<p>I'm from NJ and a junior in a very good public school. My GPA is about a 94 and i am currently in AP Chemistry and plan on taking one or two more next year along with organic chem. I am in Chemistry Olympics (a club that competitively competes in Chemistry events) and I am an EMT in my town and volunteer 6+ hours a week. I used to volunteer at a nursing home for about 6+ hours a week as well for a couple of months. I plan on getting a good college recommendation from a teacher is known in our school for writing good ones. My SATs are expected to be around a 1950 or so. I plan on attending UNC for Chemistry or biochemistry.</p>
<p>What do you think the chances are of my getting into UNC?</p>
<p>With your current information, I’m sorry but there’s not a great chance. GPA is fine, but you’re going to need SAT scores of at least 2000+, the higher the better. The volunteering is good, but they’re going to look for more extracurriculars. And for your senior year, you need to take the most rigorous classes you can. It’s pretty tough OOS. From everybody’s OOS accepted/rejected posts and their stats that I’ve seen, it’s definitely not all numbers. You have to be very well rounded, and I’m guessing that essays make a huge difference. I’ve seen students with great scores and ECs not get in, and I’ve seen students with slightly lower (but still high) scores and not as many ECs get in. So definitely make sure your recommendations and essays are superb.</p>
<p>I think you have a chance! I just got into UNC-CH from out of state and didn’t have anything particularly impressive, especially as far as ECs. Your volunteering as an EMT is pretty unique and I think it will count more than a bunch of little ECs that you aren’t as devoted to. As far as SAT, I think those estimates tend to be low, plus you can always retake it and improve. Good essays and a rec letter would definitely help though! Good Luck and don’t give up! :)</p>
<p>I truly believe that you have a chance but hopefully can improve your SAT. My S was accepted yesterday (yeah) with average ECs and I believe his essays and teacher recommendation counted a lot. Hopefully your essay and recommendations will be stellar. Good luck to you.</p>
<p>My son was accepted last night as OOS with Math 620, Reading 610, 650 Writing and a 4.3 GPA Cume in Top 10% of his class. Loads of APs, ECs, NHS, etc. but we were quite surprised by his admission. He’s elated and will the offer. </p>
<p>I’d say your essays would be a major swing point for you. Work really hard on them.</p>
<p>Edit: Very strong recommendation letters are essential, your recommenders cannot “mail one in.”</p>
<p>I have to agree with jessimo’s concerns. It would probably be a good idea to think of a “hook” for your application- something that you’re proud of that they might not see very often. The EMT thing might be a good idea if it’s closely related to your intended profession. I used both of my essays to mention things that I thought made me stand out and were also very important to me.
However, the rigor of your classes is going to be crucial. They’re looking for people who tried to take as many top-level classes at their high schools as possible- and did very well.
Good luck!!</p>