What are my chances at these schools?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hi. I am currently an upcoming senior in high school going into my first semester in August; I am still working towards better grades and test scores, and I have not yet applied for any colleges. However, I have toured over 10 colleges and I have multiple universities that I am interested in.

As the college application process is nearing closer for me, I am thinking about applying to these colleges as a double major in Classical Studies and Biology on a pre-medical track (keep in mind that I live in the state of Florida):

Florida State University, University of Florida, University of Central Florida (mainly as a safety), Emory University, Wake Forest University, Duke University

As it stands currently, my stats are as follows:

SAT (breakdown): 690R, 660M = 1350 total (I do plan on retaking the SAT once more to bring up those scores, and I am also taking an SAT prep course this summer)
ACT: 27 (I also plan on retaking this one more time)
Weighted GPA: 4.1

IB Diploma Candidate (taking HL English Lit A, Latin, History, and Theatre as well as SL Math and Biology)

Extracurriculars (place leadership in parentheses):
Theatre National Honors Society (Treasurer)
Drama Club
Latin National Honor Society (President)
Latin Club/NJCL
Varsity Water Polo

Job/Work Experience: Mcdonalds for 8 months, currently employed at Tazikis Mediterranean Cafe

Volunteer/Community Service:
Volunteering at a local Elementary school helping children learn English/Math, Volunteering at a local hospital through a summer community service program

Recommendations: Have not been written as of current, but I do know of multiple teachers/counselors who have said they will write me a strong letter of rec

Race: White/Caucasian
Sex: Male
Economic Status: Middle class

As everything stands, what would my chances be of getting into the schools I mentioned I had an interest in? I am well aware that I still have a ways to go as far as test scores and GPA go, but what else could I do in the second half of my junior year/beginning of my senior year to strengthen my application and my overall chances? I am very much looking forward to college, and I want to have as many options as possible when it comes to my college choices. Thank you so much!

2

Emory University, Wake Forest University, Duke University: Extreme reaches, unless you’re an athlete.

3

First, I love the “Classics + Bio” double-major scheme. Hopefully, you can use your application essay to spin an engaging narrative about how you’ve arrived at this proposed combination. If you do it well, this narrative can serve to set you apart from other applicants who have similar stats but who plan on a more conventional approach to pre-med studies. This narrative “hook” (I use the term loosely here) would be particularly important at your reach schools.

I agree with the above poster that Wake Forest, Emory, and Duke are big reaches at this point. However, a substantial boost in you SAT scores could put Wake Forest and possibly even Emory in play for you. Work hard at prepping for the test!

I would think your chances are good at the in-state schools, with UF being the most difficult of the bunch. Again, raising your SAT will help. Unless you really hate the place, you might as well apply to USF while you’re at it. You can’t have too many safeties.

4

Is the 4.1 recalculated for Florida state university system schools? Only including academic classes and giving a one point boost for AP and .5 for honors? That’s a big factor.

Your test score and a 4.1 recalculated are solid for FSU but the other schools are reaches.

Florida schools won’t look at your senior year grades, so your GPA is what it is.

I agree with @MrSamford2014, have some other safeties lined up. USF, UCF, UNF.

Good luck.