What are my chances/What should I aim for??

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Hello everyone, im currently finishing up my Junior year and have tons of question’s about where I stand, and what i should aim for.

I go to very very competitive high school in Bethesda, MD.

UW: 3.28
W: 3.7
SAT:1250
EC’s
5+ clubs in my school
I hold leading roles in 3 of them and started 2 of them.
I’ve played Varsity tennis, won a few awards, and got my varsity letter.
I work with many organizations like Project Turquoise, OMID foundation, etc.
I speak 3 languages, English, Farsi, and Spanish.
I’ve been playing piano for 12 years.
Outside of school I play soccer (for a good team) and Ski every Friday during winter.

Classes
I’m not exactly taking the hardest classes, but im not taking the easiest either.
This year
AP Lang
AP World
Hon Chemistry
Hon Spanish 4
Algebra 2 (easiest class)
Foundations of Technology
Hon Health

I took APGOV my sophomore year and got a 3 on the exam.

Most of my high school classes were honors, except for a few classes. mainly honors.

Im not going to make an excuse for my grades. To be completely honest, im very smart, but im very very lazy. I own up to my flaws, and I wish if I tried just a bit harder my freshman and sophomore year i wouldn’t be so stressed out. My first semester grades for my junior year were
UW 3.56
W: 4.28

im most probably going to be able to pay most of the tuition, so finical aid from the school isn’t a very big deal for me. Im a first generation american, and im a dual citizen, from a ethnic and religious minority.

Im shooting for Penn State, Syracuse, Michigan State, VT, UMD (reach), Auburn, Ohio state, and Umass Amherst.

I’d be much appreciated if anyone with any insight can tell me anything.

Thanks everyone (:

2

Bring that SAT score up 200 points. Seriously. Not saying that SAT’s are indicative of someone’s intelligence, but claiming you are “very smart” and then posting a 1250 doesn’t really back up your claim. The SAT should be something you should excel at, since it is geared towards the status quo, so for you to claim you are very smart and then get a 1250 doesn’t really speak that highly. Also, colleges aren’t gonna be cool with your main excuse being that you are lazy. That will be the first thing that causes them to recycle your application.

3

Obviously im not going to put that in my application. i need to bring my score up, sure, but the schools im applying/looking in to dont need that high of a score.

4

Also, you didn’t even answer my question…

5

I answered the question of “what should I aim for”. Aim for a 1400 if you actually want to be a safe bet for those schools. And listen man, don’t be complaining about the advice you get. Your question is theoretically impossible for anyone but admissions people to answer. Your chances are ok at best. There’s your answer.

6

Hello. Seeing your stats as they are now, here is my prediction of your chances:
Penn State - match
Syracuse - match
Michigan State - low match/safety
VT - low match/safety
UMD - reach
Auburn - high match/low reach
Ohio state - match
Umass Amherst - reach

To improve your chances, like @oakland818 said earlier, I would try to improve your SAT score to at least 1300 or 1350, though as of now, it is already good enough to get into a good amount of the schools you have listed. I do think the fact that you’re first gen will help you, but it is always better to stay on the safe side and continue improving your profile. Try to participate in more extracurricular activities that are related to your specific area of interest. Colleges would rather see a student who excels in one particular area than a student who is mediocre at everything. Good luck!

Please chance me back here: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/20694149#Comment_20694149

7

Thanks @tripledouble2000 for your response. Im actually taking the SAT again tomorrow. Im shooting for above a 1300. Thanks for your insight and help.