<p>I've been thinking about colleges for a pretty long time and have been on CC for about two years without an account. Finally decided that halfway through my high school career it's time to make an account and see what my chances really are. I appreciate all feedback! My end goal is to get into the medical field possibly in pediatric anesthesiology.
Class Load: </p>
<p>Freshmen Year-
Advanced English 9
Accelerated Geometry
Physics
Earth/Space
US History II
Band
Spanish 3
Oral Communications
PE</p>
<p>Sophomore-
Advanced English 10
Accelerated Advanced Algebra II
Biology
Chemistry
Global Studies
Health
PE
Spanish 4
Intro to Health and Medical Careers
(My school doesn't have honors or AP until you finish freshmen and sophomore year requirements.)</p>
<p>Intended Course load:
Junior-
AP Biology
AP Lit
AP Psych
American Public Policy
Certified Nursing Assistant
Pre -Calculus </p>
<p>Senior-
AP Lang
AP Chem
AP Physics
Calculus
Honors Philosophy </p>
<p>Current UW GPA- 4.0
Class Rank- 1/310
Practice ACT- 25 </p>
<p>Extra Curriculars:
Started Freshmen Year:
Student Council-Treasurer
Varsity Tennis
Youth Commission</p>
<p>Started Sophomore Year:
Amnesty International
Future Business Leaders of America
Health Occupation Students of America- President
Key Club- (Hours Keeper)
Forensics- Conference Bronze Medalist
Mu Alpha Theta
Link Crew </p>
<p>Additionally I am a volunteer at my local hospital and I've accumulated about 50 hours already and will continue through senior year. This summer I have an 6 week internship at the local medical school and I will also be shadowing a doctor at the children's hospital for about 25 hours. </p>
<p>Race: Black (1st generation Ethiopian)
Income Bracket: 20,000> </p>
<p>CHANCE ME PLEASE FOR:
Johns Hopkins Early Decision
Georgetown
Columbia U
U Penn
UCLA
U of Southern California
U of Houston
U of Chicago
UW- Madison </p>
<p>Thank you! </p>
<p>Would be really helpful if you could label them as Reach, Match, and Safety as well. </p>
<p>OP, I would seriously start to study for the SAT/ACT this summer. Your ACT 25 is low for the highly competitive schools you have on your list. You need to bring this up. Are you taking the PSAT this fall as a junior in high school? All but U of H are reaches until you know what your ACT or SAT score is really. Put more matches/safeties in there.</p>
<p>I didn’t study for the practice the first time just to see where I was at so I’m confident I can increase by a couple of points. Thought my EC’s might do some compensating as well as my GPA ? Surprised all but U of H are reaches. @goingnutsmom</p>
<p>You definitely need to bring your standardized test scores up. I would aim for at least a 30. Your ethnicity helps your chances since most schools are looking for diversity. You have a lot of EC’s so that is impressive! Keep your GPA up. Academic course rigor is important, but it looks like you got that covered. Since most of your schools are reach schools, it is really hard to say whether you get in or not. But you seem really well rounded and colleges are looking for more than just test scores! </p>
<p>OP, I know that is probably not what you wanted to hear. But when you put yourself out there, you have to be open to what the opinions might be. Remember that no one can really tell you if you are in or not, only the school will be able to really give you that feedback. Yes, you are a great candidate in a lot of areas but you have a pool of applicants to compete with that will also have stellar stats. Your list is too top heavy with reaches- diversify it.
Go to the colleges data collection sites and look up the scores of those accepted. Your URM status will give you an extra hook but not if your scores are not up to par. ACT 25 even without studying is very low for competitive schools who will have top URM candidates with top scores too. The good thing is you can focus on this now in the summer before the onslaught of test taking. Your rank is excellent but with a low ACT/SAT score, your school will look like it is plagued with grade inflation or that you are not a good test taker. Neither of which is a bonus for your application. </p>
<p>I appreciate the advice. In reality I understand that the criticism on CC I receive will probably help me more than compliments. Thanks for explaining ‘why’ too that info is really helpful actually! @goingnutsmom</p>
<p>Nope. I’m OOS for Texas, but I’m seriously considering a Texas school because of the potential advantages for admission to medical school. I feel sneaky, but when it comes to becoming a med student you need all the help you can get! @goingnutsmom</p>
<p>@whaletale Thanks for your input! That’s literally my exact ACT goal I had in mind. </p>