Ways to improve odds?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

<p>I know you guys probably get a whole bunch of threads like this on here, but I'm hoping you can help me out (somebody on the main college admissions board told me to check for some help over here).</p>

<p>This is probably a pretty big reach school for me, but I'm currently trying to come up with a list of schools that I'm interested in and want to figure out if I'm just wasting my time. Any opinions? Preferably from somebody with experience. I'm a junior right now at one of the most competitive private schools in my area (Long Island, New York), and I anticipate a 95 three year average (my school does not weigh grades because there is a set curriculum, all of our courses are considered to be on par with college level courses) and class rank between 20 and 25 out of 425.
By the end of my senior year I will have 4 years of Math, 4 years of English, 4 years of Spanish, 4 years of History, 4 years of Science, 4 years of Christian Studies, 4 years Phys. Ed., 2 years of Fine Arts, 1 year of Music History, 1 year of Health.</p>

<p>I haven't taken my SATs yet but I scored a 630 Math, 680 CR, and 680 Writing on the PSAT (96th percentile) and I am aiming for mid to high 1400s on my SAT. I took the Biology M SAT II last year and scored a 690 (lower than I hoped for) and plan on taking two or three more SAT IIs this spring, in addition to a couple of AP tests. I do not take courses designated as "AP" although I did take the exams in Biology and European History last year to demonstrate the rigor of my curriculum and received 4's on both of them. I'll probably take Chemistry and American History this year if I'm not weighed down by SAT prep.</p>

<p>I'm somewhat active in extracurriculars also. I've been involved in my school's Social Studies Club for 3 years now, Catholic League chapter for 3 years (I hope to gain some leadership role next year also), Vice-President of the Economics Club and may be President next year, National Honor Society, Volunteered at freshmen orientation during the summer for about 50 hours, Literary Magazine, and participate in intramural athletics. I've also held down a steady summer job as a caddy at my local country club for 3 years this summer.</p>

<p>Somebody suggested getting involved in some kind of summer program... any specific ones that might help me out?</p>

2

<p>Get higher SAT scores (at least 700 on each section).
Find something you REALLY love doing, and do it with passion. (Some record of success (awards, etc.) will help.)</p>

3

<p>Yeah I'm planning on studying really hard for the SATs first time around, then bringing up my scores over the summer to hit 1500s for round 2. I need to find a way to demonstrate my interests though... I'm not entirely sure how to make myself stand out with my particular interests, but I'll work on it.</p>

4

<p>There is no set formula, and so we can't tell you what activities to persue. What kinds of things do you like to do? Bio? Music? Computers?</p>

<p>Do something you enjoy and do it in a way that you can be recognized in some way (internship, summer program, research, etc) and that will make you interesting in your application.</p>

<p>-Aaron</p>

5

<p>1400? 1500? On the old scale, I'm hoping.</p>