Hello, I’ve done countless hours of research related to colleges, and I’ve come to a conclusion: Stanford University is my dream school. However, I’ve become afraid that I’m lacking in standardized test scores, grades, etc. I’m a junior in small, rural high school in TN, and my accomplishments are as follows:
GPA: 3.9 (unweighted); 4.2 (weighted)
ACT Score: 30 Composite (4th attempt)
SAT I Superscore: 2070 (3rd attempt)
PSAT Score: 195 (not sure if that matters)
AP Scores: 5 - Human Geography/4 - European History
Officer position in my NJROTC unit, TN State Champions and National contenders
Treasurer in local Key Club
Member of school Beta Club, Student Council, Principal’s Council, and Scholar’s Bowl
Attended TN Governor’s School for Emerging Technologies
Attended a national seminar in Valley Forge, PA hosted by the AMVETS
Approximately 165 hours of community service
Employed at the Tennessee Valley Authority, where I work on computer-aided drafts (app. 8 hours/week)
Several minor school awards, especially in academia and NJROTC
I’m not sure if this list is impressive enough to amount to a future Stanford undergraduate. If I did apply for Stanford, I’d apply for the early decision option, to maximize my chance, even if by a small amount. I’ve noticed how little AP courses I’ve taken the tests in; however, this is actually the maximum amount I’ve been allowed to take up to this point. I’m currently enrolled in AP US History and English Language and Composition, where I’m hoping for 5’s in both. I’ve also taken mostly honors courses but only at my school’s level. Next year, I’m going to take AP Psychology, Calculus AB, and hopefully English Literature and Composition (if enough people sign up for it). Additionally, I’ve been thinking about taking the SAT II in Math Level I or Math Level II, US History, and Chemistry. Lastly, I may be going for officer positions in Student Council and Beta Club next year, and I’m hoping to attend STEM-related seminars this summer.
I just want to know my chances. My high school seems to be a haven for academic mediocrity and learning for the sake of a good GPA, not learning for the sake of learning. Honestly, almost everyone I know or has gone here, in a best case scenario, ends up going to UTK. I’m not saying I dislike that school, but I’m hoping that I can do something outside of the status quo. Stanford appears to be the ultimate dream. Also, any additional feedback on my chances of getting into the University of Michigan, University of Texas-Austin, University of California-Berkeley, and Vanderbilt would be awesome.