<p>Hi. I just completed my sophomore year in high school and am interested in attending either Northwestern or Cornell. I am concerned about whether I will be well qualified for these schools by the start of my senior year and wish to seek some guidance regarding where I stand and areas in which I may need improvement. My information is as follows:</p>
<p>Ethnicity: Asian American</p>
<p>First Language: English</p>
<p>PSAT: 210
77 math
73 writing
60 reading</p>
<p>SAT II:
Biology 700</p>
<p>Unweighted GPA: 3.667
Weighted: 4.0
(with 4 honors classes)
I intend to take AP classes in US History and Physics B next year.</p>
<p>Extra Curriculars: Track, Paddling, Co-President of one community service club, Science Bowl Team, school orchestra, volunteer at a local hospital, vice president of "young democrats" club. </p>
<p>I am an active participant in class. All of my mentors write postive comments in my report cards which range in quality from "good student" to "best in years."</p>
<p>I would appreciate any advice and tips that you have to offer!
Much thanks!
Brenton</p>
<p>I forgot to add that I attend a large and highly competitive private school which sent 99 percent of its 2007 graduates to four year colleges and has an average of 31 natonal merit scholars each year.</p>
<p>As a sophomore, I believe you are on the right track.</p>
<p>The EC's look good (perhaps create a club/work experience)</p>
<p>I am worried about the standarized tests.</p>
<p>The 700 Bio will certainly not cut it. The kind of schools you want to go to will most likely want 3 SAT II's. I would try to get at least 750's in 3 different subjects.</p>
<p>The PSAT looks good and is merit scholar worthy. The SAT should be in the 2300's and I think you are definitely capable.</p>
<p>You have a 70-85% chance if you improve your SAT/ACT (try it) and SAT II's.</p>
<p>I also would take a much more vigorous course load. I am taking 7 AP's this year and I have my doubts about the University of Virginia.</p>
<p>Asian might hurt you. I am asian too and I think we just overpopulate all the good universities so that my be a disadvantage. JK Good Luck!</p>
<p>I think right now u should work on improving the reading. U have a good gpa that will prob go up. There is no need to take 7 ap classes in one year, that is ridiculous. There would be no time for ecs, or if there is time that meens that these classes are not very challenging at sam's school. Also, most schools only require 2 sat 2's and a 700 isnt a bad score and certainly isnt going to kill u. Continue to be active with ur ecs and improve the reading. I think ull have a great shot at both schools. Good luck</p>
<p>Well sam41990, I don't know whether I'll have enough time to prepare for 3 SAT IIs by the start of my senior year, let alone get 750 or higher on 'em. I could try to pull off a 750+ in US History, Latin, or Physics; I will be taking APs in these subjects so I think that I will be very well prepared for the SAT IIs in those areas.</p>
<p>By the way, do you seriously mean that I need a 750 to be accepted to Cornell or NW? My cousin was accepted to Harvard with a 690 in biology and a low 700 in another subject. Then again, he probably compensated with his 4.4 cummulative gpa. But that's Harvard- NW and Cornell are supposed to be a bit less selective.</p>
<p>I agree with patsandheels that 7 APs would be quite ridiculous- especially for me because I need spare time for extra curriculars and sports. (Though I have actually considered quitting track for the sake making time for APs)</p>
<p>Anyway, thanks to both of you for your help!
I am taking an SAT prep class which I hope will raise my CR score.</p>
<p>Oh, and one question: will colleges take into consideration that I attend a highly competitive private school when they review my gpa, or would it not matter at all?</p>
<p>Additional info:
I just took a practice SAT. The results are as follows.</p>
<p>Score: 2150
770 math
750 writing
630 CR</p>
<p>I would be thankful for any comments. =)</p>
<p>Wow...I am shocked that a school even offers 7 ap courses at my school there are only 3 total ap classes which definitely puts us at a disadvantage</p>
<p>^Not really... Take those 3 AP classes and take a lot of college classes at a nearby CC.</p>
<p>Um...some schools offer all 35+ AP classes..</p>
<p>Wow. My school offers a little more than 20. That's the highest in our state (I'm from Hawaii , too). ;)</p>