SFS Chances? :)

Hi! So I’m a junior right now (class of 2018) but I’ve been visiting various colleges on breaks from school lately and wanted to get a feel for where I stand in terms of the admissions process at Georgetown, which is by far my first choice (though probably a reach). I would be a SFS Applicant, wanting to major in Culture and Politics. Georgetown is literally my dream because of my huge interest in politics and the great dance/ballet opportunities available in D.C.

Ok so now my stats:

ACT - 35 Composite, 34 Math, 34 English, 35 Reading, 36 Science

SAT II (subject, score): 670 Chemistry (terrible, I know…), taking US History and Math II in June

GPA: 91.72/100 (weighted I think? this is the only number my school provides)

Rank (percentile if rank is unavailable): unavailable

AP (place score in parentheses): World History 5, taking US History and English Language APs this year

Current Course Load: AP English Language, Spanish IV, Advanced PreCal, Physics I, AP US History

Probable Senior Course Load: AP Spanish, Honors English IV, AP Environmental Science, AP Calc AB, (some combination of the following history electives) AP Gov, Modern Middle East, Economics, Religions and Politics in America, Issues of Justice and Equity in the 21st century

ECs -
I dance at one of the best ballet schools in the USA in one of the highest levels (20 hrs/week); this is what I spend a ton of my time doing and is the main reason my GPA is not higher
Dance in highest ensemble level at school (5 hrs/week during school day)
Attended summer dance/ballet programs at top dance companies in various cities in USA
Choreographed dance pieces for student choreography showcase through my school
Interned on campaign for state representative- managed financial spreadsheets, worked at fundraisers, led teams of volunteers in making calls/block walking, etc. (45 hrs/week during summer, 5-6 hrs/week during school year)
Founded community service initiative providing feminine products to homeless women in my city; I manage financial aspects and lead teams of volunteers and advertising
Member of Junior Statesmen of America club at my school, possibly vice-president of club senior year; only girl from my school to attend Fall State Conference in my state
Member of the feminist club at my school, possibly/likely leader of club senior year
Member of Young Dems Club, possibly/likely leader of club senior year
MIT Launch Team— developing initiative to get girls involved in STEM starting in elementary/middle school
Volunteer on Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign making calls
Attended Model UN Conference in my city, will attend again senior year/also attend conference at Georgetown University
Volunteer every summer tutoring refugee children in English/math through a 2-week camp at my school
Assistant Sunday School teacher

Member of National Charity League, 300+ volunteer hours through organization

Awards-
Scholastic Writing Awards Silver Key
High Honors throughout high school
President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award
Will either be commended for PSAT or National Merit Semifinalist depending on curve
(Probably will be AP Scholar)

Race: White
Gender: Female
Income Bracket: $200k+

Also forgot to mention that I lived in the middle east for 3 years when I was in elementary school . Even though that was a while ago, the experience really shaped my worldview today. I credit my living abroad and experiencing a plethora of different cultures that most Americans do not have exposure to as what piqued my interest in international studies and my passion for activism. Also could be a good potential essay topic… lol

(Shameless) bump

I don’t see any real weakness with your profile, aside from your GPA being just a tiny bit on the low side. I think you’ve got a great chance at Georgetown, just make sure you keep your GPA up through junior year and the first semester of senior year.

As someone who was admitted to SFS this year- and in fact will be headed to the big G in a matter of days- but knows plenty of insanely qualified people who were rejected, I can tell you it’s generally a crapshoot for even the best. Generally the absolute top kids- international champions and the like, can get in anywhere they want, but even for them at a place like the SFS it’s pretty much a crapshoot. I know a kid who applied to the SFS as his first choice along with Harvard and Yale and a state school as a safety. He was one of those kids who everyone kind of just knew would go places and we were all very confident he’d end up going wherever he wanted- well he ended up getting into HY but waitlisted at the SFS, then put on the extended waitlist and eventually rejected. Very painful for him but I’m sure he’s doing find at Harvard (lol). Anyway, the point is it’s a guarantee for no one so nobody on here can really say for sure- and this goes for any tip top school, because they wouldn’t be tip top if admission came easily. Georgetown is already an extremely difficult school to gain admission to, but the SFS is truly insane.

With that being said, you seem like one of those kids who has a very good shot anywhere. Extracurriculars are especially impressive- will likely turn some heads. Especially if you can get that GPA as high as possible, kill the other two subject tests, and your soft factors- interview, recs, essay- go over well, I could really see you getting in. I believe you’d fit in very well based on what you’ve shown us.

No one can make any calls without seeing your soft factors, but I’d say you have a very good shot if you keep it up. Not sure where else you’re applying but might be a good idea to also throw your app to some other top schools with good international relations programs to have them in your back pocket in case Gtown doesn’t work out.

Also, don’t stress about the 670. Interestingly enough, I got a 680 in chem so basicallly the same- but for me it was completely irrelevant to my interests, as well as balanced out by two other scores that were much better. Subject tests might be the smallest individual component of an application for a top school- they’re mostly just to make sure you’re willing to jump through that hoop for them (esp at Gtown, because they ask for three) and then beyond that just as long as the score is GOOD ENOUGH to not be an issue, you’re fine. As long as you actually take them and none of your scores are embarrassingly low, it probably won’t hurt you. With that being said though, definitely try to kill the history one, just because it’s relevant to your interest.

Also, if you have any questions at all just PM me. Georgetown was my dream as well, and getting admitted was the best thing that ever happened to me. But I’d love to help you in any way I can, so absolutely ask any questions you have!