<p>Hello all, recently I narrowed my college list down to something I think will be a good range of schools for me. I’m looking for a college that you can party at but is also a good academic school overall. A few other factors went into it too (like I chose one or two because in case I want to stay near home in NJ, I’ll have that option), so here’s the list:</p>
<li>UMiami (EA) Match</li>
<li>USC (EA) Low Reach</li>
<li>NYU (EA) Low Reach</li>
<li>Columbia (EA) Reach</li>
<li>UCLA Low Reach (OOS)</li>
<li>UCSB Safety
7.Penn State Safety</li>
<li>U of A safety</li>
</ol>
<p>My GPA by the end of this year (junior), will be about a 4.2 W, 3.8ish UW. My SAT score is 2150, and I’m an african american male from new jersey. My ECs are mediocre at best, though I have held down a job since I was 14 and most of my ECs have been for years (through the church, etc).</p>
<p>So does this list look about right, and are my chances just about right? Thanks in advance, later.</p>
<p>I think you're as likely to get into Columbia as UCLA. UCLA out if state is really hard to get into and they don't have affirmative action. As a URM male with excellent stats and good ECs (work is a perfectly good EC, especially if your family needs the money), you should get many offers.</p>
<p>Thanks, and I don't exactly support my family, but we aren't well off either. My real father (I live with a stepfather and my moher), has his own business which is doing alright (not like 7 figures or anything), but he's also s upporting my half brother and stepsister, and my stepfather has three kids of his own as well. I do give my mother money for electricity, I pay for my own cell phone bill, and help her buy food or spot her money incase llik the car breaks down or something.</p>
<p>Also, I'm thining of adding Stanford in place of UCLA.</p>
<p>Firstly, USC does not have EA. They have two different deadlines, one for scholarship consideration and one for everyone else.</p>
<p>I also think you are underestimating yourself - you should be in at each school on your list except Columbia and possibly UCLA, though even there I think you have a good shot.</p>
<p>You should be able to get in all...but I am pretty sure Columbia and NYU are Early Decision...meaning that you can only apply to 1 ED and if accepted you must attend</p>