Hi!
So I’m finalizing what colleges I’m going to apply to come this Fall and I was wondering if this list was reasonably given my stats. Obviously this is all speculation, but I figure it’s better than nothing. You don’t have to chance me for every single college, rather just tell me if this list is a good one. (I will chance back!)
COLLEGES:
KU
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
UNC - Chapel Hill
Georgetown
NYU
WashU in St. Louis
UChicago
Northwestern
A couple of Ivy Leagues (2-3)
I want to major in political science.
HIGH SCHOOL:
Freshman:
Honors English 9
Honors Biology
Honors PreCalc
Honors Modern World History
Spanish 2
Debate/Forensics
Sophomore:
Honors English 10
Honors Chem
AP Calc AB (5 on AP test)
AP Euro (4 on AP Test)
Spanish 3
Political Science
Debate/Forensics
Junior:
AP English 11
AP Chem
AP Calc BC
APUSH
AP Spanish 5 (Took Spanish 4 over the summer at the local community college)
Political Science
Debate/ Forensics
Projected Senior Year Schedule:
AP English 12
AP Bio
AP Stats
AP Gov
Journalism
Physics
Political Science (I’ll be doing a research project this year, probably a social experiment of some kind)
Debate/Forensics
I’m a straight A student.
Weighted GPA: 4.95
Unweighted GPA: 4.00
Class Rank: 1/572
I have won many awards in various competitions
STUCO
participating for 3 years
Currently am STUCO Treasurer (2nd Year as Treasurer)
Was a Homecoming committee head
Was a Relay for Life committee head both years
Debate/Forensics
participating all 3 years
Have won many medals
Qualified to nationals last year in Congress
Qualified to nationals this year in Congress (Semifinalist this year)
Spanish Honor Society
National Honor Society
Presidential Service Award for past 3 years
Bollywood Dancer for 10 years
I’m going to guess that you are from Kansas? I think that looks like a balanced list, as long as you are sure you can afford KU. As for the rest, go for it! Out of curiosity, what was your PSAT score?
That’s much higher than the usual Kansas cutoff for National Merit Semifinalist, and with your stats you should be a shoe-in for Finalist if you fill out the application (you’ll be notified in Sept if you made Semifinalist). You should be able to get some good merit money from KU for Finalist standing, and Wichita State could be a safety too if you wanted it - you could get full ride there. But your list is good as is. You’ve got a good range.
I can’t tell you if you’ll get into some of the others, especially the Ivies and UChicago, etc., but you are definitely a strong applicant. Good luck!
You are competitive in all senses (assuming you write a stellar essay and get excellent recs which will put you at an excellent position). Your list is good for sure but remember that no one is guaranteed at the ivy level. However, you should be able to get into most of your second tier schools (Georgetown, NYU, WashU) for sure.
You have excellent stats! What type of high school do you attend/do you have legacy at any schools? These factors will also play a huge role in your acceptance.
You definitely are a match for all the schools you are applying for. The Ivys of course are always a lottery, but if you can demonstrate your individuality rather than fitting in the typical top student mold, then you have a great chance. Additionally, teacher recommendations are highly important, so if you can solidify your relationship with them, then you’ll have a greater chance in getting in your top schools. Good luck with everything!
@collegenerd1234 I go to a simple public high school in Kansas, and I don’t have any legacies at any of my schools. I’m also Indian which I guess is the opposite of a hook?
I see in that case, you still have a great chance in getting into all of your picks. Only advice I would give you is to focus on your individuality in your essays and solidify relationships with your teachers. With your stats, I would also suggest applying to some top liberal arts schools such as Williams, Amherst and Swarthmore as you want to study Poli Sci, and they are great places for that! Good luck with everything!