Unsure about top schools....chances?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I'm a rising Junior and I'm thinking about applying to some really selective schools. They include (though the list could change): Harvard, Yale, Princeton, UPenn, UChicago, and Wash. U. I'm not sure if it's even worth applying to so many if my chances of getting in aren't very good. Could you help me out?</p>

<p>Academics:
- Weighted GPA of 4.71 (I know it's below 5.00, but I think it's one of the top three in my class)
- ACT composite of 35, SAT of 2290, SAT II Math 2 of 800, SAT II Physics of 780
- Not been announced yet, but probably a National Merit Finalist (PSAT of 229)
- Already taken AP Calc BC, AP Stats, AP European History, APUSH, and AP Physics B - got 5s on all of them
- Will take AP Bio, AP Chem, AP Lit, AP Lang, and AP Econ next year
- Other classes highest levels possible and all As</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
- Lots and lots of dance: Irish-7 years, Ballet-4 years, Tap-4 years, Modern-3 years, Jazz-1 year
- I've subbed for other dance teachers in the past
- I'll be teaching Irish dance this year
- Cast as lead or ensemble in around 5 shows at my school
- Participated in stage crew for my school's theater department
- Various leadership positions in one youth group (up to VP) and other board positions in a second group (now President)
- Ran the children's program at my synagogue for 2 years
- Volunteered to lead services at my synagogue for 4 years
- Volunteered at two children's centers for 2 years (one closes during the summer)
- Model UN member</p>

<p>Awards/honors:
- Member and current secretary of National Honor Society
- Member of Thespian Honor Society
- Received school's Merit Award every year
- Only student at my school to advance in the American Mathematics Contest to the AIME (don't know what it stands for)
- Placed well in Irish dance competitions locally, regionally, and nationally (best was 7th in Midwest)</p>

<p>In my essays, I'm trying to emphasize that I'm an orthodox Jew that goes to public high school and dances. Even more uniquely, I'm a boy! Is this a good direction? Does it make me stand out? Also, what do you think my chances are of getting into any of these selective school? Thank you so much!</p>

2

<p>You have a shot at all of these places but try to limit that list of reaches. When you apply to too many reaches, it gets hard to handle and the essay quality might suffer. And oh yeah a boy dancing definitely stands out. First, ask yourself this, do you want to go to all these schools? Look past prestige and into student life and everything else. Try to cut about 2 of those schools. Back on to topic, it’s very hard to chance for top schools but all you can say is either, you have a shot or you don’t have a shot. You have a shot at all of these :smiley: </p>

3

<p>I think you definitely have a shot. Great test scores/GPA and nice ECs with leadership. Great job so far!</p>

<p>Chance me back? <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1653050-generally-where-do-i-stand.html#latest”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1653050-generally-where-do-i-stand.html#latest&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;