PLEASE CHANCE ME! kthxbye...

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I'm currently a junior in a pretisgious high school, schools I'm looking at are:</p>

<p>UNC
Duke
Northwestern
John Hopkins
Williams and Mary
Davidson
Columbia
UPenn</p>

<p>Our school does not rank, nor does it calculate GPA-- but my average grade in my transcript is an A-. I would think I'm in the top 10%-25% range... But I do know my class schedule is the most rigorous offered at my school. Will be taking 5 AP's next year for a total of 9 throughout my high school career (the max our school has ever offered was 10 throughout a student's career). My grades have gone from a B average to what it is now, gradually improving. </p>

<p>SATS: 770 Math, 700 Reading, 700 Writing (I plan to take it again since I feel like I can do significantly better...)</p>

<p>SAT IIs: 800 Math2, 740 USH, 770 Biology E/M (planning to take Spanish soon as well, maybe USH again)</p>

<p>AP Scores: APUS 5, APBio 5, APLit 5, APCalcAB 5</p>

<p>I'm not too worried about my college essays, although I am wary, but if anyone feels like my writing sucks, constructive criticism is always welcome. I had a pretty rough start freshmen/sophomore year, which is why my average grade is an A-, hopefully I can explain the circumstances with the essay. </p>

<p>Activities/awards:
Eagle Scout
Internship with the EPA
3 years of Chess club/Math club/School Newspaper/Science Olympiad other fillers for the Resume
Started a club called Foreign Awareness
NHS (probably ought to go into the fillers, but it does sound nice)
Orchestra for 3 years, First Violin
2 years All State Orchestra, second chair first violin.
This year in a pretty prestigious youth orchestra in the state, second violin.
Debate for 2 years, broke to semi's at districts. Placed at some random local tournaments.
Volunteering: I get in around 15 hours per year (school required)... maybe a total of 50 throughout my high school career thus far... </p>

<p>I do not volunteer at a regular place; however, I am planning to do a bit of volunteering at a library and animal shelter this summer-- so possibly 20-30 hours. </p>

<p>Anyways, this just about SUMS UP MY LIFE. Please chance me.</p>

2

<p>Everything looks decent, but your application lacks anything extraordinary and compelling. That more or less puts you out of the running for Duke, Penn and Columbia, all the while diminishing your chances at the other schools.</p>

3

<p>I think the internship with the EPA is pretty cool, actually. From what I’ve heard, fillers actually don’t help you all that much; it’s far better to stay focused with your ECs. SATs aren’t horrible by any means, but I suppose if you feel like you could improve then go for it. </p>

<p>UNC: Match
Duke: Reach
Northwestern: Low Reach
John Hopkins: Reach
Williams and Mary: Match?
Davidson: Match
Columbia: Reach
UPenn: Reach</p>

<p>Ivies generally like 5 APs by the time you apply, but 4 is fine if you have something extra. Are you a URM? Btw, you can calculate your own GPA. I notice a lack of real safeties. I mean, you’ll probably get into UNC but you can never be sure (I’m assuming you live there because of Davidson). But yeah, otherwise, looking pretty good.</p>

4

<p>Maybe also check into University of Rochester, Michigan and Carnegie Mellon.</p>

5

<p>Disagree with billabong. Your Eagle Scout is most extraordinary and compelling. Itshows that you attain the highest and is one of the the factors that will give you an edge at any college (and the military). Some schools will actually look at it more than GPA. In fact, some schools (eg Stanford) have full scholarships for Eagles. Way to go. Make sure you document your Eagle project.</p>

<p>You have a good shot at all</p>

6

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<p>This is entirely unfounded.</p>

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<p>While being an Eagle Scout is certainly impressive, it doesn’t really receive its due credit at top universities.</p>

7

<p>*I’ve been told. Sorry.</p>

8

<p>If you live in Virginia, you’re in to William and Mary for certain. Might not get into their honors program, but you’ll be in.</p>

9

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<p>As being on college and medical school adcoms, I would have to disagree with you. It is a very strong indicator (in fact, some studies show the ONLY indicator) of how well a student will do.</p>

10

<p>^Hmm, interesting. From what I’ve heard on CC, few people value the time/commitment an Eagle Scout requires, at least judging from how well Eagle Scouts do in admissions compared to similar students with other, less time-consuming ECs than Scouts. But I’m happy to hear they’re respected at some places!</p>

<p>Are you allowed to disclose which college you work for?</p>

11

<p>No,</p>

<p>College was on west coast (several years back)
Med School in northernmidwest</p>

<p>Very few people on CC were/are Eagle Scouts. But, check with adcom where you are applying. They realize time and commitment. As I noted, there was a study some years back and the only thing that related to college success was an Eagle rank – not grades, GPA, SAT, etc. The military still gives immediate rank to those who enlist with it.</p>

<p>There was a review in the Eagle Scout magazine several years ago looking at HS grads and those with ES got first or second choice in all cases. (I think there were some fudge factors added)</p>