What’s your GPA scale? This is a great GPA for a scale of 5.0 weighted but not so much if scale is 6.0 or 10.0.
Your ACT is low but sellable research company is a hook. Legacy is another hook. How come you only two AP and only have 13 college credit worth IB diploma? Most IB students in our area take 12 AP exams. It seems that you didn’t do many AP or HL IB courses.
Hello All!
I was wondering if maybe any Ivy League alumni’s could validate-
I have always wanted to get into an Ivy League School (or Duke + University of Chicago) to jumpstart a career in Government Science- could anyone let me know if they think these stats are Ivy League material?
GPA: 4.87 Weighted, 3.98 Weighted
ACT Composite: 30
Classes: AP US History and AP Chem, The IB Diploma Program (2 years of all college classes- junior & senior year + an extended essay, theory of knowledge class, and a service project)
Extra Curriculars: Founder of a small research company- created the first DHA-based algae biodiesel ( been in some popular magazines and newspapers!) + various awards and scholarships
NHS, Quiz Bowl Team, STEM Sisters, Physics Club, Piano Club (President), Psychology Club (started it and am president), Science Olympiade, Medical Club, Student Council (1 year), Can fly a plane.
Dad was a Harvard Alumni?
I compose songs on the piano, and plan to submit audio files- I’m super confident at interviews, and know I can nail the essay if I put my mind to it. I’m female and white.
My doubts: ACT is only 30, I’m not from a boarding school.
Any information would be well appreciated! I know you guys are probably on this huge college quest to- hang in their- YOU’VE GOT THIS!!
Thanks!
~MCurie
@hiddenfalls that would be INCREDIBLE!! Okay wait- did you visit Princeton over the summer and go on one of the tours @ Princeton? Because I remember meeting someone from Australia on a tour- wow I might actually know you!
@MCurie I wish I did that! No, that sadly wasn’t me, but at least I know that there’s another Australian applicant going for Princeton now!
@Darknezzerat - deffinitly something to focus on in the essay- thanks for the info 
@WorryHurry411 5.0 weighted scale, 4.0 unweighted. We went allowed to take ap until sophomore year at our school, and history + chem + precalc were the only options- I know at our school we get a college credit each year of IB so it will be a total of 13 credits for the next year and this year. I’m taking 4 out of 4 potential HLs . And really AP exams for IB? I’ve heard that that can be done, buy we take the international IB Exams here- Thank you a million for the info!!
You only get college credit if the college you end up attending actually gives you credit, which in almost all cases they will only do based on your actual IB test scores.
Cool. Thanks for clarifying @skieurope - you guys are so helpful! And thanks for the repedative post warning- so new here, and its good to learn the ropes- thanks!
If you don’t get any joy from a second attempt at the ACT, you might want to try the SAT. Also, think about which SAT subject tests you’d like to pursue as some of the schools on your list require them.
Have you discussed budget with your parents? You say you are middle class but that category covers a pretty wide income distribution. Have you run the calculators to determine what your EFC would be and if it is consistent with what your parents can afford? Many of the schools on your list offer need-based aid only. Of those, Princeton and Harvard are probably the most generous in their definition of “need.” That said, no sense in applying to Ivies or places like Amherst or Williams if your family cannot or will not afford them.
@hiddenfalls aww too bad- but good luck!! Hang in their Chica!!!
@mamaedefamilia okay thank you so much for this info!! We are lower middle class, so I know I meet qualifications for financial aid- does this help? We will be able to afford tuition as long as my family is still applicable for financial . THANK YOU SO MUCH!
@MCurie BTW Chicago has some merit money, especially for lower income/URM. Duke has some very generous scholarships - very competitive of course and not many - but you would probably have a decent shot. Not sure about Davidson or W&M.
Your accomplishments are very impressive. I’m sure that you know that at very selective schools, a good dose of luck is needed as well as sterling academic accomplishments. Bring up those test scores, shoot for the moon, and see what happens. Make sure you have some safeties that you’d be happy to attend as well.
Are you going to try for Intel STS? It could open a lot of opportunities for you!
Best of luck to you!
@mamaedefamilia oh my goodness, thank you so much! Hahah a good amount of luck is needed, that’s for sure! I will certainly check out those merit scholarships- thank you! I was a science fair kid (like Intel, but I was never old enough to join the Intel). I started the research project and because we are going to be selling and are thus like a corporation, I can’t submit by terms now- but props to any other science Fair kids out there! And good luck to you too! Thanks a million!
Well I am a slacker… Congratulations on all of your accomplishments! You are going to do great!
@renaissancedad would an older sibling at an Ivy currently increase my chances of getting in? (I am a competitive applicant for the school, and I definitely have the academic and extra curricular merit)
@swim1128 - I wish I could help you on this one- if I learn anything, I’ll let you know! And 100% @Penguins75 if you are on college confidential, you are certainly not a slacker! 