What are my chances for Duke, Notre Dame, Boston College?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

I am a 16 year old female from Montgomery County Public Schools, currently a junior, and my top three choices of universities are in order:

  1. Notre Dame University
  2. Boston College
    3.) Duke Univeristy

I understand I am most likely not competitive enough for an acceptance to Duke, but I believe I might have a real shot at Boston College and and I am completely unsure about my chances regarding Notre Dame. Here are my current stats:

Weighted GPA- 4.62
Unweighted - 3.93
ACT- 34
Rank: unfortunately, my high school does not have a class rank. We do have a top 25, and I have spoken to my counselor who has assured me I will be in this top 25, but the official list does not come out until after application deadlines.

Awards- freshman year- academic excellence award, best physics student award, rising star award (for band class)
sophmore year- academic excellence award, congeniality award(also for music department)
junior year and senior year- still unsure, the awards ceremony is not for several months

AP classes- 9 in total by graduation
freshman year- AP NSL(government) (only AP class offered to freshman)
sophomore year- AP US history (only AP class offered to sophomores)
Junior year- AP physics C mechanics, AP language and composition, AP psychology, AP world history
Senior Year- I plan on taking AP calculus, AP biology, and AP literature and composition

SSL hours- (student service learning hours)- 160

Extra Curriculars- mostly music department centered, unfortunately no athletics
freshman year- art club, compassion crew, class council, marching band, pit orchestra (we rehearse with the theatre department so hell week and all ._.)

sophomore year- marching band, pit orchestra, art club
junior year- marching band, pit orchestra
senior year- planning on marching band and pit orchestra

leadership positions- section leader for the high woodwinds in the marching band junior year
I plan on auditioning for Drum Major my senior year, I cannot garuntee that I have earned this position but I have spoken with this past season’s drum major and he believes that I will most likely earn the position this upcoming June.

Instruments I play- I am fairly competent on violin, cello, and viola, however my strongest playing ability is with flute and piccolo.

What are my chances of getting into these 3 univerisites previously mentioned? Please tell me the honest truth, no matter how bitter it may be. I have heard that this year is the largest applicant pool ever, and I would by lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.

Also, is there any way in the next semester or two that I could improve my chances of receiving an acceptance to these colleges? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Again, thank you very much for your time. any input is welcomed :slight_smile:

2

I also forgot to mention this but I am in my schools chapter of National Honors Society if that helps any

3

I think (not 100% sure) for the awards portion of your application, colleges aren’t looking for honor roll/school awards, more like competitions outside of school that you’ve won, regionally or state-level/nationally :slight_smile:

4

You sound like a great girl (strings AND wind!) Where is Montgomery County? All 3 schools probably have big marching bands so that would be something to highlight in your applications. As a Jesuit university BC looks for a commitment to service, so think how you will present that aspect in your application (my D1 is there.) You have taken some very interesting classes that aren’t offered at our local high school. What are you interested in studying? Given that you don’t have a “hook” you need to show how you are an excellent fit academically. Spend time to comb through departmental websites for each school to find unique programs/course of study perfect for your profile. You need to add to your list safeties. And please make sure your parents are comfortable with your selections!

5

Hey! Im from mcps too!
Your stats are plenty fine-you’re at least on the mid-low end for these schools. Your gpa and act score is great!
Are you planning to retake the ACT? If you have time, I’d give it another shot if you think you can get a 35 or 36 just to give yourself another push. If not, I wouldn’t worry about it.
At this point, I think you’re best shot to making your application look better would to maintain your A’s, get high scores on your AP exams, and either find and internship or volunteer activity over the summer. It looks like the majority of your extracurriculars are at school-maybe you could volunteer at a museum if you’re interested in art or find an internship doing something you like.

Have hope!! You have a good shot if you can ace your essays :slight_smile:
I’d be more worried about how I would pay for these schools if I were to get in, so start thinking about costs and scholarships!