Native American in College Admissions

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi, I am posting here as a rising senior to seek the advice and help of some people going through what I'm going through and also people who have cleared this process.</p>

<p>Anyway, I figure that I'd post my stats</p>

<p>GPA: 3.9 (Includes two As in AP prep classes that weren't weighted and a C+ in a Math class)
Rank: 1
SAT: 1710 (620- CR; 520- Math, 570- Writing)
Rigor of classes: All honors in core classes, two AP classes (English and US History)</p>

<p>School Info: Small school in rural North Carolina</p>

<p>Extracurriculars: This is where things get muddy. I've done substantial PROJECTS but I've never done any of the traditional volunteer stuff like volunteering at animal shelters and hospitals.</p>

<p>For the past 2 years, I've helped organize a card giving campaign to the troops in Iraq to help brighten their Christmases. I've helped to raise money for needy families to have a good Christmas and I've participated in a club that enables me to educate people in my community about the dangers of drug and alcohol.</p>

<p>I've also been a member of FBLA (all 3 years), Beta Club (All 3 years), Native American Student Society (all 3 years), FFA (Freshman year), History Club (2 years), Art Club (1 year), Student Council (All 3 years) and Math Club (1 year).</p>

<p>I've held the following leadership positions:</p>

<p>President of the Art Club
President of Beta Club</p>

<p>Vice President of Beta Club
Vice President of 9th Grade Class</p>

<p>I was the Reporter in 10th and 11th Grade on Student Council.</p>

<p>But still, my extracurriculars worry me. I tend to focus on what I feel passionate about, as opposed to doing something because it looks good on an application. </p>

<p>Right now, I'm looking at going to a school, majoring in Political Science and then going to Law School. I'm looking at going to NC State, UNC: CH or East Carolina for my undergrad. </p>

<p>Another note: I did not take the SAT Subject Tests, out of my own stupidity. My school never told me about them nor indicated that they were a requirement for most of the elites. I had always thought that they were for students who needed an extra boost in their academics. Oh well, stupid mistakes are stupid mistakes. </p>

<p>Anyway, I'm also looking at UVa., Stanford and Georgetown but I think that it's a fair assumption that I don't have a chance at getting into those schools. I even think that UNC is a reach.</p>

<p>Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone could give me any tips on the admission process and possibly recommend schools. And also, give me an idea of how my race would play into admissions (and particular, are there any schools actively recruiting us?)</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>If you have a registered # from your tribe and are legitimately native american (none of this 1/16 stuff), odds are you'll walk in.</p>

3

<p>I have a registration # for my tribe and I'm an actual Native American, so that isn't a problem. My other question in regards to an elite school like a Stanford or Georgetown, with my stats, do I stand a chance at getting in?</p>

4

<p>Are you still a junior? If so, take those SAT II's as soon as possible! You still have time! Oh, and I don't think it's a stretch to say you have a very good chance at HYPS, so apply!</p>

5

<p>The next test date for the SAT IIs are October 07, which is borderline on most colleges early notification dates. I'll probably take them in October, just to be safe anyway.</p>

<p>I'm also thinking of applying for the Gates Scholarship, does anybody know anything about how competitive that is?</p>

6

<p>Retake the SAT and you'd have a good shot at all of them except Stanford. For Stanford, you'd need more of a passion/focus in your ECs and such.</p>

7

<p>Wow!!! Don't just rely on your hook, I am sure you are extremely intelligent, but have some safeties.</p>

8

<p>are you low-income?</p>

9

<p>Yeah, I'm low-income. </p>

<p>And I do have safeties lined up. I'm just worried about whether or not I could even get into THOSE. I don't have much confidence that my stats match up well with other kids that would be applying to these schools.</p>

10

<p>definitely apply for the Gates Millenium and also take a look at the Questbridge college match program.</p>

<p>I have a feeling that you do indeed have passions but that you need some assistance presenting yourself better in college applications.</p>

<p>Your status as a low-income, rural, Native American student is a huge hook and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Consider posting on the parents forum for some advice on how to best present yourself.</p>

11

<p>Obviously, there's a desire to improve myself and get to a higher spot in life. So yeah, I'm welcome to any suggestions :)</p>

<p>I do have a question, how would you recommend I present myself in my college applications?</p>

12

<p>^^As one striving to overcome adversity. Seriously. Play up the racial/socioeconomically disadvantaged status as much as possible. It sounds cheesy, but it'll work. HYPS are a stretch, but you've got a good chance at everything else.</p>

13

<p>I'm sure most schools are dying to get their <1% NA population up.</p>

14

<p>What are some schools that you'd recommend applying to?</p>

15

<p>I'd consider highlighting cultural activities/involvement as ECs. Also: Do you live on a rez? Talk about it in an essay etc. This will help you stand out as a unique applicant. Dartmouth/Cornell/Berkeley/Colgate are some of the few top schols with good poli sci. programs and Native American Studies departments...though you want to major in poli sci, noting that these schools would allow you the unique opportunity to take NAST classes might be something to mention in a "why X" essay. Good luck!</p>

16

<p>Oh wow...what a quandary. Let me say this, you have a reasonable chance of getting into the top schools you listed-save Stanford. However, if you got into these top schools...would you be able to cope? I have to be honest a 1710 SAT coupled with a val who got a C+ does not show you had a rigorous educational background. Furthermore, when you take those SAT II's, I predict the results will not be good either. To be blunt, you are a smart student, but you have not had any preparation for schools of this caliber. My prediction, you will get into one of your "reaches" however, if you attend, you run a high risk of failing out. Just my 2 cents.</p>

17

<p>Your SAT's are WAY TO LOW for those schools. Like 600 points too low for a normal kid to have a shot at Stanford.
But, you're a super URM, so you have a pretty good chance.</p>

18

<p>Thanks for the help. Right now, I'm actually looking at Colgate and Dartmouth. Though, on StudentsReview, I am hearing a lot of bad things about Colgate.</p>

19

<p>I would not say 600 pts too low (I'm sure you don't need 2310) however...again...if you get in you probably will get academically raped. There is no simpler way of saying it. Good luck though with your college hunt!</p>

20

<p>In response to Fred, I can explain how I got a C+ and remained #1. I am the only student in my class taking AP courses, both of which I took online and received As in. The class that I received a C+ in was a math course that I took online as well. I do actually agree with you on that point about not being adequately prepared. That's why I was possibly looking at attending East Carolina University for a couple of years and then transferring out.</p>