<p>The other problem with a tech school (I know nothing about GA Tech, but I'm going off what I know of others, so correct me if I'm wrong) is that there's usually a math/science oriented core curriculum, set of GEs, what have you. If she's not interested in any math/science degree, these will be a real drag...they'll be a time-suck/distraction as well as a useless cut to her GPA and perhaps motivation (not saying that ANY math/science would be, but definitely an education with these subjects at the center would be unreasonable). Finding peers with common interests could also be a drag, since its sort of a common-interest environment. Furthermore, a humanities degree from a tech school (with no dual/double tech degree) would probably look strange to grad schools, employers, or whoever. I'm just hypothesizing, but I doubt the quality of the school will mean as much with a degree outside its field of notoriety.</p>
<p>USC is a definite reach, especially as an out-of-stater (it's a private school, but certainly rather CA-oriented, and from what I know, they try to maintain geographic diversity while still holding out-of-staters to slightly more strict standards). Pitzer will definitely want to see more leadership, community involvement, community service type things. It's a very activism-oriented school, and certain qualities of a person can override some academic weaknesses, although I do believe that they're trying to up their academic admission standards as well. Scripps might still be a reach due to GPA and lack of leadership, but might be a little more of a fit b/c the grades are consistently strong in relevant areas (assuming she doesn't indicate interest in a math/science field). Some of her extracurriculars (excellence in writing/art, newspaper) will be particularly helpful here. Claremont McKenna, definite reach, especially with the low math grades, lack of leadership, lack of APs, and lack of involvement in relevant areas (political, for example), although the accounting elective will look nice, it probably won't go far. From what I know of them, Mount Holyoke and Wellesley will also be reaches, but similarly to Scripps, may be more flexible with the apparent math/science weakness.</p>
<p>Don't know enough about anything else to guess. I would say the most important things to do are community service, step up to some sort of leadership role, and not slack senior year, grade-wise. She's definitely set a pattern junior year, and consistency--if not improvement--would be the best bet. You didn't give an SAT breakdown, but if her scores correspond with her grades (low-ish math, high verbal/writing/whatever she took), then this would be good (b/c if it's clear that she just doesn't have a strength in math/science, but she doesn't want to go into the field, then this might be dismissed. If tests indicate that she's strong in math, her grades will tend to show lack of effort rather than lack of understanding).</p>
<p>There are definite reaches in her list, but <em>NONE</em> of them is entirely ridiculous, especially if she wants to go into a non math/science area. College admissions--at a certain point, and to a certain degree--is just a total crapshoot. Maybe she'll have a glowing recommendation, or a really impressive interview (speaking of which, she may want to attempt to visit some of those schools and interview, it might give her a chance to explain some of the weaknesses of her application in person, which can be really helpful and humanizing), or some element of her personality that really shines through and clicks with a school or application reader, but doesn't come through in stats. Maybe she'll just get lucky in the applicant pool. She has GOOD SATs (although I imagine SAT2s would be helpful, they definitely can't be harmful, and some of those schools <em>might</em> require them), a more than decent GPA, obvious academic strengths, and a dedicated and lengthy list of extracurriculars and hobbies. If her GPA is mainly A's minus math/science grades, as in the sample you provided, this will surely be factored into account, too. Furthermore, I would guess it would likely be looked on more fondly than a transcript of mainly B's with just a small number of A's and C's, b/c at least it demonstrates consistent excellence in some areas, and, well, persistence in others. If your friend really steps up to the plate senior year, spends time and effort on her applications, shows genuine interest in the schools, and has strong recommendations, hers looks to me like a fine application. Not outstanding, but good.</p>
<p>I do kind of question your role in all this, although it sounds like a nice gesture on your part. I would recommend giving your friend the address to this website and allowing her to look around and ask questions herself. It will be more direct for her, and probably easier on your friendship. </p>
<p>Just a note: Take everything you read her (my own opinion included) with a grain of salt. Opinions on this board tend (not unanimously, but in general) to lie on the harsher side of reality, and there are enough "I'm looking at the following Ivies and here are my amazing stats" posts floating around that an average, or even above average application tends to appear worse than it would standing on its own. Try not to pass too much of that on to your friend, b/c yes--realism is important for not getting hopes crushed in the college search, but optimism, confidence, and positivity are crucial as well, and they WILL be evident.</p>