<p>Hi guys, as junior year is approaching to an end, I am fretting about my true chances at the top elite schools. Is it impossible for people (like me) with a GPA around a 3.5-3.7 who doesnt play sports, and doesnt have anything outstanding to get into HYP or Cornell, Brown, Columbia??? Not that I'm cocky or anything, but I've always had this confidence, that although i am asian, and do not have a 4.0, or a perfect 1600 SAT score, that because of my perseverance and attitude I could get in to one of the top schools. But as admissions are getting tougher and tougher by the year, and with more and more brilliant students.. I am questioning my strong faith. I have not taken the NEW SAT yet or any SAT II's but i plan to during may, june, and upcoming fall. The one thing that i think might set me apart from any other students is this:</p>
<p>I've been working at my parents restaurant since 8th grade, they could've hired other workers but we wanted to save money so my sisters and I work. I couldnt do much activities at school, nor do my school work to the best of my ability becasue i worked all the time (everyday after school and on weekends). The money I made i saved up in an account for 1) college, 2) car. After 2 years, my parents bought me a car, and i pay for my car with the money i make each month. I also support a family in Indonesia with the let over money i have after paying for my car rent each month. I give them about 400$ a year. (30$ a month+ birthday and holiday presents) And I have had leadership roles in school and church for the past 3 years. Am involved in clubs, and play piano.. but those are all stuff everyone does. </p>
<p>I'm worried. I really do work hard... but we'll see. I just dont know if anyone ever has been accepted to the schools I mentioned above with stats not too amazing.. with the exception of atheletes.. any comments?? encouragments??</p>
<p>Dude .... you probably won't get into those school with those stats...aim for something less prestigious like some good state universities nearby those elite school. For example if you want to attend Cornell aim for a good state university nearby like Stony. Go there for a year or two and decide to transfer out after raising your GPA and become well accustomed to volunteer work, the university community, and sports and clubs so that you can get some nice letters of recommendation.
Look at me dude ...I messed up so bad just read my postings. The worst thing you can do is get a fresh start and mess up. As long as you get into college just do your best and everything will turn out fine. But don't give up hope keep working hard...and apply to a few of those colleges if you got the $s and you really like them. O and enroll in sports and clubs during senior year and you could possibly say that you were busy taking care of family business and that it was important and helped you become responsible, etc., on college applications. And don't burn out during senior year! oh and take the SAT I first then the subject tests in May and June respectively and then after your receive your score and you think you may need to improve any of the score take them over in senior year!</p>
<p>don't lose hope just yet, what about your ECs and test scores? i also think if you incorporated the fact that you are helping out an Indonesian family into a good essay, it would help you a bit</p>
<p>Yeah... don't lose hope. Contrary to popular belief, the good schools accept normal, average kids as well, but its more of a toss up. As long as your stats are okay, you'll have an average chance, its a toss up. If you can distinguish yourself you'll raise your chances alot.</p>
<p>Pro's in your favor: the fact that you work many hours to help support your family business. Top schools like to see that. I would, however, not mention using the money to buy a car or even get into specifics. I would, however, recommend trying to use your experiences in the restaurant in your essays to highlight who you are. (Use examples that show this, don't just say you work hard - show how you do).</p>
<p>Con's against you: low GPA, especially for the most selective schools.</p>
<p>Unknowns: Your high school curriculum (have you taken the toughest courseload possible including 4 years of math, science, language? Honors/AP classes?) details about other extracurriculars, your recommendations, your essays, and your test scores. </p>
<p>Without this information it's really hard to estimate your chances in any sort of comprehensive way. Your best bet at this point is to be realistic and focus on some of the great schools just a notch down from the Ivies. If money isn't an issue for you, you might also consider applying ED to one of your top choices. But, really, at this point, it's hard to say without the full picture.</p>
<p>that's some great advice on the part of carolyn. the schools that you're looking at will definitely take into account the fact that you've had to work- it's basically one of the very few reasons that they'll accept for weaker EC's. With strong grades, scores, excellent recs and -this is key- GREAT essays (because of your lack of strong EC involvement), you have a shot, especially at the lower ivies.</p>