<p>I was wondering what my chances were (decent/not decent b/c this is Yale, and there is no "hands-down" app to admission). Also, I would say that I am a URM, but also tell me what my chances would be if I wasn't, because I don't want to be accepted somewhere just because "I was a URM."</p>
<p>Academics</p>
<p>Under-weighted GPA: 3.8ish
Weighted GPA: 4.37
Rank: Not totally 100% sure b/c I graduated early to use the extra year to learn stuff I actually wanted to learn as a non-matriculant in a local university, but definitely in top 10%, no doubt :)
ACT: 33 (36E, 36M, 36S, 25R - please don't ask, might retake but I don't think there's a point -_-)
SAT 2: M1, M2, and Chem waiting on scores. But I've always been very good at math, so let's say I got a 770+ on both maths, and a 740/750 on Chem.
AP Chem (Waiting); AP US History (Waiting)
Intended Major - Biomedical Engineering</p>
<p>Background & Ethnicity: Black son of immigrants (Don't forget to disregard black, please); Upper-middle class suburban public school, but not really great at all</p>
<p>Extracurricular Activities:
Saxophone (all types) played since 6th grade, and intend to play in college!
Concert Band (Freshman/Sophomore Year) - Played Alto Sax
Symphonic Band (Junior Year) - Played Baritone Sax
Varsity Tennis - finished last in the league :(
Jazz Band (Every Year)
Marching Band (EVERY YEAR!!!!!)
Pep Band (Every Year)
Student Council (since 6th grade) Representative (9/10); Office (11)</p>
<p>Volunteer Work + Summer Activity:
Harvard SSP 2012!!!
Volunteering at the local library</p>
<p>Awards/Honors:
The band has won numerous state contests, but I'm not sure if it counts, but we have gotten the superior rating in the last two years at solo and ensemble, if that makes a difference (1 highest, 5 lowest)
Solo and Ensemble Freshman (as an ensemble w/ friends) - 2 :(
Solo and Ensemble Sophomore (as a solo) - 1
Solo and Ensemble Junior (as a solo) - 1
Sure there is more music-related, but can't think of any that would matter</p>
<p>If you are applying SCEA, you will be competing with URM’s with similar stats or even better ones. If you apply RD, then don’t honestly bank on an acceptance. There will be a ridiculous amount of applicants for a few spots, being that half the class is filled SCEA. Nevertheless, I actually like how you are focused in music and I advise you to let this shine through throughout your app. Also, I advise you to prep heavily for the reading portion of the ACT and retake it. You have a couple of months before the final possible test and I believe you could easily get a 36, assuming that you have no medical condition that seriously hinders your verbal ability. Still, best of luck!</p>
<p>You should check out the results threads to see how your stats compare. BTW I have the impression that the main way that URM’s are given “slack” is that standardized test scores seem to be given less weight. Academic performance still needs to be outstanding, and then it comes down to the intangible part – what you put in your essays, and what your recs say. So… Your stats are in the ballpark (tho GPA is borderline) and that’s all anyone can tell you. Make sure you have some target and safety schools that you genuinely like - the one thing that’s certain is that HYP reject lots of students who would be accepted if they had more space. Good luck!</p>
<p>My main suggestion would be to write your essay on something totally separate from your extracurriculars because your clear and impressive commitment to music is already apparent in that area of your app. If you want a more definitive acceptance by December, apply to a safety school early, but I completely recommend SCEA. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Your stats, academically speaking, are very similar to mine and I got in. I never turned in my ACT but my sat was a 2370. My un-weighted was around a 3.97. I was rank 7 in my school. The only subject test I took was math1 and 2, I got perfect score in both of them. I did both football and track all four years. I was also a volunteer coach for the Special Olympics. I did a lot of volunteer activities that totaled to 1000 hours of community service.</p>