>Academic team (wins mult. competitions)</p></li>
<li><p>Peer mediator (running for an office next year)</p></li>
<li><p>1st place winner in Scripps National Spelling bee for school, 1st place runner up for district</p></li>
</ul>

<p>National Honor societies involved in: Spanish and Latin</p>

<p>Some hooks:
- Girl wrestler (VERY uncommon.) I'm planning to write my essay on the struggles that I've had to deal with being a female wrestler, ie widespread sexism, bullying, etc., and also how it has not only made me physically stronger, but mentally as well.
- Knowledge of multiple languages. 5 years of Spanish, 4 years of Latin, and knowledge of French (1 yr of school study, dropped for independent study) </p>

<p>Weaknesses:
- virtually no community service
- gpa / class rank </p>

<p>Prospective major: international relations and pre-law
1st choice school: Georgetown</p>

<p>Obviously chances might be greatly affected by how well I do in ECs this year (ie, if in mock trial we win states), but any input you could give would be GREATLY appreciated.</p>

2

<p>Class rank, while important, is taken in context. So if you go to a crazy competitive school, obviously it’ll be ok if you’re not in the top 10. </p>

<p>Also, it’s not possible to chance you without an SAT score. It’s too early. But, I can comment on some other things.</p>

<p>1) Your GPA isn’t great for Ivies and schools on their level.
2) EC’s aren’t “stellar”. Don’t get me wrong, they’re great, especially the whole languages thing, but there’s nothing else that’s very significant, IMHO.
3) Why is your title about the Ivies but your first choice is Georgetown?</p>

3

<p>Wavetech: </p>

<p>Your input is appreciated. Assuming that my SAT scores are similar to my PSAT, I think a chance could be discernable. Allow me to address some of your other points…</p>

<p>1) Don’t go to a “crazy competitive school”, although I am on the honors track and advanced placement courses have a reasonable degree of difficulty. Nevertheless, I am well aware that my grades / class rank are below the Ivy League norm, hence this thread.</p>

<p>2) Being a female scholastic wrestler is very uncommon in the United States. I am the first girl to wrestle for my high school, district, and state against BOYS. Let me emphasize that there is currently no girls’ league. I fight against boys under the same conditions and parameters as any other wrestler. This in itself is extremely out of the ordinary, and in many cases reviled by sexist members of the community. </p>

<p>3) I don’t really expect to get into the Ivies, given my grades. Georgetown, I think, is my most “reachable” reach. Lol</p>

4

<p>First of all Georgetown is just as hard to get into as ivies, so don’t just pick it because you think it is easier to get into. Second from my understanding you have no actual reason for wanting to attend Georgetown besides its “name value” this will come across in your application lowering your chances.</p>

<p>Your class rank is fine (you are in the top 5 percent of your class), though your GPA is a bit too low right now. You need to remember you are competing for admissions against people who took just as hard classes and earned much higher grades. Yes, your wrestling EC is unique, though it is not just going to get you in. Wrestling (especially female) is not a requitable sport and although impressive demonstrates no leadership or community service.</p>

5

<p>ArtsyGirl13</p>

<p>On the contrary. Georgetown is known for its elite political and international relations programs, of which I would like to be involved in. Also, it has one of the top law schools in the world. Obviously, the Ivies have great programs as well, which is why I’d be happy to get into any of them as well. I’m not applying for “name value”. If it came down to having to choose between say, Brown and Georgetown, I would probably choose Georgetown for its superior international relations program. </p>

<p>Wrestling may not get me in, per se, but it might make me stand out! Oh, and by next year I should be captain, so that may demonstrate some leadership, yes?</p>

<p>Thanks for the input.</p>

6

<p>Thanks jerekson! :slight_smile: Yes, I am planning to write my essay about wrestling! Hopefully it resonates!!</p>

<p>Oh, regarding my school’s grading scale. Unfortunately, they do not weight the AP and Honors classes as significantly as other schools. We only receive a 5-10% weight, which obviously pales in comparison to the 20% weight I know some schools give. No excuses, though, I know. Could’ve worked harder! :p</p>

7

<p>I applaud you for being one of few female wrestlers, but I think you’re overestimating how far that’s going to get you in terms of college admissions.</p>