I am currently a junior looking at many of the nations top universities and liberal arts colleges like most others on this site. I understand that I am in no way exceptional and I really want some opinions from others like myself who know more than I do as to what to expect. I already know nothing is guaranteed and that I'm a relatively weak applicant.
I go one of the top rated schools in South Carolina and am ranked 1st out of 400 students with a 5.1 weighted, 4.0 unweighted gpa. I have taken only the hardest honors and APs and never received below a 97 (5 AP now about 10 by graduation). I have played lacrosse all years of high school (JV 2 years varsity now) run cross country for the last 2 (will likely make Varsity this fall) been a member of Beta Club sophomore year to now, FCA freshman and sophomore year, and international club this year.
Starting the fall of my Junior year I began volunteering at my church every other Sunday in the childrens ministry with a former teacher of mine who will likely write me a glowing recommendation.
From my freshman summer through next summer I have worked at carowinds amusement park. I was promoted last summer to a lead position which leaves me with a lot of responsibility. I will likely be promoted again.
My first SAT score was a 740 writing 800 CR and 690 math (I messed up on a basic formula throughout) but it will likely improve to above 2300 by my next two attempts (I’m studying hardcore)
Taking 4 SAT IIs and expecting between 700-800 on all (I’m in AP versions of the classes)
And thats it, I’m not a president, an award winner of any kind, or even a national merit scholar. I know with this lack of talent or excessive well roundedness that HYSP are out of the question.
What I really want to know are my chances at admission to:
Duke (my 1st choice)
Chicago
Penn
Dartmouth
Vanderbilt
Cornell
Hopkins
Emory
Rice
and
Williams
Davidson (my 2nd choice)
Washington and Lee
Any ideas on my chances or what I could do to improve them would be appreciated!!!
Dude, you are WAY too hard on yourself. Your transcript is literally perfect, and your SATs are very near perfect, and may be perfect after you take another shot at it. I would say Duke would be stupid to not accept you. If I had to pick a reach, I would say Dartmouth only because your SATs are not currently over 2250. But overall, you are a very elite student from the makes of it and I think you are a strong candidate for any school in the country, frankly.
I really appreciate your response but I have seen lots of posts on here with people who have the same or better academic profile as me with mountains of EC’s who are worried about admission which really makes me worry about my own chances. Thank you for the response and encouragement tho!
^^Yes you definitely too hard on yourself. The fact that your on track to become valedictorian at a top ranked school will totally help you. And you seem like a smart student (based on GPA) so I think that >2300 SAT is almost a guarantee if you put in some effort into prep.
As for your ECs, they are decent, regardless of your lack of leadership positions. I think with a great essay that makes you stand out, you will have decent shot at most of these schools.
Duke (my 1st choice)- low reach (match if you do ED here)
Chicago- low reach
Penn- low reach
Dartmouth- high match
Vanderbilt- match
Cornell- high match
Hopkins- low reach
Emory- match
Rice- low reach
And I know absolutely nothing about liberal arts colleges, so I can’t help you there.
The only thing you seem to be missing is a safety school you can get into and afford - which may be U of South Carolina or Clemson, as you’re an SC resident. But you seem to be doing VERY well as valedictorian, probably solid rec letters, etc. Don’t stress it too much, and best of luck for next year.
You will be entirely competitive for Duke, even more so if your SAT I results improve. Just keep performing as you have, devote considerable effort to your essays (they are often important in evaluation and segmentation of many essentially equally distinguished applicants), and diligently prepare for your SAT IIs. I sincerely wish you good luck.
Academic excellence over four years trumps test scores. You have great chances at all these schools. When you are the top student among 400 you get a bit of a hall pass on ECs. Try to do something interesting this summer in a field that interests you
Thanks top tier, that purple koala, and wje9164be. I think I should definietely be able to get my SAT I up especially since math and writing are the most coachable and my low math score was because I missed the formula for the area of a triangle on every question (yes stupid IK :))
Thanks for the reply top tier, since you’re obviously an expert, what should I get my SAT I to really improve my chances? Also how much would applying early decision help with chances? Finally if you could direct me to any good info on writing my essays that would really help because I am clueless. Thanks again for giving your time to help kids like me with this stressful time.
@jacobpbrugh just make sure you put in the effort to write good essays, because these schools look at the essays to distinguish the applicants who all have top gpa, rigorous courses, APs and test scores. Think of the essay as a chance to show the college your personality, what makes you tick. The essay is like an interview. Also, show an interest in the school through your essays if possible and also by visiting. Show the school why you want to go there. What is it about that specific school that makes you want to go there more than any other school? You want to show that the school would be a good fit for you. Since many of the schools have separate essays, it will take more time than you think to prepare. So start in the summer before your senior year as soon as the applications become available online.
