<p>I listed my info categorically so hopefully it's easier to digest, but here are my top school choices and my resume. I'll add anything else you guys ask for. Just wondering what you think my chances are of getting in.</p>
<p>Perspective Schools (order of preference):
Columbia, Vanderbilt, Yale, University of Chicago (in state), Washington University, Duke (my sister did her undergrad there).</p>
<p>Demographics:
White, male, US natural born citizen, Live in Illinois, was upper middle class but my dad lost his job over the summer so . . . lower class now?</p>
<p>Academics:
Class of 2013, 5.3/5 GPA, Class rank 13/654, 2200 SAT first try, Math/Reading/Writing was 790/690/720, SAT II tests Math 2/Physics/US History 800/720/700. 6 semesters on highest honor roll planning to make all 8. 4 AP courses Freshman to Junior year 3 5's and a 4.</p>
<p>Extra Curriculars:
Right now I'm a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, working on my finalist application, Eagle Scout, three years high school football and wrestling (catastrophic knee injury ended sports career) with 6 academic all conference awards, senior year in youth and government and math team, thinking about doing speech team too. I've held three part time jobs at different times throughout high school.</p>
<p>First of all, it’s “PROspective” schools, not “perspective”–only two of which are in the Ivy League (not that it matters). And there is no “in-state” for University of Chicago. It is a private institution. Also, I don’t think your dad’s recent job loss makes you “lower class.” They will look at your financial need in a holistic way, including your family’s assets and savings–which presumably you have.</p>
<p>You have strong credentials, but so does everyone else applying to the schools you are. So I would say your odds are about the same as the overall odds at each of them. If I were you I would start expanding your list to other schools that are not as super-competitive but that you might like. Also, if you are concerned about paying for college due to your new circumstances, look at schools that offer significant merit aid.</p>
<p>Sorry for the spelling error. I’m aware not all of the schools are ivy league, but I figured that title would catch a little more attention and I might as well throw in the other schools I’m looking at while people are reading it to offer their advice. Most of my family’s assets and savings may have been seized for reasons I’m not comfortable discussing online, but wouldn’t be relevant to my college application. Just consider my financial need pretty high. I do have other fall back schools too, but these are the ones I’m worried about acceptance for.</p>
<p>My opinion, your test scores are great! But, where’s the passion in anything (ECs)?</p>
<p>Most are need blind so unless you mention it in your essay they won’t have any idea about your dad’s or your own monetary situation - only the financial aid office, (Good luck to your dad in the job hunt btw it’s definitely tough). How did you have a 5.3/5 GPA? Doesn’t make any sense? Congrats in advance on your acceptance to most, if not all, of those schools if your essays are solid and give some sense of academic and personal drive - and your GPA is all A’s and not a typo that was supposed to say 3.3/5 or something like that. You’re about what all of them look for.</p>
<p>Thanks guys. The 5.3 is weighted. without weight its like a 4.7/5</p>