What are my chances for reach schools

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

I am a high school senior and I’m starting my college applications. Here are the schools I’m considering applying to:

Safety: Virginia Tech, UMBC
Match: UMD, Penn State, Clemson
Reach: UMich, UPenn, Hopkins, Cornell, UVA

My info:

GPA: 3.9 UW, 4.3 W
Rank: 43/250 (4.3 is a very good GPA at my school, but my rank is this low because a lot of kids are able to pad their GPA with bs AP weighted classes. The number 1 GPA is like a 4.5)
SAT: 1510 Composite (800 Math, 710 English)
SAT Subject Tests: 800 Math Level 2, 730 Physics, 720 Chem (not too happy with physics and chem, not sure if I want to send them in and I’m considering retaking)
APs: US History 3, English Language 4, Statistics 5, Physics 5
Senior APs: Calc AB & BC, Literature, Chemistry
ECs, etc.: Varsity Lacrosse, NHS, German NHS, Math NHS, Science NHS, Ski Club, Studied Piano for 5 years and earned State Musicianship Diploma, Tested for and earned the Seal of Biliteracy for Russian

Other info:
Ethnicity: white, Russian
Parents are immigrants but I was born in the US

Based on this information, what are my chances for the schools that I listed, specfically the reach schools? I would appreciate any tips or advice on how to make my application stronger.

2

You have a strong GPA and a decent SAT. You’re also taking a strong class-load and although your class rank is a bit low it would be pretty good for your safety and match schools. Your EC’s are also decent and the musicianship diploma and bi-literacy (Russian could be a great essay topic) will also help.Of course the key for your reaches will be in the essays but other than that you have a solid foundation. Good luck!! :slight_smile:

3

Your list is balanced which is good. 1510 is a great score. If you have time to retake the 2 subject tests and think you can get a 750+ then definitely do so, otherwise I don’t really think it will break you. Don’t worry too much about the class rank because your UW GPA is really good. I think you are a shoo-in for PSU, and have a really high chance for UMD (especially if in state). As for your reaches, UMich and UVA are really difficult for OOS as you probably already know. You have a good shot at all of your reaches as long as your essays are up to par. Good luck

4

@kcgirl316 @SwoleSoul thanks for the feedback. I’m really gonna try to make my essays the best they can be