Should I even bother?

<p>Hey, I'm having trouble deciding on what schools I should apply at. I have a long list, with a wide variety of schools. I decided I'd not apply at more than 12, preferably with 4 easy, 4 medium, and 4 hard. This is what has been suggested to me anyway...</p>

<p>But anyway, I am a bit frustrated.</p>

<p>Could you all please suggest some schools for me to apply to and tell me my chances at some of the schools I already have in mind?</p>

<p>Here are my stats:</p>

<p>School: REALLY LOW QUALITY small public school in Western Massachusetts.
Gender: Male
Sexuality: Gay (although not out to parents) << could this help/hurt me anywhere?</p>

<p>GPA(Weighed): 3.7 (on 4 point scale)
Rank: Somewhere between 3rd and 5th. My school DOES rank, I'm just not sure as to my most recent rank.</p>

<p>I took 4 years of all classes including Spanish. I took all honors/AP's except one year of English was CP. I also took an additional year of science (not a lab science - was an elective) and am ahead one year in math. I took a few one semester extra classes. I also took a college course this summer in computers. </p>

<p>SAT's: (I hope to take them again, I will try to hit 1900 total)</p>

<p>Math: 570
CR: 640
Writing: 580 </p>

<p>Total: 1790</p>

<p>Have not yet taken SAT II's, but will (in US history and math?) in November...</p>

<p>AP's:</p>

<p>My school only offered one in Junior year. I took it, AP US History. I got the only 5 out of a class of 9 on the AP Test. No one else even got a 4. Just bragging lol... not like that helps me any...</p>

<p>Next year I'm taking AP British Literature, AP Calculus and AP European History. Only 5 AP's are offered Senior year, I'm not taking Biology or Psychology.</p>

<p>Extra Curriculars:
Yearbook (4 years) ("Sales" Editor, 2 years... probably lay-out or photo editor for 1 year)
Debate (1 year)
LEO (Volunteer) Club - 4 years
21st Century Program (helps poor, special needs elementary children) (1 year)
National Honors Society (2 years)
Prom Committee (1 year)
Graduation Committee (1 year)
Student Council (2 years)
Quiz Team (kinda like Jeopardy... its fun lol) (3 years)</p>

<p>Volunteering:
Worked for local Church
Worked for Little LEague Concession
Worked for Agricultural Fair
Relay for Life
Patrolled Local Bike Trail
Leo Club
21st Century Program</p>

<p>**I received the Lions Club GOLD Award for over 140 hours of volunteer work in just one year..</p>

<p>Awards/Achievement:
Clarkson University Book Award
Lions Club GOLD Award
On High Honors List every semester
National Society of High School Scholars
Who's Who
National Honors Society</p>

<p>** Quick note on my school.... It really sucks... The valedictorian usually gets rejected from Amherst, Dartmouth, Brown, etc. etc. The current valedictorian only got a 2010 on the SAT and that's the highest of anyone. Usually, however, people get into decent schools... In the past Williams (its like 10-15 minutes from my hometown) accepts 2 students from my school each year. Brandeis, Bowdoin, Middlebury and Cornell have accepted a student or two since I've been here.</p>

<p>Ok, so here's a list of schools I'm considering... could you tell me my chances and/or suggest some other decent schools I could possibly get into. I am gay, so it is a priority for me that they be gay-friendly schools.</p>

<p>List:
American International College
Suffolk University
Wells College
UMASS Dartmouth</p>

<p>Marlboro College
Sarah Lawrence College
Stonehill College
Wheaton College (MA)</p>

<p>Here's the strechies:
Bard College
Brandies University
Wesleyan University
Williams College </p>

<p>Someone also suggested Rice University... I don't know why though.</p>

<p>But anyway, any help would be much appreciated. Don't worry about hurting my feelings or anything... I pretty much understand my chances are limited at a lot of schools... even some of my middles??</p>

<ol>
<li>homosexuality is inconsequential</li>
<li>take the ACT</li>
<li>clear this up: the 2010 is the highest SAT score ever? because if you mean "highest in the history of the school," then it looks like a 1790 really won't look that bad...because Williams and Middlebury have accepted students from your school in the past.</li>
</ol>

<p>DUDE...RAISE SAT...i mean...u have good ecs and stuff...but RAISE SAT...and write ur essay about ur gayness and how it has affected YOU...otherwise you don't have a chance at rice...</p>

<p>i am not trying to offend you...just trying to help...so don't feel bad :). cuz ppl also gave me some really degrading advice</p>

<p>No, not the highest in the HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL... at least that I'm aware of... I meant that the person who got the 2010 is currently the highest in my class only. I'm not aware of how well other people have done in the past.</p>

<p>oh i see...then definitely raise test scores, either by trying the ACT or by prepping for the SAT</p>

<p>Is the ACT easier/harder... what is the general feeling on this?</p>

<p>Suggested Schools would also be helpful... </p>

<p>I also have work experience... starting this summer at a local Sears... I forgot to mention this, although I don't believe it's that important.</p>