<p>Hi.
I am getting ready to start the all important application period, can I get some much needed advice? Should I even bother applying to HYS?
I was wondering if anyone would mind giving their advice as to my chances at the following Colleges;</p>
<p>Yale University
Harvard College
University of California, Davis
Chapman University
Texas Christian University
Westmont College
Point Loma Nazarene University
Stanford University
University of Evansville
Arizona State University - Barrett, The Honors College
Pepperdine University
Southern Methodist University </p>
<p>GPA 4.8 W 4.0 UW
I am ranked #1. Class of 140
My Sat's 1870 (Re-taking in October) Also, Taking ACT in Sept.
First Generation College Student</p>
<p>International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Diploma
2008 Harvard University Prize Book Winner
California Scholarship Federation Member
Key Club Member - Officer
Peer Mediator - High School and Middle School
Peer Tutoring - High School 4 Years
Summer 2008 - UCSD Creative Writing Project
Summer 2007 - Brown University, Human Rights
Summer 2006 - Cambridge University, English Literature-major Creative Writing-minor</p>
<p>It's hard to say, honestly. Of course you should apply if money isn't an issue, but if it is and the application fees might cause problems, than I would say that your test scores and limited ECs mean you probably don't have a great chance. But nobody really does, and you do have some pretty impressive summer programs. I would say go for it, but be prepared for rejections--as everybody should be, really.</p>
<p>It's short, not a long list of junk which is good but you need to bump those SAT's of yours. Maybe a couple hours of volunteering wouldn't hurt. Or a club you that you're really interested in.</p>
<p>If you want the harsh answer: It's unlikely you would be accepted by Harvard and Yale right now.</p>
<p>Grades and Rank: Excellent. But you haven't told us your course load. Do you take tons of APs? Or take easy classes?</p>
<p>SAT: Much too low to be considered right now. If you want to apply, this is the FIRST thing you need to improve.</p>
<p>ECs: Most of them seem to be those done during the summer. Did those programs last the entire summer, or only a few weeks? </p>
<p>Basically, you're not going to stand up to the vast majority of Harvard/Yale applicants who have 2200+ SAT scores, tough course loads, and outstanding ECs/awards.</p>
<p>I'm not saying you won't get into a very good college, but I think you are better off spending more attention on some slightly less selective schools :)</p>
<p>I am a Full IB student. I have had straight A's in all honors classes since 9th grade. All my classes are IB, they have been for the last 2 years. I have not had even 1 "B' in high school. I have taken the most rigorious classes my high school offers-the full IB diploma. I am taking an SAT class now in hopes of improving that score. My summer EC's were 1 month or longer. I also tutor at school for 2-3 hours a week since 9th grade. Thanks for everyone's advice. I really do appreciate it! :o)~</p>
<p>I think if you can distinguish yourself from the typically lifeless valedictorians that apply to HYS. and make yourself seem unique, it can really help you. That combined with your class rank and first generation status will atleast give you a shot at ivies. You have all the goods to make it into slightly less competitive schools. Do whatever makes you happy. But you've done pretty well for yourself so far.</p>
<p>Kmitch, of course you should apply to whatever colleges that interest you. You just never know if you do not apply. In particular, you have done a great job in having a varied list of schools, so you will not be left high and dry. I suggest applying EA or rolling to some schools, if possible so that you can eliminate some from your list if accepted early, and then you can go all out for your reaches. </p>
<p>Your SATs are low right now and to have a reasonable chance without some hook a college really wants, you will have to bring them up. I think you know that. </p>
<p>Some creative writing schools that are good: Goucher, Beloit, Johns Hopkins, Bard.</p>
<p>kmitch09, thanks! I love what you said about not living with regrets; I completely agree.</p>
<p>Wow! The programs you did at different college campuses over the summers is awesome! Unfortunately, programs like those don't really give a huge boost. Your rank is awesome (of course!), and I would suggest bumping up your SAT score to really get a competitive edge in the application pool. Also, being a first generation college student is a good hook.</p>
<p>In my opinion:</p>
<p>Yale University- Reach
Harvard College- Reach, of course (ivy's are so unpredictable)
University of California, Davis- Match
Chapman University- Don't know...
Texas Christian University- Don't know much
Westmont College- Same as above
Point Loma Nazarene University- Same as above
Stanford University- reach
University of Evansville- Match
Arizona State University - Barrett, The Honors College- Match/Slight reach
Pepperdine University- Match
Southern Methodist University- match</p>
<p>I hope I've helped, at least somewhat! And remember, don't live with regrets! Regardless of what people say here on CC, you never know what life might surprise you with.</p>