Please chance my friend...please give us constructive criticism

<p>Okay, you're probably wondering why I'm making a chance thread for a friend, but he's at my house and we figured it would be faster to make one on my account.</p>

<p>He's a decent student with some strengths...and some weaknesses.</p>

<p>Overall, he needs some help.</p>

<p>Brief overview of his stats so far:</p>

<p>SAT I: 760 Math 640 Critical Reading 590 Writing 1990/2400 1400/1600</p>

<p>SAT II: 700 Math IC/ 680 US History</p>

<p>AP Exams: 5 on Human Geography</p>

<p>Cumulative GPA: 3.0-3.2 Uw and around 3.5-3.7 weighted</p>

<p>He's participated in a bunch of random EC's, and hasn't really shown too much passion. He plans to find an interest and stick to it this summer.</p>

<p>He will write a compelling essay, and have very good Rec's from classes he did great in.</p>

<p>He's also taken 4 IB classes, 1 honors, and 2 AP classes. (Human Geo. online) </p>

<p>And he's a first-generation college student, white, and resides in Vermont. He wont need aid.</p>

<p>Now, for the schools. Please list chances.</p>

<p>University of Vermont
Northeastern University
University of Colorado-Boulder
University of Miami-Ohio
University of Miami (ED)
University of Minnesota
University of Indiana-Bloomington
George Washington University
Syracuse University
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (He's aware it's a reach, but his GPA will improve b/c it doesn't count GPA during freshman year)
Boston University
New York University (Another Reach)</p>

<p>bump 10 char</p>

<p>He can obviously bring up his test scores. But the main thing, especially for the larger schools that are reaches is his GPA. Unless he's an incredible individual with some amazing hook (grew up in a national wildlife reserve, accidentally discovered a new antibiotic) his GPA will keep him out of UMichigan and NYU. Not that he doesn't have a chance.</p>

<p>At this point, the best thing for him would be to raise his GPA. Pull out all the stops and get straight As for first semester.</p>