Junior Looking at Ivy Leagues with Unusual Circumstances

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I am a junior looking to apply to Ivy League schools next year. My unweighted GPA is 3.75, with the maximum course load. My ACT is 32. </p>

<p>This is all pretty standard. However, I am unsure how these circumstances affect my chances.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>I was trapped in a war in Lebanon in 2006 for around 10 days.</p></li>
<li><p>My father died last year.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Extracurriculars:</p>

<p>NHS since 10th grade
Eagle Scout
Tennis for 4 years
Assistant tennis coach for local middle school for four years
Student leadership for 2 years
Over 500 hours of community service
Ran own business, made around $2000
Created a website for the school
Ran a fundraiser for a leadership project
Some more I can't remember off the top of my head </p>

<p>Are these worth mentioning? How do they affect my chances at top school?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Those can definitely give reasoning for not having a higher GPA. If you write your essay about either of them, they will definitely help because, especially the first, is very unique. You should definitely write your essay on one or both.</p>

3

<p>Don’t write your essay on your father’a death. It may have had a huge impact on your life, but tons of applicants write about death.</p>

4

<p>To be fair, I wrote about my best friend’s death in my college essays and my admissions turned out fine. I think as long as you don’t make it cliche, then you will be okay.</p>