I believe the Common App comes online around July 31. But several of these schools may not use the Common App. Check out each school’s website. They may have their own online applications and different essay questions. You should make a spreadsheet for each school you are interested in and list if it uses the common app. Some schools use the common.app but have supplemental essay questions in addition to the 4 or 5 Common app essay questions.
For essays there are two great books and hundreds of bad ones. “Conquering the college admissions essay in 10 steps” by Alan gelb and “on writing the college admissions essay… .” By Harry bauld.
@jacobpbrugh (re post #10): Please excuse my rushed response this morning:
Your current SAT I aggregate score is quite good and NOT admissions-degrading; however, any improvement will obviously be beneficial, but you shouldn't stress over this (and I won't speculate regarding a "target score"). I simply suggest you take some time this summer and prepare for an early-senior year retest. BUT DON'T PERCEIVE THIS AS A DECISIVE DUKE ADMISSIONS ISSUE -- it isn't.
ED improves probability of selection (48 percent of '19 was selected from the comparatively small ED applicant pool, which means the RD candidates will have ONLY an approximate 8 percent acceptance opportunity). However, you -- and your family -- MUST be absolutely certain of two critical factors before you apply ED:
2a. Duke is your undisputed, unquestionable top undergraduate alternative, and
2b. Duke is financially viable. You, and your family, should use Duke's Net Price Calculator (NPC) -- thoroughly, in-detail, and with meticulous accuracy -- to obtain the most precise estimate of the need-based FA you'll receive (if any). I suspect you'll also be competitive for Duke's unbelievably generous and "overall-terrific" merit-based scholarships (B N and A B Dukes, Robertson, etc.). Significantly, Duke essentially guarantees the NPC's need-based FA package . . . IF your input is both comprehensive and entirely accurate.
Since ED is ethically binding, you should ONLY apply early if both 2a and 2b are completely resolved.
You will not like my answer re essay development. Please don't find "great essay topics" on the internet or in the local library (perhaps later, in desperation). It may (and it probably should) take you several months to develop essays that are unique, compelling, and complement the individual (you) that the "application's paperwork" reveals to admissions readers and other evaluators. This is HARD WORK and, in my opinion, it takes considerable time, creative thought, and real effort -- it's another summer project. The theme(s) should (ideally) be unique, "intensely you," and integrate your background and goals with Duke (in the broadest sense). Even when you accomplish this -- and it's NOT easy, most essays appreciably fail this "platinum standard" -- you'll still have to write articulately, concisely (the word limits are intentionally tough), coherently, and passionately . . . and little wit would also be appreciated by the admissions readers. As a top-level essay overview "standard" for your consideration, please temporarily commission yourself as a Duke admissions reader. How many essays extolling our Cameron Crazies, our societally-oriented service culture, and our great, interdisciplinary academics do you suspect you'll (remember, you're temporarily a reader) reviews in the next month? Wouldn't you long for essays that were not trite, but rather bright, innovative, heartfelt, and compelling? Duke spirit/community passion, Duke "knowledge in service to society," and Duke academics are FINE areas to mention, BUT you want your essay(s) to standout, to make that reader say, "WE REALLY WANT THIS KID!!!"
To conclude, you are doing a GREAT job, keep it up, and DO NOT STRESS OUT. Further, please don’t hesitate to PM me if I can provide any sort of minor advice or assistance.
Thanks @rgr717@toptier and @wje9164be for the info. Especially top tier I really appreciate you taking your time to help kids like me and I will definitely keep all your advice in mind.
You’re in Emory! As far as Johns Hopkins and Duke, I actually know people with slightly higher stats than you (2300+ SAT, took actual college classes in high school, top school, 800s in SAT II tests) who did not get in. Also, your extracurriculars could use a little improving. I know many other factors come into play, but sadly there are more people with flawless transcripts than there are spots to enroll in. Good luck! You have a chance!
Duke - Reach
Chicago - Reach
Penn - Reach
Dartmouth - Low Reach
Vanderbilt - Low Reach
Cornell - Low Reach
Hopkins - Low Reach
Emory - High Match
Rice - Low Reach
Williams - Match
Davidson (my 2nd choice) - High Match
Washington and Lee - Low Match
Extracurriculars need work but otherwise great transcript!
