What are my chances of getting into an Ivy League school?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Demographics: White, female

Intended Major: Biology

Cumulative GPA: 4.5

Class Rank: 5

SAT Score: 2000 (CR: 680, Math: 660, Writing: 660)

ACT Score: 34 (English: 35, Math: 33, Reading: 35, Science: 31, Writing/English: 32)

SAT Subjects: Math II (660) and Biology M (640)

AP Classes: US History, World History, Biology, Calculus AB

Extracurricular: Debate Team (president), Drama Club (president), NHS, Earth Club, Orchestra, Key Club

Community Service: Church Volunteering

Work Experience: None

2

Pretty low. You don’t have the test scores for it, unless you retake the SATs and get 2150+, and get 750+ in your subject tests

Your ECs are all “clubs”, which most American students have. What makes you special?

Colleges aren’t going to look for reasons to reject you, they won’t pinpoint your mistakes. They’d just like to see why they should accept you and what you will offer.

3

I may sound a bit blunt or harsh, but this is what I think.

  1. Many students are going to want to be in the biology and psychology major since they are some of the most popular majors, so it might be harder to get in.
  2. I don't think class rank is that important (although 5 is very impressive), and it all depends on your class size. For example, 5/100 compared to 5/500.
  3. Your sat score is a bit on the low end for ivy leagues as well as your subj tests. I think that submitting them (subj) will do more harm than good (not too sure though). However, your ACT is awesome.
  4. Take AP classes shows that you're challenging yourself which is a plus, but what are your scores? I know many top schools don't even take 4 or 5 since they want people to take their classes. :/ Also, I've recently been to a college preparation class and apparently they like students taking AP Lang since it prepares them for college reading and such. Although AP scores doesn't count in the admissions process, high scores show that you're prepared for more rigorous coursework.

Some suggestions: Make sure to check what the colleges ask for since some require sat subj tests and stuff. I don’t know how much time you have left, but I recommend applying for a job or a summer program. Remember that there are many applicants that have the same or better scores than you (not trying to sound rude), so make sure your essay and your recs are strong! Also, just because they are ivies doesn’t me that you will like the feel, campus, etc. I recommend going on Niche.com to do some research.

Finally, make sure you apply to schools that will fit you and you will get into. If you don’t get into whatever ivy school, don’t be discouraged since many qualified applicants are also rejected. Rankings do not determine the quality of education! (sorry for all the ranting lol)

4

@mhg749

My AP Scores for World, Bio, and Calc were not released yet, but my APUSH exam score was a 5.

I am ranked 5th out of approximately 530 students

I know in some schools I’ll have to send both (Penn, for example, specifically states this), but if it is not specifically stated on the college’s website, can I only send my ACT score instead of my SAT score?

I’m also planning on retaking my subject tests, if I score in the 700s on my second try, will my chances increase?

5

Honestly, Ivy League is a crap shoot even if you’re a perfect candidate. You have just as much of a chance as anybody else because you’re scores are in line with their averages and decent EC’s.

6

Extracurriculars are too mediocre for Ivies. Your stats are fine. you have a shot at Cornell but that’s about it, the ‘better’ Ivies will be near impossible to get into

7

If you don’t submit your SAT, based on your ACT and GPA you are a fairly “typical” applicant for a top school.
Your EC’s are unexceptional at best, and that’s what usually distinguishes one applicant from another for competative schools. I’d have to say your chances are not very good.

8

Depends on the college, but I believe you can choose either. Some say you have to send all scores, but they only look at the highest out of each section. And I have to agree with the other answers– everything’s pretty average and you’re not really going to stand out. You might have a chance at Cornell though. As @TheTactition stated, I think only if your subj tests are above a 750 (and many of the applicants will be).

My scores are similar to yours (sat 2090, act 34), and the only Ivy I’m applying to is Cornell since I’d rather be at the top/middle of my class than at the bottom if I do go to a top school… Are you going to take the act and sat again?

9

@mhg749 I’m definitely planning on taking the SAT subject tests again in October. If I do well enough on them (above 750), then I will retake the SAT, but I don’t intend on taking the ACT a second time because I figure it would be difficult to get a 35 or a 36, and it would be more likely that my score will go down.

Since I am heavily involved with theatre, I’m also planning on submitting art supplements to my colleges that will accept it. I also plan on including academic awards that I have received that I haven’t included on this list (things like honor roll, and this thing my school does where individual students are recognized for exceptional achievement in a certain subject area). I also plan on including my participation in gifted seminar programs (which will be included on my transcript), all to help me stand out more. Will that help make me stand out?

I was thinking about including charity work that I have done somewhere on my college apps. In middle school, I started a small business (the profits of which went to charity of our choosing) with a friend for a school project, and the charity we selected was a microfinance charity that lends small amounts of money to struggling entrepreneurs in developing nations. Although the project ended four years ago, I have kept up with the charity, ensuring that the profits of our small business continue to be donated to individuals and groups in developing countries that are starting small businesses. I’m not sure if that would do anything to help me stand out, do you think it will?

10

your scores are a little on the lower side and not much really stands out per se.

chance me at http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1790305-chance-me-for-top-schools.html#latest

11

Including art supp. will be helpful if they are strong/unique. They might be hurt your app a little if it’s average/what anyone can do. Again, including awards will help, but many other applicants for top schools will also have them (I would include them though).

Maybe attach a resume where you can more clearly state your accomplishments such as your charity work. Although you did it in middle school, if it’s significant/unique, include it. Ivy leagues are very unpredictable, but you seem like a good match for schools such as NYU, Georgetown, BU, etc.

12

RE the Ivies:
They like students with
near perfect scores,
and who are great athletes,
who have received national or international attention
who have “given” thousands of hours to a cause.

My son goes to a school where all of the students received high SAT’s, ACT’s and GPA’s. The level at which the classes speed through coursework is an expected outcome. Your English scores helped your ACT, but the ivies require you to be proficient in all subjects just to keep up with the classes.

(Personally, the need for students to be admitted to the ivies really puzzles me. The education at these schools gives you a piece of paper in four years that is similar to other great universities in this country. My husband went to Stanford and received a great education, but his boss went to Cal State Long Beach )