Ivy League--any chance?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I'm currently a high school junior and would like to know if I have any chance of being admitted into an Ivy League school (especially Princeton--that would be my first choice) and what I can do to improve my chances. </p>

<p>My weighted GPA currently is 4.067, but by the time I graduate this should be about 4.083--4.1 (unweighted GPA is 4.0).</p>

<p>APs taken (and my school doesn't offer much): US History (last year, got a 4 on the exam), English Lang and Comp (expecting at least a 4, also I should point out writing and history are NOT my strongest subjects, just the only APs I could take at the time)</p>

<p>Next year I will take: AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, Spanish 2, Wind Ensemble, and English 12 (I might be able to replace this with AP Literature--should I?)</p>

<p>The first time I took the ACT I got a 33 (33 in English and Math, 31 in Reading, 36 in Science, and a 9 on Writing). I plan to retake this to increase my writing and reading scores. I will also be taking SAT subject tests, but I haven't done so yet.</p>

<p>Class rank: currently 2 out of about 350. </p>

<p>ECs: I am VERY involved in music, both in my school's program and outside of it. I've been playing the violin since second grade and oboe since sixth. On both I've gotten several 1st division ratings at state solo and ensemble (including Proficiency 1 and 2) and qualified for the All-State Honors Band on oboe, as well as the Youth Arts Festival (the only one from my high school to go in a long time). That being said, music related ECs include: band, string orchestra, full orchestra, marching band (5 years when I graduate), winter colorguard (also will be 5 years), oboe lessons, etc.
I'm a member of Mu Alpha Theta and National Honors Society, as well as actively involved in my church youth group. Through the church youth group, I've done a lot of volunteer work, including two mission trips, and I will be doing more volunteer work outside of this over the summer.
I've tutored other students (not paid) and given violin lessons (also not paid), as well as performed on oboe for holiday programs (paid).</p>

<p>Leadership:
Section leader/captain of the colorguard/winterguard
First chair oboe and violin, have experience running rehearsals
Also organized a woodwind group from my school for performances
As I already stated: tutor, violin lessons</p>

<p>I understand Ivy League schools are very competitive and difficult to get into and I'm probably lacking in several areas (leadership and volunteering) but I will continue to work on them. Also, I plan on studying physics in college, regardless of where I go. Do I stand any chance of being accepted?</p>

2

<p>You do have a chance. If your ACT retake get you above 34, then you would be a better candidate. Your course load is not too challenging as your W and UW GPA show almost no difference and your AP list is short. This may hurt you a little bit. Remember, there are tons of students with GPA4.0 and ACT33+ applying to the ivy leagues. So you are about average among other applicants.</p>

3

<p>Thanks. I understand the classes I’ve taken don’t look too impressive, but I’m taking all the honors/advanced classes my school offers, even those that aren’t AP. I wish I could do more, but like I said, the school doesn’t offer much.</p>

4

<p>Your music stats are very strong. Unfortunately, your course load is fairly weak, but it seems like there’s nothing you can do about that. I’d just raise your ACT and definitely take AP English Lit next year.<br>
With a little luck, you could get in.</p>