Need Recommendations and Assurance

<p>I am a junior and very interested in studying chemistry in college while pursuing a career in medicine.
Here are some of my credentials:</p>

<p>Unweighted GPA: 3.83
Weighted GPA: 4.68
ACT: 32
English - 29
Math - 30
Reading - 33
Science - 34
Writing - 10
(This was on my first attempt with little review, I am now reviewing and shooting for a 33 or 34)</p>

<p>I play two varsity sports and won a state championship this past year.
I am a member of Natural Helpers and National Honors Society.
I have only been apart of 2 clubs, each one year, in my high school years.
I am a member of the Mayor's Youth Council, a board of limited students who discuss issues with a governing board and the mayor in my town.
I have volunteered for 3 years now in a program that helps disabled children play sports.
There are other community activities I've participated in and awards I've received, not as notable though. (ex. won ribbons at county fair, excellence achievement in select classes, all-area sports recognition, etc.)</p>

<p>I have received straight A's (1 A-) and have been on the highest honor roll my past two years. My GPA is not higher because my freshmen year grades were pretty horrendous. I am taking the most rigorous schedule my high school has to offer, and by the time I graduate will have taken 10 AP classes. I have never taken anything lower than an honors class.</p>

<p>I have an older sister who currently attends Northwestern University and she is urging me to go there. I am taking a summer class there this summer to see what it is like. I have a few schools on my mind, such as Northwestern, Duke and University of Illinois that I believe I can get into. (what do you think?) My dream school is Notre Dame but I am not sure if I have the credentials.</p>

<p>I would very much appreciate it if any of you could give me some ideas on if the schools I've listed are out of reach, or give me some other schools I would possibly like?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>You definitely have the credentials for Notre Dame. University of Illinois is also a high match. Duke is a crapshoot so I can’t really say anything about them. </p>

<p>I forgot to add in that I am currently ranked 4th in my class of 285</p>

<p>Apply to Northwestern, its great. But if you are unsure about it then maybe don’t apply ED. Visit and see what you think. </p>

<p>Also look into these schools, which are all reaches but still worthwhile:
UC Berkeley/UCLA
USC (I think you may qualify for a merit scholarship)
JHU
UPenn
CMU
WashU
Stanford</p>

<p>Where to apply ED is definitely a tough decision at this point for me</p>