What are my chances?

Hello! Palestinian here about to enter his last year of high school. UCF has been my dream school since 9th grade and I wanted to know what my chances are.

My GPA is 3.5. (Math is the only grade that isn’t an A or B)

My SAT is 1040 but I plan on retaking it in December and aiming for a 1200-1300.

Will write the personal essay and get recommendation letters.

My extracurriculars include MUN, being a leader at a summer camp, some random conferences I went to discussing the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and (eventually anyway) working at a theatre.

What are my chances? Is my GPA good? Much appreciated! (I’m applying to the fall term)

(how is applying through the common app? Is it better?)

Is the GPA weighed or unweighted? If it’s unweighted, and your weighted is a 4.0, then you’re good. The SAT is a bit low, so try to get at least a 1200. 1100+ minimum. If you write a great personal essay explaining your commitment to the program, you should have a great shot. As far as common app, it makes things much easier

If that is your unweighted GPA then you are fine. I would just work on the SAT and try to get a really solid score on that. Otherwise just make sure to write an essay that will show the admissions people why you are unique and need to accept you. They want to know who you are, don’t list off every accomplishment as they want to know what the transcript doesn’t tell them. Common App is a lifesaver and makes applying much easier.